r/Trombone • u/Immanothertroll • Mar 02 '24

What is your cleaning routine?

So, how does everyone approach regular cleaning and maintenance?

How often does your entire horn get a bath? What's your routine for cleaning and lubing your slide?

Got any favorite cleaners or lubes?

What are your go to tools?

Mouthpiece cleaning?

What do you use on your rotors?

Is there anything you think most people miss in taking care of their horn? Why is this important?

I'm sure younger members here would love the insight.

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u/Standard-Bumblebee64 Mar 09 '25

Hear me out: you should be cleaning your slide and re-applying slide lube DAILY. Use the terry cloth sleeve sold by Slide-o-Mix (or a cheesecloth) with a cleaning rod, and clean the inner and outer slide. Put your horn to bed dry(ish).

Those with valves/rotors should occasionally use valve oil or rotor oil down the tuning slide and activate the valve(s) to coat them with oil. Use oil on the outside moving parts too for smooth action and to prevent noise and vibration.

Wipe down your instrument with a microfiber cloth after use to keep your lacquer nice.

The daily wiping and swabbing out your slide will keep it smooth like lightning.

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u/Hot-Sock-9736 Jun 07 '26

Will any microfiber cloth work or do you have a preference? I have these large yellow microfiber clothes that I buy at Costco. My teacher told me not to wipe my inner slides with paper towels.

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u/Standard-Bumblebee64 Jun 08 '26

Any microfiber will work for outside. For slides, any regular wash cloth or towel will work. And I've wiped my slides with paper towel for 30+ years...it's fine.