How To Clean A DIRTY FLUTE

[@lanny3204]

I wish I can just throw it in the washing machine

[@accio_hufflepuff3274]

fr 😭

[@rageandloveonfireeeeeee]

same

[@frog_team7694]

💀

[@semifuza3407]

Same

[@sophieee.12]

L𝗼𝗹

[@lulukazie9836]

This was really helpful, thank you! I've had my flute since about 6th grade, and the only cleaning I've learned was just cleaning the inside, not really taking the gunk off or polishing it.

[@flutechannel]

Glad it helped!

[@ECTBanims]

I’ve had it since 6th grade too 😮

Advice from my teacher: When cleaning the flute, do not try to touch the flute with your fingers, just with the cloth (at least the parts you have already cleaned). The sweat of the fingers could otherwise harm the flute.

[@flutechannel]

Super good advice

[@lautoka63]

however, you are touching the flute with your fingers when you play it.

[@toptext455]

...how do you play it then?

[@yourglitterygarden]

I use gloves to clean mine

[@_ch.ri_s._7964]

Play it with no hands *simple*

[@musicalprostitute7860]

The comments on this video is scaring me with people talking about how they don’t have cleaning cloths or they don’t know what the stick is for or that they only clean their flute once a month. I clean my flute every time after I play and I still feel like it doesn’t get clean enough.

[@vonnealie6814]

TyRCelto i would generally agree, but keep in mind that while most students know how to clean the inside, in my experience most of us are not taught how to properly clean the outside unless we take private lessons (which many of us don’t/can’t), so it is understandable for many student to have questions even about many basic things.

[@youngrevivalist]

My grade school music teacher drilled into us the importance of keeping our instrument clean plus once I keep getting sick because I had a dirty flute from the school and it scarred me for life

[@nerdgeekcosplay909]

I’ve learned my lesson because now my flute has really bad tarnish :(

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

@@nerdgeekcosplay909 Bring it to a tech. It can be polished quite easily.

[@arpabo]

Mega helpful!! I was never taught to properly clean my flute throughout school so have been....faking it till i make it... looks like i finally made it :D

[@flutechannel]

yay!

[@timedriverable]

I assume this is an all silver body vs a student flute that is nickel silver

[@jennpenn10]

I accidently left my flute out after playing and went on holiday for a week. Came back and it was green with black dots all over it!!! I stopped lessons a long time ago before then and only played for fun so it want too devastating .......but i didn't really pick it up again after that XD.

[@rhyfelwrDuw]

This is amazing, the other day I was wondering how to clean my flute up as it's becoming rather tarnished (mind, it does need a service so maybe that should happen first)!

[@flutechannel]

Might be a good 💡

[@wingyartz8264]

I have the big long cloth but I also have a long stick along with it too, what is this stick mainly for? Edit: OMG TY, I literally never ever ever had someone heart my comment! THANK YOU!

[@flutechannel]

to wrap the cloth around it to help clean the inside of the flute.

[@alyssamercier6459]

put a cloth end through the hole at the end of it (should look like a needle for thread) and leave 3/4ths of it out. wrap the rest of the cloth around the entire neck of the stick in a downward spiral form. then, use this to easily slide in and out (or through) the 3 parts of the flute to swab out the spit and junk in the inside of the flute. MAKE SURE you separate the flute into the 3 pieces when cleaning it so it’s easier, and DONT use any liquid or polish on the inside or outside of the flute or it will tarnish/ get inside the gears and mess with the movements of the keys. pro tip: use a plastic cleaning rod instead of a metal one so you don’t accidentally dent your flute. hope this helped!

[@m3lodr4matic]

You cant be serious omg 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@CraftyCat-zm7kh]

Thank you so much- ' Ive had my flute for a few years now and I was never taught how to remove tarnish ect. Thank you very much, very shiny flute! :D

[@smartcatnomnom7799]

My polishing cloth looks like the omega symbol from God of War

[@catherineb6889]

XD mine has a cow on it!

[@your_dinner4659]

the omega symbol is from the greek lexicon

[@MsFrostitute]

I just went on a hunt to find my mothers flute from the 80's, I found it! I have no idea how to clean properly so I came here to learn :) It is worn to say the least but hopefully I can improve the condition slightly

[@MsFrostitute]

I think the "cork" is stuck.. I'd assume it'd need to be replaced anyways.. it's old :0

[@flutechannel]

that might be the case. check out Seidman Flute Technology on google. he makes very affordable Delrin "Corks" that last forever. You can install it yourself. Best of luck!

[@pangbokenneth]

Great video. Good technique wiping and polishing sideways. As a band instrument technician mainly woodwind, it would probably be more accurate to call this video "how to polish/shine a lightly tarnished flute", as to me there are lot more to cleaning a flute, for example pads, tone holes, bore, tenon, key mechanisms etc. Only because some people may think a polish on the outside is all they have to do to maintain a flute and keeping it in good playing condition. No offense, good job on educating!

[@flutechannel]

Our doc on repairing a flute is more advanced. I find this video for most people is enough to get started. Happy repairing btw!

[@NurseDols]

I am more interested in how to get the tarnish out of the the area between the keys

[@stevem9754]

I agree. Cleaning a tarnished flute (or any instrument) is not a trivial matter. The "black gunk" referred to in the video is tarnish which I understand from more technically focused KZbin channels is actually metal sulphides and other chemicals whereby atmospheric acidic gases react with the metal of the instrument. If you just remove this with tarnish cloth, brasso, etc then you are removing this thin layer of metal which is fine occasionally, but over an extended period may remove a significant amount of say silver plating.

[@silvean7215]

I have a very dirty flute 😂 I have only this stick thing I used to have a cloth you put on the stick or whatever and someone in my family threw it away bc they thought it was a paper towel lol I only clean my flute twice a month bc my friend lets me use her cleaning stuff.

[@flutechannel]

go oto a music shop if you can its only 10$ i think

[@lizrmchurch]

@Priscy Pineapple Any moisture in most instruments but flute especially is actually just condensation. Blowing warm air across or into a cold instrument will create condensation on the inside, much like the condensation on the outside of a drink glass. This is why when keeping your instrument warm on a cold morning during marching band practice outside, your instrument will have a lot more moisture than usual.

[@noel9339]

Couldn’t that damage the Pads?

[@apacheattackhelicopter5823]

oh my

[@LuvFoxyFox]

Thank you! I’m starting flute in school next year and this was very helpful!

[@deannatrepanier6491]

You mentioned that the polishing cloth you can use daily, how often should you use the tarnishing cloth? Should you limit the use of it?

[@flutechannel]

Yup you should definitely limit it maybe 2-3 times a year. Unless your flute gets tarnished quickly then maybe once a season. But if you're using the polishing cloth frequently thats all you'll need for a while.

[@deannatrepanier6491]

The Flute Channel great, thanks for the reply!

[@Matthew-Jones]

Hi! I’ve noticed that, over the years, behind the hole which is revealed when on a low Eb or mid C# (etc), there has developed some black gunk building up. I’ve tried cotton buds but the rib just completely keeps the area out of reach. Would I need to have the flute serviced in order to have the rib removed and the area clean or is there by some chance some sort of liquid I could pipette into the area? Thanks!

[@flutechannel]

I wouldn't try any liquids at all. A COA (clean oil adjust) is what you would ask for. They can take of it quite easily and not very expensive. It shouldn't bother the sound at all its purely cosmetic from the way you describe it

[@byronumana7314]

Can I please get a link to the tarnish cloth that you used in the video?

[@pedrocarrero9856]

i have a gold flute its new and i dont want tarnish on my flute should i put an anti tarnish strip is it safe and should i use it

[@flutechannel]

You can keep it laying flat in your flute case when you put your flute away. But tarnish doesn't diminish the flute what so ever and is merely cosmetic. As long as you keep your flute in a controlled temperature. you should minimize your chances of tarnish.

[@mjnotwatsonn]

i have lots of tarnish in between the keys that are hard to get. Do you know any way to clean that off?

[@itzberrybluegacha2719]

use q-tips to get that out

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

@@itzberrybluegacha2719 Those can't really remove tarnish. If some black stuff came off with those, then probably it was just oil.

[@SanaSa-kt4rh]

Thank you very much 😊

[@flutechannel]

You're welcome 😊

[@gracebarber2587]

My piccolo has been sitting in the same place for a few months... it now has brown stuff on the silver. I can't remove it though. How do I remove it and make my piccolo look normal?

[@flutechannel]

You'll need a tarnish cloth I think, but use it sparingly and dont press to hard on the keys. Don't use solvents of any sort. You can get a tarnish cloth online or at your near by music shop. Hope that helps.

[@koro.the.dragon]

as a person who just got their flute and idk what to do for cleaning thx

[@bririvera1991]

My schools bogus. All they gave us was a cloth but it wasnt any of the ones u had its a cloth made to just clean out the inside bc of the saliva. They dont give us anything to clean the outside of the flute

[@aaaa9209]

That was so helpful thankyou

[@flutechannel]

You’re welcome 😊

[@joy-xf1ki]

Tarnish cloth 0:50 Polishing cloth 3:20

[@carolmoth]

what's the track in the instro - flute with the cello?

[@mysteriousperson786]

I have a question I’m kinda new to the flute but what if the thing on the top of the head joint comes off

[@flutechannel]

The crown!

[@heidirangel8336]

Norwex glass cleaning cloth works great.

[@immacularity8233]

Does anyone know where I can get a tarnishing cloth?

[@flutechannel]

any music shop usually

[@westbendtheatrecompanyllc1488]

Any Jewelry store will have this, and so will high end gift shops that sell silver in larger cities.

[@adrianiles4754]

This is not a dirty flute. My flute is a dirty flute. How do you get off the black tarnish all round the holes between my keys?

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

If it's really bad, just take it to a tech, because these cloths only work on light tarnish.

[@pikachuchujelly4119]

I have to take off all the keys to get in there, which is not easy on a flute. Everything is a lot more packed together than clarinet or sax.

[@DEVAULT.]

Yes very helpful .Thank you 🙏☀️

[@flutechannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sunithafrancis7091]

What will happen if a glass of water goes inside my flute? Will there be a problem playing it next time?

[@flutechannel]

I would take it to repair shop just to be looked at. The moisture from the water can damage the pads.

[@sunithafrancis7091]

@@flutechannel okay so If flute accidentally falls in water or the rain water goes inside, it may damage the pads is what I understand..

[@karlaboche5475]

What brand of tarnish cloth are you using?

[@콩순이-n9u]

Yesterday I found my flute getting mold..long day I couldn’t using that..so sad .. Is there way to remove mold on the flute?

[@flutechannel]

Is it on the pads? Or inside the flute?

[@콩순이-n9u]

The Flute Channel not in side especially on the head joint and flute body

[@seltzerwater1013]

신다혜 it’s probably corrosion, not mold

[@jcortese3300]

Do you have to pay attention to the tenons and sockets, where the parts join up?

[@rlemusmail]

What if it is moldy..?

[@flutechannel]

I would consider taking it to a repair technician in a music shop. When it comes to mold, take it to a professional.

[@Human-san]

Which one is the polishing cloth vs tarnishing cloth ????

[@thepigglepigs2761]

Thanks you are such a help!!!!!

[@flutechannel]

Happy to help!

[@thepigglepigs2761]

Thanks for responding

[@jasmine_3360]

Can you wash the cloth or do you have to replace it and get a new one?

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

No, these are impregnated with some chemicals, so if you wash them, they become totally useless.

[@gregoryrobinson5444]

Yes

[@life_als]

Hopefully this will work well and need to do this more often. Thanks

[@maggiebroughton9798]

I have heard using theme cloths can make the gunk and the chemicals in the cloth stick to the pads and gunk them up

[@sunshined3274]

But polishing flute harms the flute too right?

[@flutechannel]

Yes if you use any type of metal polish. Don't use it. Instead the flute gets clean by a professional.

[@sunshined3274]

The Flute Channel thanks!!

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

@@flutechannel Professionals clean them with metal polishing compounds like Unipol though. It doesn't damage anything.

[@erikariehigano22]

What kind of cloth is the tarnish and polishing cloth?

[@flutechannel]

Im not shure it can vary. what matters is what its coated with. I wouldn't use a tarnish cloth more than once a year. But a polishing or microfiber cleaning cloth almost each time you play. But i would gently run down the body and put it back in its case

[@angiejuarez7767]

My flute looks like it’s rusty is where you put The fingers and in it so is that the hunk you were talking about ?

[@angiejuarez7767]

And also where can I get a tarnish cloth

[@finn.is..pretty4930]

I have the soft cloth what’s the other cloth for?

[@finn.is..pretty4930]

Nvm the vi told me

[@ReticulatingSplines_]

My kid's flute teacher said to never use a tarnish removing cloth because it will damage the finish. Any idea why?

[@branflakes2600]

My guess would be because tarnish cloths are a little abrasive to remove the tarnish. As you’d imagine, it’d be like scratching your flute with fine sandpaper

[@petrav7872]

I got my flute about 3 to 5 years ago but only played for about a year. I wanted to start playing again but after playing it realized that some the sounds aren’t sounding like they should be. Does my flute need to be serviced?

[@evelynwong100]

​@@petrav7872 It might be that you have loose screws. There are lots of things that can cause this but bringing it to someone to check and fix might help :)

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

Because the teacher isn't quite educated on the matter. A tarnish removing cloth is designed exactly for removing light tarnish. It won't hurt the instrument. The only exception would be a gold plated instrument, but other than that don't worry.

[@jorgemartin5093]

Congrats for your channel. I want to ask you if i can use alcohol to clean the upper part of the keys. (Not to the sides, cause the pads are too close). with a soft cloth or a tissue paper. ??? Will be the ethyl alcohol, a threat for our pads??? Thank u.!

[@flutechannel]

I would stay away from the pads. I would encourage you to take it to a technician at a music shop. If you only need a cleaning it shouldn't be expensive to just clean. They have all the tools for that..you can risk ripping the pads and that will make your flute not work and cost even more to repair. Hope this helps.

[@jorgemartin5093]

@@flutechannel i thank to you a lot. I'll take your advice.

[@matibl1120]

hi! do you use any product for the outside polishing?

[@flutechannel]

None at all. I would not advise it and leave it to a technician. A microfiber cloth or even the "yamaha flute maintenance kit" can work great. You can find it on Amazon or your local music shop.

[@advikasart9002]

Can we clean it with a soft tissue?

[@pedrocarrero9856]

I would not recommend it because it shreds and it could scratch the instrument, get a microfiber cloth there really cheap on Amazon or just go to a music shop

[@marilyngarrett9777]

How do u clean between the keys?

[@flutechannel]

I would not advise it. To many chances for interaction with the pads which could cause big problems. Most repair shops can clean a flute for you for a decent price.

[@Savannahleecrafts]

I have the amazon eastar nickel flute. After only a week of playing, it's tarnishing badly on the frequent contact points. will these tips work for a nickel instrument? tried wiping it with the cloths it came with but nothing came off so I'm assuming it's not a tarnish removing cloth, but I don't want to order one if it only helps silver instruments. Thanks!

[@flutechannel]

I would go to a music shop and buy a tarnish cloth. With online you never know. But yes it should work on nickel. The tarnish is only cosmetic and shouldn't hinder the sound or mechanism.

[@MexicanCrusader]

Don't get them from their, go to a instrument shop or something. Get one from their cuz it's more expensive but it's good for playing tho

[@jmy755]

I also do not know if I have a tarnish cloth

[@allisoncash9087]

What if between the keys is dirty I obviously dont wanna push the springs off or hurt the keys but any idea how to clean between the keys?

[@Shahrukhmomtaz]

i cleaned mine like yestarday nice and good but it still smells bad i just bought it a day ago second hand

[@tjwaltt7401]

I have a lot of gunk in between the finger pads and I can't get it what do i do?

[@flutechannel]

you mean in the holes? I would take it to the repair technician, they can clean it up for very little cost. Always be careful when putting anything near the pads. They are fragile.

[@tjwaltt7401]

Actually it's really dirty in between the finger pads not in the holes for example the piece that you add to the head joint with most of the finger pads the first key in between

[@flutechannel]

thats just cosmetic but around the headjoint can make it a bit tougher to put on. but otherwise its okay. just be sure to take it for a clean at the repair shop every 1-2 years to get it cleaned properly and check if pads are okay.

[@wyo_j_o9106]

I have that, too. I'm taking it to a professional to get it cleaned. I can't clean it myself. I'm afraid of damaging the wires and things behind the keys.

[@PatotoBird]

the parts where you join each piece together is turning yellow for me. i’m not sure if i am supposed to use a cloth on it. i am afraid of damaging it, what should i do?

[@pedrocarrero9856]

Where can I find that type of poloshing cloth like the blue one

[@flutechannel]

Microfiber cloths. you have find large ones for cameras and glasses. like these amzn.to/2UIWHBG

[@muzicmuzo6309]

Thanks

[@jackiezulueta99]

I have a flute i use to play in high school and its super browned and tarnished. Is it to late to return it to its regular silver state? It has some pretty big brown spots

[@flutechannel]

never to late. but getting it cleaned via a music shop shouldn't be expensive.

[@HLWizard_GirlWizard]

I might know why my flute breaks, maybe cuz i had been cleaning on top of the keys too much😅

[@Tango3695]

Please help me how do I remove yellow stains don't take me dirty I'm in begginer band

[@rezopolis]

Yooo bro I am also having problems with these yellowish stains on my silver Piccolo could you already find the right way to remove that?

[@tskstz]

Can I clean the flute with a wet cloth?

[@flutechannel]

I would not advise it.

[@dinonemski8427]

Sir, I’m still confusing about the two cloths. For me , I got one cloth from flute when I purchase it which I assume it’s the tarnishing. And I purchase a polishing one. So now do I just simply use that gift one to wipe everything? And then polishing with the purchasing one? Thank you .

[@flutechannel]

Sure, you can just use the one if you wish. If its the polishing cloth use it around the body and very gently around the rods and keys.

[@marymay4513]

Can you tell me how to get rid of the black spots on my flute?

[@flutechannel]

a tarnish cloth from a music shop can help. but use it sparingly and only on spots that have it. But just member it wont harm your flute these black spots, its merely cosmetic.

[@borisdehareng5984]

What is the name of the nice intro song ? :D

[@billiey5592]

What happens if you put water inside of the flute

[@flutechannel]

dry it as quickly as possible. Is it moisture from playing?

[@gbkgames2087]

what if i lost a cloth?

[@flutechannel]

Most music shops carry them or amazon as well. Pretty affordable. Or use a little bit of cheesecloth or cut up an old pillow case.

[@rebeccamurray5604]

How should I clean in between the keys?? Mine is kind of gross???

[@Unknown-ln5ly]

When I bought my flute, it came with a cleaning rod and polishing cloth, I think...it also came with this weird clear gel substance...what's it for??

[@flutechannel]

Never seen the gel. It could be something for humidity in the case. But if it isn't, don't use it.

[@itsari4471]

Now what i do is lick the mouth peace and im good to go XD... if the key gets sticky pass the cloth through there plus a peace of sheet music and im good to go... As you can see i take really good care of my flute... But hey i got it used from germany so that makes it 7 years old ish i think so ayy??? it still plays... has gone to the repair only twice... I

[@jakecortex9105]

Pls can anyone tell my why I should oil my flute?

[@flutechannel]

I would not advise oiling your flute. Take it to a repair technician. Reason being there are very few contact points for oil on the flute and a skilled technician will know where to do that.

[@jakecortex9105]

@@flutechannel Where am at its not really possible to find a flute technician that's why I was asking

[@flutechannel]

You should check the website JLFluteSmith - check it on google - they have a blog that can help. Or check MusicMedic Blog. They might be able to help.

[@jakecortex9105]

@@flutechannel OK I'll check it out Thanks alot for the reply❤

[@Error464NotFound]

I have a tarnish cloth, but it didn't work, maybe my flute came with 2 polish cloth? I'm not sure

[@angel_4626]

Nice I wish I have a flute but I have inlet a ukalele 😂 😂 😂

[@charlottetonkin4942]

How do you fix sticky keys? Anyone know? Please reply because I HATE having sticky keysssss

[@flutechannel]

We have a video about sticky keys actually! Be sure to check it out.

[@xxon87]

So I ordered a TARNISHING cloth from paylan music store :) nope . They gave me a POLISHING cloth. are they the exact same thing?

[@flutechannel]

sorta. if the cloth does the same thing as in the video then your okay. remember not to rub to hard. Get a smooth microfibre cloth for daily genlte cleaning .

[@ece3679]

I have a question,why does my flute smells really bad and how to get rid of it?

[@flutechannel]

you should take it to instrument repair shop. It may have mold if its an old flute.

[@alansmith9814]

How do you tune a flute, or don't you?

[@midnightmoth1]

I'm super late to this but what you would do is play a middle A (A5) to a tuner. If you're sharp (usually you have a needle in the tuner that'll move to the right), you grab the flute by the barrel (the part where it meets the top of the body) and with your other hand you TWIST (DO NOT PULL) the headjoint out. If on the other hand the tuner says you're flat (the needle moves to the left), you again grabbing the flute by the barrel, TWIST the headjoint in with your other hand. And when you're in tune, the tuner will usually turn green, or show a green light of some sort and the needle will stay in the middle. Hope that helps

[@jmy755]

It’s not working!!!!! I don’t know what to do! By the way I got my flute in 2019

[@williampowers4376]

What about the inside

[@williampowers4376]

Thanks for the thumb up

[@sakura-nf2gx]

What if there's green stuff in my flute

[@flutechannel]

You should take it in a repair shop to clean as soon as you can.

[@Alexi0s]

My flute has these weird spots on does amyone know what it is....?

[@catherineb6889]

My poor flute is rusty in between the keys I feel bad for my flute now :C Id even know how it got rusty bc its used (XD my dad is cheap that's why he bought me a used one)

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

M 3 You can visit a music store and ask for oil that you can use on the key bars. There are videos that show how to use it on your flute. My flute was a rental--my parents did not have a big budget, and my father eventually paid it off. It did not bother me because it was like new and much nicer than the school loaners. I took good care of my flute. It is old now, I had it repaired and repadded and it plays fine.

[@musicalprostitute7860]

He has an open hole flute with a c foot joint? That’s unusual

[@flutechannel]

No just one of our backup flutes.

[@musicalprostitute7860]

The Flute Channel oh okay I was confused lol

[@gracebarber2587]

So I cleaned my tarnished piccolo and some of my other silver plated instruments and now my tarnish cloth is very dirty. How do I clean my tarnish cloth?

[@flutechannel]

You don't. If you wash it, you will lose its tarnish properties.

[@gracebarber2587]

@@flutechannel okay thanks

[@gregxd1306]

👍

[@Ryan_nguyen07]

V+

[@PlanetOatly]

What if your flute was 400$, same quality as a 70$ flute, came broken, and without a cloth

[@user-mv9tt4st9k]

Is it worth a tune up? Start at a music shop to get it evaluated. My old Artley was worth a $120.00 repair and repad. I want to buy a vintage flute for my kid and I worry that the photos don't show everything.

[@petermccarthy4525]

Most of the muck and tarnish is very hard to get to. I used liquid that is for silver jewellery which seemed to work

[@techpromason1323]

my teacher sent this. wth

[@Clark3-v9k]

i clean my flute with tap water it works the best by the way its a recorder

[@tempest286]

It's difficult to connect my headjoint to the body, and no matter how clean the flute is, it's difficult to reposition the headjoint. Does anyone know what's wrong?

[@flutechannel]

it could be fitted to tight or there's a dent. taking it to a music repair shop is a small fix.

[@flutechannel]

So do you already do the things we mentioned in the video? If not buy this cleaning kit: amzn.to/2SfbtPn I really enjoyed making this series be sure to check the playlist mention at the end of the video! Also what are other ways you like to clean your flute? Let me know in the comments and be sure to SMASH that LIKE button!

[@musicmaker1961]

Thank nice , job Nicola !

[@shelleyzhao3315]

No use.