Getting your first trumpet or upgrading to a more premium model is an exciting time – a whole world of harmonies and solos awaits you, and you’re probably very eager to get going. But as fun as it is to play, it’s also essential that you regularly clean the instrument to keep it well-maintained and performing at its best.
There’s nothing worse than paying good money for a beautifully made trumpet, for it to wear quickly and corrode. That’s why cleaning your trumpet is so important – it ensures that bacteria are removed, everything is lubricated and moves smoothly, and the instrument lasts as long as possible.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean a trumpet, giving you a step-by-step guide you can follow when your instrument needs some attention. A deep clean is usually required every one to three months, depending on how often you play. We also recommend rinsing the mouthpiece, wiping down the trumpet, and applying valve oil after every use.
In a hurry?
- Take out the valves and slides
- Wash the trumpet body, slides, and valve casings in lukewarm water
- Clean the tubing with a snake brush and use valve brushes on valves
- Rinse with clean water
- Polish the exterior
- Reassemble and lubricate with valve oil
- Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth
Equipment checklist
| Product | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trumpet snake brush | Conn 392T Trumpet Wire Leadpipe and Bore Cleaning Brush |
| Mouthpiece brush | Denis Wick Mouthpiece Brush, Small |
| Valve brush | Denis Wick Valve Cleaning Brush |
| Valve oil | Yamaha Synthetic Valve Oil, Regular |
| Tuning slide grease | Ultra-Pure Tuning Slide and Cork Grease |
| Polishing cloth | Ultra-Pure Extra Large Microfibre Polishing Cloth, Blue |
| Cleaning kit | Brass Instrument Maintenance Care Kit by Gear4music |
How to clean a trumpet
1. Disassemble the trumpet
Start by removing all three valves from the trumpet, unscrewing the top and bottom caps before lifting the pistons out. Place them on a soft, stable surface where they won’t roll or get damaged. You should also remove the tuning slides, as these will need cleaning and greasing before reassembly, and the felt or fibre pads from the pistons (these won’t be soaked in water).
Handle each valve carefully and avoid touching the upper section, as only the lower half needs cleaning and oil.
2. Wash the trumpet body, slides, and valve casings
Fill a large basin, bathtub, or sink with lukewarm water. Make sure it’s not hot, as high heat can harm the trumpet’s lacquer or silver finish. Add a small amount of mild dishwashing liquid or brass-safe cleaner and stir it gently to create a light solution. Place the trumpet body, slides, and valve casings in the water and leave them to soak for about 20 minutes.
This mixture will help loosen grime without being too harsh on the instrument’s interior. Avoid using anything abrasive or overly concentrated, as that may affect the brass or lacquer coating.
3. Clean with brushes and gauze
Once soaked, use a flexible cleaning snake to run through the tubing and slides, clearing out debris. For the valve casings, use a valve brush or wrap a polishing gauze around a cleaning rod, making sure no metal is exposed, and gently wipe inside each casing.
The brush/gauze should move freely but make enough contact to remove residue – avoid using force. Focus only on the lower section of the valves where the ports are, leaving the upper section untouched.
The mouthpiece can be cleaned separately by placing it in boiled water that has cooled slightly, or by using a mouthpiece brush. For extra hygiene, use a disinfectant spray – this is also a good option if you need to quickly clean when on the move.
4. Rinse with clean water
After scrubbing, rinse every part thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove soap and loosened debris. Allow all parts to dry completely before reassembling, as lingering moisture can cause corrosion inside the instrument.
5. Polish the exterior
When the trumpet is dry, polish the outside to restore its shine. Use a silver polishing cloth if the trumpet is silver-plated, or a microfiber cloth for lacquered brass. This step helps maintain the finish and keeps the instrument looking its best.
6. Reassemble and lubricate
Begin reassembly by replacing the pads onto the pistons. Carefully insert the pistons back into their casings, ensuring correct alignment.
Add two or three drops of valve oil to the lower half of each valve, then move them up and down to spread the oil evenly. Avoid over-oiling, as too much can reduce responsiveness and attract dirt.
Apply tuning slide grease or cream to the slides before reinserting them, ensuring they move smoothly. Once everything is back in place, check that the valves and slides operate freely.
7. Final checks
Wipe down the exterior with a clean cloth to remove fingerprints or stray moisture. Now, it’s ready to play and stay in top condition for years to come!
FAQs
How often should you clean a trumpet?
As a general rule, you should wipe the outside and apply valve oil after each practice or performance to keep the valves moving smoothly. The mouthpiece should be rinsed regularly, ideally after every use, to prevent the buildup of bacteria. A full deep clean – disassembly, soak, and polish – is recommended about once every one to three months for most players.
Is it okay to soak a trumpet in water?
Soaking a trumpet in water is okay as long as only lukewarm water is used and valves and pads are removed beforehand. This method helps loosen dirt and residue inside the tubing. You should also make sure to thoroughly dry the instrument afterwards and apply valve oil to keep everything moving smoothly.
How do I clean brass without ruining it?
To clean brass without ruining it, you should use mild soap, warm water, and soft cloths instead of harsh chemicals. Specialised brass polish can be used sparingly for shine. Gentle methods preserve the finish and protect against scratches or long-term damage.
Final thoughts
It doesn’t matter what your ability level as a trumpeter is – everyone needs to regularly maintain their instrument! Knowing how to clean a trumpet right from your first lesson will ensure it plays perfectly in every rehearsal and performance. We hope this guide has helped you learn the steps to take in a safe and effective way that preserves the quality of your trumpet.
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