Instrument Cleaning Guidelines
Here are the highlights of an article from the National Federation of High Schools. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has made these recommendations regarding the cleaning of instruments.
Wood – Up to 4 Days
Plastic – Up to 3 Days
Strings – Up to 3 Days
Cork – Up to 2 Days
Instruments that have not been used within these times can be cleaned with normal cleaning procedures.
The article lists some brand name materials commonly used in band rooms that may not be available right now. Common acceptable substitutes are:
I do not recommend putting any instrument parts in the dishwasher.
Woodwinds: don't get your pads and corks wet!
- The virus can remain on surfaces for this amount of time:
Wood – Up to 4 Days
Plastic – Up to 3 Days
Strings – Up to 3 Days
Cork – Up to 2 Days
Instruments that have not been used within these times can be cleaned with normal cleaning procedures.
The article lists some brand name materials commonly used in band rooms that may not be available right now. Common acceptable substitutes are:
- Warm, soapy water (not hot - it will damage the finish on brass instruments)
- 50/50 blend of water/white vinegar
- 50/50 blend of water/hydrogen peroxide
- Flutes can use regular old denatured isopropyl alcohol inside the embouchure hole and on the lip plate.
I do not recommend putting any instrument parts in the dishwasher.
Woodwinds: don't get your pads and corks wet!
My Instrument is Still at School!
We are still waiting on word from the state when we can get in to pick up items. I will send word out through Schoology and Remind and help you get your instrument. As a precaution, I will spray the case first as the article recommends.