Here are some basic guidelines taken from a recent article taken from the National Federation of State High School Associations of which the Iowa High School Music Association is a member. For the full article, check here:
COVID-19 CDC Music Instrument Cleaning
First off, if you have any questions about any of these instructions, please ask Mr. Rutt. I would prefer you be careful not to damage your instrument even if you were only trying to clean it. Thank you.
The NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation received information from the CDC which suggest the COVID-19 virus can remain on the following instrument surfaces for the stated amount of time:
Brass – Up to 5 Days
Wood – Up to 4 Days
Plastic – Up to 3 Days
Strings – Up to 3 Days
Cork – Up to 2 Days
The CDC recommends general cleaning techniques for instruments that have not been used or handled outside of the above timelines. Essentially, if students are picking up instruments for the first time since school has been closed, those instruments will not need more than general cleaning as stated below.
Mouthpieces
Adhering to the following procedures will help to keep mouthpieces and instruments clean and safe for continued use.
Cleaning the Flute Head Joint
- Using a cotton swab saturated with denatured, isopropyl alcohol, carefully clean around the embouchure hole.
- Alcohol wipes can be used on the flute's lip plate to kill germs if the flute shared by several players.
- Using a soft, lint-free silk cloth inserted into the cleaning rod, clean the inside of the headjoint.
- Do not run the headjoint under water as it may saturate and eventually shrink the headjoint cork.
Cleaning Hard Rubber and Ebony Mouthpieces
- Mouthpieces should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
- Select a small container that will accommodate the mouthpiece vertically and place the mouthpiece, tip down, into the container.
- Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Protect clarinet mouthpiece corked tenons from moisture.
- After the mouthpiece has soaked for fifteen minutes, use an appropriately sized mouthpiece brush to remove any calcium deposits or other residue from inside and outside surfaces. This step may need to be repeated if the mouthpiece is excessively dirty.
- Rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly and then saturate with disinfectant solution. Place on paper towel and wait one minute.
- Wipe dry with paper towel.
- Note: Metal saxophone mouthpieces clean up well with hot water, mild dish soap (not dishwasher detergent), and a mouthpiece brush. Disinfectant solution is also safe for metal mouthpieces.
Cleaning Saxophone Necks
- Swabs are available to clean the inside of the saxophone neck. However, many saxophonists use a flexible bottlebrush and toothbrush to accomplish the same results.
- The saxophone neck should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly.
- Use the bottlebrush with mild, soapy water to clean the inside of the neck.
- Rinse under running water.
- Disinfectant solution may be used on the inside of the neck if desired. Place on paper towel for one minute.
- Rinse again under running water, dry, and place in the case,
Cleaning Brass Instrument Mouthpieces
- Mouthpieces should be cleaned monthly.
- Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece.
- Use a mouthpiece brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside.
- Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly.
- Disinfectant solution may be used on the mouthpiece at this time. Place on paper towel for one minute.
- Wipe dry with paper towel.
Choosing a Disinfectant for Musical Instruments
- Sterisol Germicide Solution can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.
- Mi-T-Mist Mouthpiece Cleanser can be used on most materials. It is NOT recommended for use on hard rubber mouthpieces.
- Isopropyl alcohol wipes are safe for most materials. They are NOT recommended for use on hard rubber mouthpieces.
- A solution made with 50% water and 50% white vinegar or 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.
While other potential disinfectants, including alcohol, boiling water, and bleach can be used as general disinfectants, they are not recommended for use on mouthpieces or instruments due to their potential effect on skin, plastics, and metals.
- Whichever disinfectants are chosen, it is crucial to read the product instructions and follow them closely.
- Disinfectants do not remove dirt, so mouthpieces and instruments must be cleaned thoroughly before using.