Clarinet Care

Your instrument is a valuable piece of equipment which will retain its value if looked after properly. Here are a few simple steps on how this should be approached.

Daily or Each Time You Play

1. When you have finished playing, the first thing you will need to do is to clean the inside of your clarinet using the pullthrough supplied with the instrument. If you require a pullthrough we recommend the Windcraft Handkerchief Swab (ACM113).

The most effective way to use the pullthrough is to first take off the mouthpiece, then hold the clarinet so that the bell is pointing upwards. Do NOT hold it only by the bell!

Put the weight down the bell of your Clarinet so that the weight falls through and appears at the end where the mouthpiece joins the Clarinet. Use the Clarinet pullthrough two or three times to ensure the bore of the Clarinet is free from any moisture.

2. If you have a wooden Clarinet ensure that the sockets and inserts are dry after every use and are cleaned regularly. See our separate Wooden Clarinet Care Sheet for info.

3. Clean the outside of your Clarinet with either a Duster – for Nickel Plated Keywork (ACM503), or a ‘Silver Cloth’ – for Silver Plated Keywork (ACM502). This should be carried out every time you have finished playing.

4. Dry your mouthpiece and reed. Consider using the BG mouthpiece swab (AA31) to dry inside the mouthpiece. Regular use of a sterilising spray is also recommended. The Sterisol Spray (ALU050) or Windcraft Steri-Spray (ALU055) both do a great job.

18 Months - 24 Months

To ensure correct performance, and a long life for your clarinet, it is recommended that you have it serviced by a professional repairer after 18 months to 24 months of playing.