Best Clarinet Cleaning & Care in 2022

Last update: January 19, 2023

Can I use Vaseline instead of cork grease?

If you don't have any cork grease and you need to lubricate a cork, you can use Vaseline. Just rub a small amount on the cork and it will slide in and out of the hole more easily.

Can I use Vaseline on my clarinet?

You can use Vaseline on your clarinet, but it is not the best option. Vaseline can cause the pads on your clarinet to stick and it can also make your clarinet keys sticky. There are other products that are specifically made for clarinets that will not cause these problems.

Can you use WD40 on a clarinet?

WD40 is a multi-purpose product that can be used for a variety of tasks, including lubricating and cleaning a clarinet. When using WD40 on a clarinet, be sure to use it in a well-ventilated area and avoid getting it on the finish of the instrument. WD40 can be applied to the keys and moving parts of the clarinet to help keep them lubricated and working smoothly.

Do wooden clarinets need to be oiled?

Yes, wooden clarinets need to be oiled. The oil helps to keep the wood from drying out and cracking.


Instrument Clinic Cork Grease Tubes, 5 Pack, Made in USA! Review:


This year, my daughter started playing the flute. The rental was in decent shape, but it was challenging to put together and disassemble. This cork grease is quite reasonably priced. I did use a cloth to initially scrub the exterior of the portions that would be connected together as well as the inside of the ends of the flute pieces with my little finger. As a result, a lot of the "black" material was eliminated, and the grease made assembly that much simpler. She seems to really enjoy playing the flute, so I hope she continues with it and practises a lot. We anticipate it lasting for many years with 5 packs of grease.



Music Nomad MN702 Bore Oil Cleaner and Conditioner for Wooden Bore Instruments, 2 oz. Review:


The products from Music Nomad are excellent and well-designed. Before contemplating any other manufacturer, I often check with them. The crucial thing to remember about musical instrument oils is that they shouldn't include petroleum, which over time dries out wood. I bought this to maintain the condition of my new clarinet, but I'm waiting for it to break in before I apply any oil.While I was changing the guitar strings, I applied some oil to the fretboard as I typically do to prevent it from drying out. I became aware of the wonderful scent that the Music Nomad Bore Oil emits as I was applying it—that of a very fine and refined light-oil. More significantly, it was immediately absorbed by the fretboard's ebony. This is advantageous since it implies that the oil will absorb into the wood easily rather than remain on the surface. By doing this, I can also determine how saturated or dry the wood is; when it stops being absorbed, it is.Nevertheless, I don't want to overdo it because any softening of the fretboard's wood could alter its dimensions or, worse yet, cause the frets to become loose. However, judicious use of each string-change has been successful, particularly during the dry winter months. I only change my strings three times a year because I use Elixir strings; if I were using uncoated strings, I would oil after every other string change. In any case. Given that it works well for any quality wood instrument, I believe Music Nomad may increase sales of this product by just changing the label to "Fine Instrument Oil." I recently finished using it to restore the gloss and tone of my son's pricey wood recorder. I believe it is now time to work on the clarinet wood.



Herco HE106 Clarinet Composition Maintenance Kit Review:


For those just starting out, the Herco Composition Clarinet Maintenance Kit is a fantastic kit. You probably don't need this kit if you're a professional or have been playing for a while in school. It has everything you need, thus I awarded it five stars. I have two clarinets—one made of wood and the other of plastic—that I used to play in both the marching band and the symphonic band back in the 1970s. The only difference between the Composition Maintenance Kit and the Wood Maintenance Kit was the Bore Oil, thus I decided against making a video evaluation. This is why I returned it. I'm telling you this up front and in an effort to save money. I at the time bought both items from Amazon. Sometimes you spend a little bit extra, but if you return something within 30 days and you haven't destroyed or consumed it all, 90% of the time you'll get your money back. I also never opened the parcel, although I placed the order immediately through Amazon. Read the fine print on the vendor's website if you purchase a product cheaper from another seller because they might not accept refunds or may charge you to send it back in addition to just stating that they do not. If you play the clarinet, I encourage you to watch the video review of the Herco Wood Clarinet Maintenance Kit to see all that is included, excluding the Bore Oil. If not, feel free to read my other written and video evaluations. I'm here to give you the most objective advice I can in order to facilitate your decision-making, so please feel free to offer any suggestions. I hope that this has aided you in making a decision. Keep checking back because I'll be reviewing more clarinet gear.



Set of 2 Vandoren Clarinet Cork Grease Review:


Since I've been using this cork grease from Vandoren for a while, I can honestly state it's a top-notch item. Every time I assemble the Buffet or Selmer, I apply a beautiful, light coating to assist prevent any undue tightness when the joint swells in warm weather. Additionally, it maintains the cork fresh and supple. There are less expensive goods, but none that compare, in my experience.



Hodge Silk Oboe Swab - Deep Purple Review:


I was concerned that this would jam in the receiver because my oboe's top is thinner than some I've used, but it fit through just fine! However, if it were to get trapped, there is a tiny string on the bottom of the cloth to draw it out of the oboe from the bottom, so I won't have to worry if that situation ever arises.



Hodge Silk Clarinet Swab - Black Review:


When they initially start learning the clarinet, the majority of middle-school students will receive a box of clarinet accessories. A swab is included in that accessory box, yes, but it is precisely what you would expect from a "value pack": cheap, subpar, and hardly absorbent.Purchase some of these silk Hodge swabs right now to start your clarinet student off on the right foot with regards to instrument maintenance. This product's absorbency is significantly higher than that of cheap swabs. The material doesn't grab or snag as it pulls through, and the weight and cord are just the correct length and weight for dropping down the clarinet.Why buy multiples? Swabs, on the other hand, are by definition capable of absorbing, ugh, "moisture," from the clarinet's inside. In order to clean them before they start sprouting legs and moving around the band hall, I like to keep many swabs in rotation. Why not take care of your instrument because these are reasonably priced and it wasn't an inexpensive one?



Vandoren SW200 Microfiber Swab for Bb Clarinet Review:


I have a Buffet 1193 bass clarinet with a Backun custom bell, which is robust, absorbent, and I haven't had any problems playing it through the bass as of yet. Although it is nearly as smooth as silk, it retains a lot of moisture. great concept One issue is that it retains the moisture for an excessively long period of time, so when you get home from the performance, open the case and let it air dry. Better yet, keep it out of a case while it dries. Even so, I believe it to be the greatest bass clarinet swab I've ever used.


How do you care for a wooden clarinet?

To care for a wooden clarinet, it is important to clean it regularly with a soft, dry cloth. It is also important to avoid getting the wood wet, as this can cause the wood to warp and crack. When not in use, it is best to store the clarinet in a case to protect it from damage.

How do you clean and take care of a clarinet?

To clean your clarinet, start by removing the mouthpiece and using a soft-bristled brush to clean the inside. Then, rinse the mouthpiece with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Next, disassemble the clarinet by taking off the barrel, bell, and keys. Use the brush to clean the inside of the barrel, and then rinse it with warm water. Dry the barrel with a soft cloth. Finally, use the brush to clean the keys and the outside of the clarinet.

How long do wooden clarinets last?

Wooden clarinets can last for many years if they are taken care of properly. Regular cleaning and oiling will help to extend the life of the instrument. It is important to avoid excessive moisture and extreme temperatures, as these can cause the wood to warp or crack. With proper care, a wooden clarinet can provide years of enjoyment.

How much does it cost to get your clarinet cleaned?

It typically costs around $30 to get your clarinet cleaned by a professional. However, you can also clean your clarinet yourself with some basic supplies. You will need a cleaning rod, a mouthpiece brush, a polishing cloth, and some cleaning solution.

How often should you clean your clarinet mouthpiece?

It is important to clean your clarinet mouthpiece often, at least once a week. A build-up of saliva, bacteria and food particles can cause discoloration and an unpleasant odor. In addition, it can affect the way your clarinet plays.

How often should you oil a wooden clarinet?

You should oil your wooden clarinet every few weeks to keep it in good condition. Be sure to use a light oil such as mineral oil, and apply it sparingly to avoid build-up.