How to Clean and Disinfect Your Clarinet

How to clean and disinfect your clarinet. You will need mouthwash, hydrogen peroxide, or white vinegar to clean your mouthpiece, real pipe cleaners or Q-Tips to clean the tone holes, a soft brush to clean the dust from under the keys, a soft cloth to clean the mouthpiece, laundry detergent to clean your swab, and disinfectant wipes for the keys.
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Thanks for watching!

[@chloe_ccre]

I haven’t cleaned my instrument since 5th grade... I’m going into 9th grade soon. Thank you for this video!!

[@lydiaisstillstrange]

Oof, that's rough. I did the same thing, played clarinet since 5th and didn't actually, actually clean it until 8th. Hope that cleaning went well for you, it's good to get into a habit of doing it! :)

[@sarastonebell9053]

I'm in 5th grade currently. I just watched a video about what happens when you don't clean your instrument. I regret looking in the comments, because now I'm disgusted about the story's some others had. ...that's how I got to this video lol.

[@opaquerat8692]

I started playing six years ago, I used the cleaning cloth that you pull through the clarinet, but that’s it.

[@leeyes4405]

i’m in 5th, and I play clarinet, but it’s my sisters clarinet. she played clarinet in 5th grade but now she is in 11th grade and my sister or myself hasn’t cleaned the clarinet ONCE since she started.

[@graykachale7570]

I have never had a cleaning kit and I’m in 10th grade the last time I tried did it wrong so thanks for this

[@heathnicole9777]

Thank you for making this video! My band director wanted the band to disinfect our instruments as much as possible, and my clarinet was used before I recieved it. I'm not sure if it was fully cleaned before I got is. So, thank you very much for educating me more about cleaning methods!

[@TheClarinetProject]

You are very welcome. I’m glad to have helped.

[@daviddelhomme]

My daughter just inherited her Great Grandfather’s clarinet that hasn’t been played in over 30+ years and this is very helpful, thank you!!

[@cyakr]

That clarinet is now useless… if it hasn’t been played for over 30 years, it will be cracked, chipped and unable to play correctly. (I’m truly sorry if this sounds rude or blunt but this is the truth.)

[@eliahkjerland8731]

Some clarinets can hold up to more than 100 years according to my clarinet repair guy, so it might still work.​@@cyakr

[@Eva-_-]

Omg ty for much for this! I’m a student in band and I had no idea how to clean my clarinet after I started to get this smell from it. Hope the smell goes away after I do this! Ty so much again for this video

[@rinxx15]

you saved me. got a hand me down from my mom for a temporary clarinet as mine is in the shop and she for sure hasnt cleaned it for so long…. there was like spit clumps in it and god damn im so glad for this

[@apmatthews6267]

Loved this video. I am thinking of learning to play the clarinet but concerned about cleaning it but seems pretty straightforward.

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thank you!

[@emmapotter7129]

is there a way to clean the inside more than just using the swab?

[@tamasfoldesi2358]

Yes, but that requires a complete disassembly.

[@lindseygasner3567]

today in class I noticed that there were speckles on my instrument and I looked close and it was green mold 😰 I was so embarrassed and I noticed a smell but It usually smelled like that lol definitely cleaning it

[@TheClarinetProject]

Oh no! Were you able to clean it? Check your reeds, mouthpiece, ligature, and case for mold too.

[@amymarron2792]

@@TheClarinetProject How do you recommend removing mold from the case and exterior of the wood? I'm planning to get it professionally evaluated and hopefully cleaned, but want to wipe down the nastiness from it being improperly stored before taking it in.

[@callyclarinet]

AHHH this thumbnail is THE BEST 😂😂😂 great video too!!

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thank you!! 😁I like the thumbnail too!

[@shunta7761]

THANKS ALOT JUST GOT MY DAUGHTER CLARNET FROM SCHOOL SO NO WE CAN CLEAN IT THE RIGHT WAY. YOU ROCK👍

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thank you! Glad I could help. How is clarinet going for your daughter?

[@shunta7761]

It is going great thanks a lot✌

[@yinluq8608]

omg tysm for this!! all the other clarinet cleaning tutorial dont really make sense lol

[@TheClarinetProject]

Happy to help!

[@_ayosuga_]

I just pulled my clarinet out from the closet, it's been about 6years since I touched, maybe more so it needs a good cleaning! Thx

[@jry9751]

in my three years of playing the clarinet i never knew how to clean it properly. my first year of playing it i never cleaned it at all. my second year still never did. i never had the materials and didn’t know how to clean it. but then this year i got a new clarinet, (sadly it’s plastic and has very fragile keys that can bend and brake very easily) my band teacher talked about how important it is for me to clean my instrument and i just started getting into cleaning it. i’m still learning but this video helped me out a lot. thank you so much!

[@gingersweeney7071]

Wow, so thorough! My son is in 7th grade and we watched your video. Thanks so muhc!

[@Trident_Gaming03]

How did you get that purell during the coronavirus?

[@TheClarinetProject]

I had it in my clarinet bag. It’s probably the only one left in northern Virginia.

[@emmamull14]

Lol

[@HRD1807]

Thanks so much, I will try it, definitely subscribing! Oh my gosh!!!! This will be THE way I clean my clarinet, I LOVE IT! Also, I tried coconut oil and it was AMAZING!

[@DHS163]

Well I have the Buffet R13 professional model Clarinet that I’ve had since 1964. It’s in super great condition, with no cracks, nicks or other injuries. I clean it with almond oil about three times a year or as needed. I swab regularly during home practice, rehearsals and performances. It’s been overhauled about three times since I’ve owned it. Always found master Clarinet technicians to do any kind of overhaul or repair on my instrument. I believe the secret to the its longevity is once a year I immerse the entire instrument in tub filled with Clorox. Just kidding. Good video, with very helpful hints

[@TheClarinetProject]

lol! You scared me with the Clorox comment! Glad to hear your instrument is still playing wonderfully for you. I've heard that the 1960's to earl '80's were the golden years of grenadilla for Buffet.

[@lionelmrocki7955]

On coconut oil: this oil is "heavier" than many other oils used historically. It contains a high proportion of Medium Chain Triglycerides and tends towards becoming like a more solid fat at cool temperatures. At room temperature, it's not quite as runny as other oils. This might be a good thing. Maybe it's better at preventing condensation buildup inside the bore. As far as being anti-pathogenic, the caprylic acid (one of the MCTs) is a bit anti-fungal. I can't comment on anti-bacterial properties. Woods are known to be antibacterial, but not antifungal, so maybe its a really good match. Additionally, coconut oil is much less prone to rancidity than other vegetable-derived oils owing to the "saturated" nature of the fatty acids. It might be wise to blend the coconut oil with a suitable solvent. I don't have expertise in this. Maybe something like isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol is a good way to thin the oil and help it penetrate the wood a little, and to spread it more finely over the surface.

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thank you. I'm a huge coconut oil fan, so this is worth learning more about. I appreciate you sharing your expertise!

[@ew4096]

Use only the original Listerine; the other products have artificial sweeteners which are not good for a wooden clarinet, or the mouthpiece.

[@ellaswanson2882]

this was super helpful! i had no clue where to start. thanks for the tips!

[@coral0578]

thank u bc I’m borrowing my directors clarinet because I originally play bass clarinet and I just did the mouth was method on the mouthpiece 😔🙏🏾

[@minnielove3205]

Im not joking, my clarinet came from my mom and she played it in Jr high and high school. It's at least 30 years old and it has never been cleaned🧍🏾‍♀️

[@TheClarinetProject]

Whoa! But I'm glad that you are carrying on the family tradition!

[@aneetad1]

Thank you for this video! Do you think I could spray a little rubbing alcohol onto a spit swab and pull it through to sanitize the inside of the body? I have a wooden clarinet

[@TheClarinetProject]

aneetad1 I wouldn’t recommend putting a little alcohol on your swab and running it through your clarinet. If you have a wooden clarinet, this can dry the wood causing it to crack. It could also damage the pads. If you have a plastic or ebonite clarinet it could damage that material (I’ve seen it happen with bug spray for example during marching band season).

[@fantasticglobe8]

Thanks for the video 😊 I tried it and the method worked great

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thanks for letting me know it worked for you!

[@themiraclechick4894]

Very helpful! I just got a wood clarinet, (today, a Yamaha Ycl250) and I’m loving it. You can see the design in the wood, and it looks pretty different. It came with an awesome case with a cleaning kit holding a little bit of cork grease, a silk swab, and a thing to wipe on the keys each time after you play to keep the shine. My question: What would I use to oil it and how often? I’ve heard almond oil, but we do not currently have any, and it isn’t usually in stock. We have vegetable oil, coconut (I’m pretty sure), and olive oil. Should I use coconut on a regular basis? I’ve heard every 3 or 4 months is alright.

[@TheClarinetProject]

Hi Bethany, Congratulations on your new clarinet! I love looking at the patterns of the grains in wood clarinets; they can be so beautiful! I would stick with the almond oil. If you can't get sweet almond oil, see if you can get this one: www.ebay.com/itm/Clarinet-and-Woodwind-Bore-Oil-by-Professor-Weinberg-/253657804811 Oiling your bore every three to four months in the first year of your clarinet is best, and then just once a year should be fine. Don't forget to protect the pads!

[@themiraclechick4894]

@@TheClarinetProject thank you!

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

Thank you for the lesson. I’m a 52 year old guitar player and I just got a clarinet. I’ve played it a couple of times but I’ll hold off until I can get a swab. Also my mouthpiece doesn’t have a pad. Is it necessary and if so where do you get one?

[@lydiaisstillstrange]

Mouthpiece pads aren't necessary, but can make it more comfortable to rest your teeth on the mouthpiece while also preventing damage from possible teeth marks! Not the biggest deal if you don't have a particularly sharp bite, though. :) If you do want to buy one, you can always order one from Amazon that has good reviews! Good luck on your playing!

[@cherokeebeaver6060]

Hi this video is so informative! Ty! I just purchased a used clarinet and I need to give this a serious cleaning. How do you clean the inside thoroughly because I’m pretty sure this is someone else’s spit. Blech!

[@bgyangco]

Thank you for your video on clarinet care!

[@Kalondava]

is their any risk in damaging the keys on the instrument by using chemicals and alcohol based sanitizers? or is it really just the wood that we should be worried about?

[@ericmartinez6902]

Anything with Bleach, chlorine, Ammonia or any acids can damage your keys so avoid those. Also with the mouthpiece I would personally typically stay away from mouthwash with any alcohol in it. Just because the alcohol will overtime change the shape of your mouthpiece and your sound.

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thanks, Eric. I only clean my mouthpiece with warm water, vinegar, or lemon juice, but with students with plastic mouthpieces who are sensitive to taste or need to seriously sterilize their mouthpieces, I offer the mouthwash option. I've made an updated video about cleaning mouthpieces, and I only use vinegar and mention lemon juice in it. Your point is correct, and I should have addressed possible damage in this video. I also agree with avoiding bleach, chlorine, ammonia, and any acids on the keys. With a simple wipe down with a sanitizing wipe, you should be fine, but you don't want to do that too much either. I've been thinking about checking out one of those UV disinfectant lights.

[@WingedEternitys]

I filmed the Hands Washing and Pouring parts, you’re welcome.

[@TheClarinetProject]

And thank you very much!

[@delsuzanne]

Just watched this after pulling out my clarinet from grade school through high school to participate in the #TapsAcrossAmerica. Wish me luck! Gotta' go clean (and practice)!

[@lindamorgan2678]

Thanks so much I am just picking up my first clarinet .. used :-)

[@1337million]

Just bought a used bass clarinet and am doing the cleanup now to be safe, but the mouth cushion is missing a chunk! Do bass clarinets need special sized cushions or will a regular clarinet one work? Very helpful video! Thank you for uploading!

[@TheClarinetProject]

Congrats on your new-to-you bass clarinet! I use Bb clarinet size mouthpiece patches on my bass mouthpiece, but some people do prefer the bigger ones sized for bass. It's all up to you. And thank you for thanking me!

[@zecamoraes5115]

Nice and wise tips, thanks. But lately I'm having trouble with mould on my clarinets, even a few days closed in the case and there's mould on them. What's better to clean and to avoid mould? The coconut oil tip is a good one, does it really have anti-bacterial properties?

[@Williamdyoda]

Thank you so much my teacher made it confusing 😂😂😂😂

[@kendrafaith3240]

how do you remove the green stuff on the metal parts?

[@ameliabrumley520]

I have a case that has fur to keep it ok but if it gets dirty how do I clean it?

[@sweetcanary3006]

Thanks what about tarnished keys ? I've had my clarinette for 47 years and want to sell it but the keys need to be shiny... thanks again

[@bluepiano1368]

Question about digging up my old clarinet (last used 2003) in my parents' house that I moved out of years ago...should I bother trying to clean it up myself? I haven't looked at it yet for the nasty damage like possible mold but if it has that should I even bother trying to clean it or is it irreversible? Or should I bring it to a professional (but not even sure where a professional clarinet/instrument cleaner would be)?

[@TheClarinetProject]

It should be okay depending on where it was stored. If it is moldy, musty, not working, etc., I would take it to a repair technician. Definitely check the quality of the pads. If they are broken or frayed, take it to a repair tech then too.

[@andrko7908]

i like the thumbnail of the video

[@TheClarinetProject]

Thanks! I do too!

[@michellepaige5717]

Thanks for the info. I have a question. What can you use to safely remove fungus from a clarinet. It is around the cork parts of the clarinet.

[@DJ-FM]

You're going to need to replace those corks. Search instrument repair shops or ask any band director you know to point you in the right direction.

[@dacoolbaby494]

What should I do if I lost my swab? I can’t go out an buy one either

[@nenelang]

Thank you!

[@TheClarinetProject]

You're welcome!

[@jry9751]

for the clean after every play. i never have time to get out the spit because i have to hurry and pack it up to move to the next class. should i take it home every Friday so i can clean it? Also for the oiling how do i apply it? with my fingers or an object?

[@truecrisp]

I'm a week away from being a senior, haven't done a deep clean ever. I got it in 6th grade

[@TheClarinetProject]

It's never too late!

[@thejazzninja]

What kind of oil do you recommend for the outside of a wood clarinet (for the body, not the keys)?

[@emjay2045]

Mateo M. Doctors products oil is the best. But pure organic Almond oil or linseed oil works great as well. Good luck

[@kenshinvang9374]

I love this video, teaching me how to clean my clarinet. I have a question. So you know the cloth that you put through the clarinet after you are done playing to clean the inside? Well, I haven’t clean my cloth for about 1 and a half years and it has stinken up my clarinet case. I put some fresh breeze air freshener and now, my reeds had been contaminated with the scent. I threw my reeds away and got new ones and the same thing happen. Is there any way I can get the scent from the freshener out of my clarinet case? Or how to clean your clarinet case? Thank you so much 😊

[@TheClarinetProject]

Kenshin Vang Can you put your clarinet in a safe place and air out the empty case for a while by leaving it open? You can put a small open container of baking soda in it to absorb odors. Also, keep your reeds in a ziplock bag so they don’t get exposed to any odors.

[@kenshinvang9374]

The Clarinet Project alright thank you so much!

[@celia9028]

Hi, do you have a way that you clean the joints inside of a plastic clarinet? We bought a used one and want to clean it out

[@hgiaogh]

How often should we be disinfecting our clarinet? If we're relatively healthy...

[@NickyD9]

I have a question, should I disinfect a brand new clarinet I just received today?

[@abbyizaguirre6192]

Also what is the purpose of a mouthpiece patch?

[@TheClarinetProject]

It helps give your teeth and by extension embouchure a little more stability. It can also make your sound darker.

[@nenelang]

Can I dry my rag in the dryer?

[@TheClarinetProject]

I just let mine air dry, but you can put it in the dryer if you put it in one of those linens bags with holes. The string might get tangled up and sometimes the weight can get damaged, especially if it's coated in rubber, if you don't put it in a bag.

[@beanniee4384]

one time I was holding my mouthpeice in my hand, I thought I felt a bug crawl on my arm, so I T H R E W the mouthpeice across the room. didnt get damaged.

[@ginavazquez2872]

How often should you clean it??

[@ChristianQuintana_-]

Every week is recommended

[@tracyshelton5599]

can i use dawn dish soap to wash my instruments? with warm soapy water?.. for about 5 minutes?

[@jimis3167]

What mouthpiece patch you use?

[@TheClarinetProject]

I use the D'Addario Reserve Black mouthpiece patch. www.daddario.com/products/woodwinds/woodwinds-accessories/patches/reserve-mouthpiece-patches/item/rico-reserve-mouthpiece-patch-black-.80mm-4943/

[@jimis3167]

@@TheClarinetProject I play on Yamaha 0.5mm.. These D'Addario are made from the same material like the Vandoren 0.8mm? I very much like the Yamaha soft rubber material..

[@abbyizaguirre6192]

Is there a specific way to clean the mouth piece cap?

[@TheClarinetProject]

I just clean it with soap and warm water. You can clean it the same way you clean the mouthpiece too.

[@camillathechameleon]

i accidentally used an alcohol wipe all over the wood on my clarinet and now it looks like some of the black color is coming off, what should i do???

[@danrse7402]

what do you do if you did damage the cork on the mou piece

[@pauserrano3489]

What else can i use instead of a swab the blue cloth because I dont have one

[@altermoves]

how often do you do this?

[@Ali-ms4jt]

what can u use instead of the cloth with the string?

[@apositivelight5762]

Tea tree oil has disinfectant properties

[@Real-Munkxo]

when I got my bass clarinet it smelled light and tasted light mold

[@_.LazyBigBear._]

If you soaked it in vinegar, how you going to play it aka put ur mouth on it?

[@TheClarinetProject]

Rinse it off?

[@frankarndt550]

Dankeschön

[@ZacKeeper]

wait, you swab from the bottom???

[@ramire4257]

How can I clean the inside of my Clarinet without making any damage and make it smell good?

[@sys-theinternet4603]

I tried using the had sanitizer wipes and it removed a bit of silver plating )':

[@caleb4854]

My clarinet is not working its not making any noises i think i need to clean it I’ve played it for 4 years do I need to clean it?

[@TheClarinetProject]

Hmm. That's probably more than simply cleaning it. How is it working now?

[@caleb4854]

@@TheClarinetProject It is working good now thank you for asking i had to take it to the repair shop and now its fixed :D

[@thornprick2645]

I used to get so sick when I played the clarinet in school. I'm sure it's because I didn't clean it properly!

[@thornprick2645]

(or at all)

[@bgyangco]

I brush my teeth before playing the clarinet.

[@HRD1807]

Also, do you know how to make the inside of my clarinet smell better, it smells horrid.

[@EmpireOfLuciferSatanson666]

A bit of very diluted bleach would do.

[@Aleinationss]

I got the cleaning cloth stuck in the clarinet and I can’t get it out 😐 any tips? (edit i got it out)

[@egorbiletskiy2950]

My adventure with the tree began with projects from Woodprix.

[@Digiorn0]

I haven't cleaned my clarinet in 4 years

[@livi1354]

I`m in 5th, I just got it and it`s DESCUSTING

[@xgusto1235]

Mine had worms

[@nooraldeenkhoudr129]

🤢🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@velocitycodm6893]

ur probs in morocco

[@shantelfullerton9865]

Make it wooden with the help of the Woodglut instructions.

[@Hatkid1]

This doesn't work

[@TheClarinetProject]

What do you suggest that would?

[@ashtyo5016]

@@TheClarinetProject ooOoooooOoooooo lol great comeback queen

[@TheClarinetProject]

@@ashtyo5016 😁

[@d.cynthia6307]

She doesn't know about diluting the solutions..... Looks like it's just her little ideas of cleaning but this is not ideal, She has no background in sanitation and disinfection!

[@HelloooThere]

For germophobes

[@garzonlaperle9403]

I did it too. This is what I used Woodprix designs for

[@gomath204]

I have a metal king clarinet and I was wondering if you can put it in the bath tub and clean it or will that wear the pads off?