Clean a Saxophone

Cleaning a saxophone is a relatively simple process, provided that your saxophone is the standard, half-bell shape. Straight saxophones, such as a common soprano saxophone type, require tools not mentioned here. This article will assist you in understanding the mechanics and basics of cleaning your saxophone to maintain a clear, deep tone.

Steps

  1. Clean your mouthpiece. Remove the reed and ligature, and use the mouthpiece brush to remove any foreign material inside the mouthpiece. Run lukewarm water through the mouthpiece at the sink. Finally, using a clean, lint-free cloth, pull it through the mouthpiece to dry and remove any particles missed by the brush. This may take a few passes.
  2. Swab the neck. Use the brush attachment (looks like a flexible metal hose with a rag ball on one end, and a small brush on the other) and pass it through the larger, base opening on the neck, coming out on the narrow side to which the cork is attached. Brush out the inside to remove any foreign particles or bacterial growth, and use the swab last. You can run water through the neck as well, just be sure that no water comes in contact with the cork, or it will swell and deform. Be wary of the pad on the octave valve as well.
  3. Swab the body. With a standard cleaning kit, there is an attachment that looks like a brush and cloth on a long string weighted on the opposite end. Put the weighted end into the bell of the saxophone, and turn the sax upside down, bringing the weighted end completely through the body and coming at the narrow end to which the neck is attached. Gently pull the swab through the body, repeating this process several times. If possible, hold the keys down as you do this. It is not unusual to see a slight green color on the pad after a few passes. This is not rust on the inside of the saxophone. As brass comes into contact with the air/elements, it reacts with the sulphur that is naturally present and produces tarnish, not rust, due to the copper/zinc makeup of brass. As the inside of the instrument is not protected with lacquer, this is normal and will not cause any metal damage. The main reason for swabbing is to dry the interior so that pads are not damaged, to slow/inhibit bacteria growth and to remove any build-up of foreign particles from foods, beverages, saliva that have been blown into the instrument with you breath.
  4. Check & clean the key pads. There are many keys on the saxophone, so this may be the most time consuming step. Visually inspect each pad, looking for wear or tears. If a pad is torn, take it to your local repair shop for replacement. Using a piece of paper or a pad cleaner, slide the paper underneath the pad, close the valve, and slowly pull the paper out. This helps remove foreign material from the pad.
  5. Swab and grease the corks. Dry the cork on the neck completely, and add a liberal amount of cork grease. Rub the grease into the cork to 'condition' it, and add another light coating. Do this weekly, and you'll maintain an impressive seal. After some time of doing this, the cork will get saturated with grease; do not grease further, or you will hasten the deterioration of the cork. Don't try to grease the little bits of cork on the ends of actions; they're there for padding.
  6. Tighten loose screws. Most screws on a saxophone are of the flat head, not Phillips. You can tighten loose rod screws safely, but do not over-torque them. If this happens, you may not be able to press keys such as those necessary for a high-D or F#.
  7. Clean the swab every month for removal of wastes and for decreased build up of corrosion.
  8. Reassemble your saxophone. It should look, smell, and play beautifully!



Tips

  • At least swab your sax every time you play! Don't put it away wet; that will promote mold and maybe rust some non-brass parts. Also, by swabbing while it is wet, you prevent the contaminants from drying and thus creating build-up that is more difficult to remove.
  • Remember to have two swabs for your saxophone: one for the neck and one for the body.
  • Purchasing a "Sax Saver" is not considered a good idea, by itself. Do you take off your shoes and socks after jogging and stuff the socks back in the shoes? That's what you are doing with a Sax Saver. Get a good swab and use it after every time to remove any condensation from the horn/neck/mouthpiece. As an alternative, you can use a Sax Saver in conjunction with a swab. The Sax Saver will catch any small amounts of moisture that you may have missed, but it won't be holding enough in the instrument to risk damaging it over time.
  • Remember to be gentle while cleaning the instrument. It is a somewhat delicate object. Therefore, don't force anything.

Warnings

  • Do not attempt to oil, remove dents, replace pads, or use scratch-removers on the finish of your saxophone. Leave these things to a professional. If you have a rental instrument, in most cases these services are performed free of charge.
  • Never use hot water for cleaning a hard rubber mouthpiece! It's best to use cold water or water with only the slightest touch of lukewarm. If hot water is used, the mouthpiece may become warped, damaged, or dis-colored.
  • Never try to apply key oil to your saxophone or any woodwind. If you NEED your keys to be oiled, take your saxophone to a music center.

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