If you play the trumpet, you might notice that there is a lot of debris in the horn over time.It is a good idea to clean your trumpet once every three months or so to make sure that the build up doesn't affect the sound of the instrument.By taking the time to clean the different parts of your trumpet with warm water and a mild dish soap, and then oil its various slides and valves, you can keep it in great playing condition.
Step 1: You need to remove the valves from the trumpet.
Carefully remove the valves from the horn.They should be placed somewhere safe where they won't get lost or knocked over by kids or pets.You shouldn't have a hard time reassembling them if you keep them in their proper order.
Step 2: The slides should be removed.
The first slide is closest to your body when you hold the trumpet in playing position.It should be relatively easy to pull the slide away from the horn.The second and third slides should be removed as well.If your slides are stuck, do not attempt to force them out, as this may cause damage to your trumpet, and instead seek the help of a trumpet professional.
Step 3: Take the mouth piece off and put it in a drawer.
While stabilizing the body of the horn with your other hand, use one hand to tug the trumpet away from it's mouth.The trumpet should be disassembled and ready to be cleaned at this point.
Step 4: Warm water and soap can be used to fill a tub or basin.
The water should be warm.To fully immerse your trumpet, fill the tub with enough water.Take a few drops of soap into the tub.You can protect your trumpet from scratching by putting a towel on the bottom of the tub.
Step 5: Take the slides and main body into the bathtub.
The slides should stay in the tub for 1 minute, while the body can soak for up to 5 minutes.
Step 6: The slides and tubing on your trumpet need to be cleaned.
The brass saver can be used to clear debris from inside the tubing.Once you're done soaking in the tub, run the snake through the insides of your slides and tubing.Don't force the snake into tight areas of the tubing, as this could damage their interior.
Step 7: The trumpet has a body.
If you want to wash the outside of your slides and tubing, you need to dip a washcloth in the soapy bath water.The exterior of your instrument can be cleaned.
Step 8: Warm water can be used to rinse your slides and trumpets.
If you want to wash the body, first flush the bell of the horn with water and then rinse the outside with soap and water from the other end.Once the slides are free of soap, flush the water through them.
Step 9: The slides and trumpet body should be dry.
If you want to avoid damaging your instruments, use caution and dry one piece at a time.The washcloth should be run along the exterior of your slides and trumpet body.
Step 10: The body should be set aside to dry.
The insides of these parts can be dried by placing a thick towel on a dry surface.The slides should be placed near the places where they will be reinserted into the trumpet.
Step 11: It's a good idea to wash the valves.
Warm running water and dish soap can be used to clean the valves.Put the bottom side of the valves under the water and apply soap with your fingers or a damp cloth.If you want to clean the entire valve, focus on cleaning the small holes underneath the valves that line up with the slides.Remove the soapy water from the valve holes.
Step 12: The top parts of your valves should be out of the water.
It's important to keep the tops dry when cleaning trumpet valves.Water will ruin the felt pads at the top of the valves, which will prevent them from aligning properly when you reassemble your trumpet.
Step 13: To air-dry, place your valves aside.
If you accidentally run a damp towel near the felt pads, don't dry the valves by hand.Set the valves aside until you're ready to put them in your trumpet.
Step 14: You should clean your mouth with a toothbrush.
Attach the brush to the larger end of the mouthpiece by placing it under warm running water.The brush needs to be spun around in order to clear out the inside tubing.The brush can be used to scrub the outside of the mouth.
Step 15: You can dry your mouth with a cloth.
Use the cloth to dry the outside of your mouth.Set it aside on a soft towel so that the inside tubing can air-dry before being put on the trumpet.
Step 16: You should empty your spit valve.
There is a spit valve at the bottom of the trumpet.Before pressing on the lever of the spit valve to release it, tilt your trumpet forward to allow all liquid to collect in the valve.If you want to avoid making a mess, empty the spit valve over the sink, toilet, or tub.Take your finger off the lever when there is no liquid left in the valve.
Step 17: Put your slides into the trumpet with oil.
You can rub the grease into the brass with your fingertips by putting a small amount of slide grease on the side of each slide.If you have excess oil, wipe it off with a tissue or cloth.
Step 18: You can oil your valves.
Apply several drops of oil to the base of each valve, and then place the valves back inside the body of the trumpet.Press the valves up and down to make sure they are oiled.
Step 19: A polishing cloth is needed topolish your trumpet.
For best results, use a silver or lacquer polish cloth, which can be obtained from music stores or online, and use small, circular buffing motions when rubbing the cloth into the instrument.Rub your trumpet until you get a shiny finish.
Step 20: The horn's body is made of horn.
While stabilizing the body of the horn with your other hand, use one hand to gently slide the mouthpiece onto your trumpet.Your trumpet is ready to be played.