COVID-19 Instrument Cleaning GuidelinesBy NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation
These guidelines were first published on the National Federation of State High School Associations website.
COVID-19 and Instrument CleaningThe NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation recommend the following guidelines for handling musical instruments during the COVID-19 school shutdown period. These guidelines are designed for use by music educators and educators may use these guidelines when teaching students and parents how to clean instruments.
Sterilization vs. DisinfectionThere is a difference between sterilization and disinfection of music instruments. Sterilization is limited in how long an instrument will remain sterile. Once an instrument is exposed to air or handled it is no longer sterile. However, disinfecting an instrument to make it safe to handle will last longer and is easier to achieve. COVID-19 like, most viruses has a limited lifespan on hard surfaces. Users of musical equipment may be more susceptible to infections from instruments that are not cleaned and maintained properly, especially if they are shared school instruments.
If the cleaning process is thorough, musical instruments can be disinfected. Basic soap and water can be highly effective in reducing the number of harmful bacteria and viruses simply by carrying away the dirt and oil that they stick to.
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.
If distributing instruments for the first time since schools have closed, the NFHS and NAfME recommend, out of an abundance of caution, that all cases be sprayed with an aerosol disinfectant.
Additional guidance on general cleaning and disinfection can be found here.
Instrument HygieneBefore distributing an instrument that has been shared, use of alcohol wipes, swabs, or disinfectant solution
to thoroughly clean both the outside and the inside of the mouthpiece is highly recommended. It is also essential to maintain overall cleanliness via the use of cleaning rods, swabs, mouthpiece brushes, etc., as this is necessary to prevent buildup of residue within the instrument.
For wood instruments any excess amount of liquid can be damaging. Please be judicious and sparing outside of the mouthpiece area that needs cleaning. In addition, certain cleaning products that can be used on the mouthpiece should not be used around the pads associated with a woodwind instrument’s keys (e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.).
MouthpiecesAdhering to the following procedures will help to keep mouthpieces and instruments clean and safe for continued use.
Cleaning the Flute Head Joint
These guidelines were first published on the National Federation of State High School Associations website.
COVID-19 and Instrument CleaningThe NFHS, NAfME and the NAMM Foundation recommend the following guidelines for handling musical instruments during the COVID-19 school shutdown period. These guidelines are designed for use by music educators and educators may use these guidelines when teaching students and parents how to clean instruments.
Sterilization vs. DisinfectionThere is a difference between sterilization and disinfection of music instruments. Sterilization is limited in how long an instrument will remain sterile. Once an instrument is exposed to air or handled it is no longer sterile. However, disinfecting an instrument to make it safe to handle will last longer and is easier to achieve. COVID-19 like, most viruses has a limited lifespan on hard surfaces. Users of musical equipment may be more susceptible to infections from instruments that are not cleaned and maintained properly, especially if they are shared school instruments.
If the cleaning process is thorough, musical instruments can be disinfected. Basic soap and water can be highly effective in reducing the number of harmful bacteria and viruses simply by carrying away the dirt and oil that they stick to.
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.
If distributing instruments for the first time since schools have closed, the NFHS and NAfME recommend, out of an abundance of caution, that all cases be sprayed with an aerosol disinfectant.
Additional guidance on general cleaning and disinfection can be found here.
Instrument HygieneBefore distributing an instrument that has been shared, use of alcohol wipes, swabs, or disinfectant solution
to thoroughly clean both the outside and the inside of the mouthpiece is highly recommended. It is also essential to maintain overall cleanliness via the use of cleaning rods, swabs, mouthpiece brushes, etc., as this is necessary to prevent buildup of residue within the instrument.
For wood instruments any excess amount of liquid can be damaging. Please be judicious and sparing outside of the mouthpiece area that needs cleaning. In addition, certain cleaning products that can be used on the mouthpiece should not be used around the pads associated with a woodwind instrument’s keys (e.g. flute, clarinet, saxophone, etc.).
MouthpiecesAdhering 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.
- Bocals should be cleaned every month with a bocal brush, mild soap solution, and running water.
- English Horn bocals can be cleaned with a pipe cleaner, mild soap solution, and running water. Be careful not to scratch the inside of the bocal with the exposed wire ends of the pipe cleaner.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Isopropyl alcohol that’s above 70% should only be used on the strings and unfinished finger and fret boards.
- String, percussion, and keyboard instruments present fewer hygienic issues that can be solved simply by the player washing their hands before and after use for a minimum of 20 seconds.
- Plastic recorders can be washed with warm, soapy water and should be swabbed after each use with a plastic cleaning rod and soft thin cloth. Disinfectant solution and alcohol wipes may also be used.
- 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.
- 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.
Here are some general tips on REGULAR care and maintenance of your wind instrument.
DIsclaimer - Much of this info was borrowed from the Upper Moreland Middle School Band website. Check out their fantastic program here!
Also there are some great web sites with Videos and more detailed instructions on proper instrument care. Here are a few of those links....
Music Showcase Conn-Selmer Online
WOODWINDS
Flute / Piccolo Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your flute from its case never pick it up by its keys. Remove it by the endswhere there are no keys.
2. Put the flute together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the flute when assembling or disassembling this can cause the instrument to become bent at the joints.
3. Each time you put the flute together a small amount of debris will build-up on the tenons (this is normal), however, this can make it difficult to assemble. Always wipe the tenons (joints) with a soft cloth before assembling.
4. The use of lubricants on the tenons is not recommended - this can cause damage over time. The only exception to this rule is on some piccolos and wood flutes that have cork joints. You should apply a small amount of cork grease to these joints, as needed, to aid in assembly.
5. After you are finished playing, use a cleaning rod with an absorbent cloth to swab out the inside of all parts to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the flute to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your flute in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument from tarnishing. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the flute, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your flute to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are affecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Clarinet Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your clarinet from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by the ends where there are no keys.
2. When putting your clarinet together, first apply a small amount of cork grease to the tenon corks.
3. Put the clarinet together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the clarinet when assembling or disassembling this can damage the tenon or tear the cork.
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through all parts of the clarinet to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your clarinet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the clarinet, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your clarinet to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Saxophone Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your saxophone from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by picking it up by the bell.
2. When assembling your saxophone be sure to wipe the neck joint and inside of the receiver with a soft cloth this will make it easier to assemble.
3. Apply a small amount of cork grease to the mouthpiece cork to help the mouthpiece move into position.
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through the saxophone to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your saxophone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your saxophone to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
BRASS
Trumpet Care (And Other Valve Instruments)
Daily Care
1. Valves on brass instruments need to be lubricated on a regular basis. To do this:
(a) Unscrew the valve cap and pull the valve out about half way.
(b) Apply a drop of valve oil to the wide part of the valve.
(c) Push the valve back into position making sure that it is lined up correctly.
(Note): The valve has a guide that keeps it in place. To check for correct alignment gently try to turn the valve. If it doesn't turn it is lined up. If it turns keep turning the valve till you hear a slight "click" and the valve stops turning.
2. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the horn. If this happens DO NOT try force to remove it - this can cause major damage to the instrument. Bring it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
3. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the horn by opening the water keys and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
4. Always store your trumpet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause valve problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check all slides to see that they move freely and lubricate them with slide grease if needed.
2. The inside of your instrument needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
Trombone Care
Daily Care
1. Great care is needed when handling your trombone. The smallest bump or dent in the slide can cause problems with its proper movement. Due to the precision needed in adjustment of the slide, repairs are time consuming and costly so...Be Careful !
2. The slide needs to be lubricated on a regular basis. Apply a small amount of slide oil or cream to the boot area of the slide as needed. The boot is at the very end of the slide, so be careful not to allow the slide to slip off the trombone.
3. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the trombone. If this happens DO NOT try force to remove it - this can cause major damage to the instrument. Take it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
4. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the trombone by opening the water key and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the trombone to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
5. Always store your trombone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check the tuning slide to see that it moves freely and lubricate it with slide grease if needed.
2. The inside of your trombone needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
Brass Cleaning
Brass instruments need to be cleaned internally on a regular basis. The following is a description of that process. Please note that rotor instruments such as French Horns, Rotor Tubas, and Rotor Trombones should not be cleaned at home, they have special requirements and should only be cleaned by a qualified repair shop.
To clean your instrument you must take it apart completely. You will also need some
cleaning brushes (available at music stores), valve oil, slide grease, and some liquid dish soap. You will also need a place to clean the instrument. Unless you have a large sink the bath tub is probably the best place.
1. Carefully remove all slides, valves and valve bottom caps. Extreme care should be taken with trombone slides as they are very delicate, especially when they are apart! If any of the slides are stuck take your instrument to a repair shop to have them removed. They can be damaged if not removed properly.
2. Place all the parts, except for the valves, in warm, not hot, water containing some liquid dish soap. Let the instrument parts soak in the water for about 10 minutes.
3. While the instrument soaks, take the valves and run warm water over them and brush
out all openings in the valves with the valve brush. Shake off any extra water and set
valves aside to dry.
4. Next brush out all tubes with the "snake" and the valve casings with the valve brush. Be sure to clean any debris from inside the valve bottom caps.
5. Use clean water and rinse out the instrument. Wipe off any excess moisture and set the instrument aside to dry thoroughly. It is important that the inside of your instrument is completely dry before you proceed.
6. Apply a small amount of slide grease to each slide and reassemble. Be sure not to put slide grease on the main trombone slide. Use slide cream or slide oil on this slide.
7. Install the valve bottom caps. Put a drop of valve oil on each valve and install them in
their proper location. Valves are numbered and must be in the correct location to operate properly.
8. You are finished. Enjoy playing your newly cleaned instrument!
DIsclaimer - Much of this info was borrowed from the Upper Moreland Middle School Band website. Check out their fantastic program here!
Also there are some great web sites with Videos and more detailed instructions on proper instrument care. Here are a few of those links....
Music Showcase Conn-Selmer Online
WOODWINDS
Flute / Piccolo Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your flute from its case never pick it up by its keys. Remove it by the endswhere there are no keys.
2. Put the flute together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the flute when assembling or disassembling this can cause the instrument to become bent at the joints.
3. Each time you put the flute together a small amount of debris will build-up on the tenons (this is normal), however, this can make it difficult to assemble. Always wipe the tenons (joints) with a soft cloth before assembling.
4. The use of lubricants on the tenons is not recommended - this can cause damage over time. The only exception to this rule is on some piccolos and wood flutes that have cork joints. You should apply a small amount of cork grease to these joints, as needed, to aid in assembly.
5. After you are finished playing, use a cleaning rod with an absorbent cloth to swab out the inside of all parts to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the flute to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your flute in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument from tarnishing. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the flute, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your flute to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are affecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Clarinet Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your clarinet from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by the ends where there are no keys.
2. When putting your clarinet together, first apply a small amount of cork grease to the tenon corks.
3. Put the clarinet together with a slow back-and-forth twisting motion, never push or pull the clarinet when assembling or disassembling this can damage the tenon or tear the cork.
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through all parts of the clarinet to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your clarinet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place anything in the case that can press on the clarinet, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your clarinet to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
Saxophone Care
Daily Care
1. When removing your saxophone from its case never pick it up by the keys. Remove it by picking it up by the bell.
2. When assembling your saxophone be sure to wipe the neck joint and inside of the receiver with a soft cloth this will make it easier to assemble.
3. Apply a small amount of cork grease to the mouthpiece cork to help the mouthpiece move into position.
4. When tightening the screws on the ligature, the device that holds the reed on the mouthpiece, take care not to over tighten them this can cause the screw to break.
5. After you are finished playing, pull a cleaning swab through the saxophone to remove moisture. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument and keys to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
6. Always store your saxophone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend keys.
Monthly Care
Check all screws and pivots to see if they are coming loose. If they are, take your saxophone to Mr. York to have them adjusted.
Yearly Care
It is recommended that you have your instrument checked and adjusted, if needed, by a repair shop. The shop may find adjustments or worn pads that are effecting the optimal performance of your instrument.
BRASS
Trumpet Care (And Other Valve Instruments)
Daily Care
1. Valves on brass instruments need to be lubricated on a regular basis. To do this:
(a) Unscrew the valve cap and pull the valve out about half way.
(b) Apply a drop of valve oil to the wide part of the valve.
(c) Push the valve back into position making sure that it is lined up correctly.
(Note): The valve has a guide that keeps it in place. To check for correct alignment gently try to turn the valve. If it doesn't turn it is lined up. If it turns keep turning the valve till you hear a slight "click" and the valve stops turning.
2. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the horn. If this happens DO NOT try force to remove it - this can cause major damage to the instrument. Bring it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
3. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the horn by opening the water keys and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the instrument to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
4. Always store your trumpet in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause valve problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check all slides to see that they move freely and lubricate them with slide grease if needed.
2. The inside of your instrument needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
Trombone Care
Daily Care
1. Great care is needed when handling your trombone. The smallest bump or dent in the slide can cause problems with its proper movement. Due to the precision needed in adjustment of the slide, repairs are time consuming and costly so...Be Careful !
2. The slide needs to be lubricated on a regular basis. Apply a small amount of slide oil or cream to the boot area of the slide as needed. The boot is at the very end of the slide, so be careful not to allow the slide to slip off the trombone.
3. Occasionally a mouthpiece will become stuck in the trombone. If this happens DO NOT try force to remove it - this can cause major damage to the instrument. Take it to a repair shop or music store to have it removed. Most shops do not charge for this service.
4. After you are finished playing make sure you remove any excess moisture from the inside of the trombone by opening the water key and blowing through the instrument. Carefully wipe off the outside of the trombone to remove oils or perspiration caused by your hands.
5. Always store your trombone in its case when not in use, this helps prevent damage and aids in keeping the instrument clean. Do not place books or folders in the case, this can bend slides and cause problems.
Monthly Care
1. Check the tuning slide to see that it moves freely and lubricate it with slide grease if needed.
2. The inside of your trombone needs to be cleaned regularly. This may not be needed every month but should be done at least every 3 months. See the section below on Brass Cleaning for more information.
Yearly Care
If you clean your instrument on a regular basis you may not need any additional yearly care, however, repair shops have the ability to chemically clean your instrument which is a more thorough cleaning than can be done at home.
Brass Cleaning
Brass instruments need to be cleaned internally on a regular basis. The following is a description of that process. Please note that rotor instruments such as French Horns, Rotor Tubas, and Rotor Trombones should not be cleaned at home, they have special requirements and should only be cleaned by a qualified repair shop.
To clean your instrument you must take it apart completely. You will also need some
cleaning brushes (available at music stores), valve oil, slide grease, and some liquid dish soap. You will also need a place to clean the instrument. Unless you have a large sink the bath tub is probably the best place.
1. Carefully remove all slides, valves and valve bottom caps. Extreme care should be taken with trombone slides as they are very delicate, especially when they are apart! If any of the slides are stuck take your instrument to a repair shop to have them removed. They can be damaged if not removed properly.
2. Place all the parts, except for the valves, in warm, not hot, water containing some liquid dish soap. Let the instrument parts soak in the water for about 10 minutes.
3. While the instrument soaks, take the valves and run warm water over them and brush
out all openings in the valves with the valve brush. Shake off any extra water and set
valves aside to dry.
4. Next brush out all tubes with the "snake" and the valve casings with the valve brush. Be sure to clean any debris from inside the valve bottom caps.
5. Use clean water and rinse out the instrument. Wipe off any excess moisture and set the instrument aside to dry thoroughly. It is important that the inside of your instrument is completely dry before you proceed.
6. Apply a small amount of slide grease to each slide and reassemble. Be sure not to put slide grease on the main trombone slide. Use slide cream or slide oil on this slide.
7. Install the valve bottom caps. Put a drop of valve oil on each valve and install them in
their proper location. Valves are numbered and must be in the correct location to operate properly.
8. You are finished. Enjoy playing your newly cleaned instrument!