| Re: Cleaning question
DO NOT use vinegar!!! It is an acid and will clean the horn, but will also leave bacteria and etch the metal.
The most effective and safest method to clean your horn is:
1. Remove slides (this is to be done first to eliminate any risk to damaging the valve casing from stress)
2. Remove bottom caps
3. Remove valves
4. Soak horn is very soapy degreasing detergent (I prefer Dawn blue and palmolive). Use luke warm water as hot water may damage lacquer.
5. After soaking, go through horn with brushes and snake.
6. Rinse with warm water.
7. Let dry
8. Go through all parts with a cleaning rod using cheese cloth or lint free cotton cloth.
9. Go through piston ports with cloth * Do Not use the rod!!!
10. Oil Valves and put back in
11. Put on bottom caps (make sure you get all the crud from the inner lip, many times sluggish valves may be due to over oiling mixing with the crud).
12. Grease slides
This is the basic steps for cleaning and I recommend everyone to do this once a month and to bring it in to a competent repair technician once a year form a professional (chemical or ultrasonic) cleaning.
To also prolong the life of your horn put a few drops of valve oil down the mouthpipe before you play. This will give a little coating to the tube and help prevent buildup and red-rot.
Josh |