Flute pads are often made of leather, which can be damaged if it is exposed to alcohol. Alcohol can cause the leather to become dry, brittle, and cracked. It can also cause the leather to lose its color and shine.
In addition, the chemical composition of Clorox disinfecting wipes may be harmful to the metal body of the flute.
To clean a flute, it is best to use a soft, lint-free cloth that is dampened with distilled water. Alternatively, you can use a flute cleaning kit specifically designed for flutes.
Here are the steps on how to clean a flute:
1. Dismantle the flute. This will make it easier to clean all of the parts of the flute.
2. Clean the body of the flute. Use a soft, lint-free cloth that is dampened with distilled water. Wipe the body of the flute in a circular motion. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.
3. Clean the keys of the flute. Use a soft, lint-free cloth that is dampened with distilled water. Gently wipe the keys of the flute. Be careful not to press down on the keys too hard.
4. Clean the pads of the flute. Use a pad-saver to clean the pads of the flute. A pad-saver is a small, soft tool that is specifically designed for cleaning flute pads. Gently rub the pad-saver over the pads of the flute. Be careful not to press down on the pads too hard.
5. Reassemble the flute. Once you have cleaned all of the parts of the flute, you can reassemble it.
After cleaning your flute, it is important to store it in a safe place. The flute should be stored in a case or gig bag that is specifically designed for flutes. The case or gig bag should be kept in a cool, dry place.