Cleaning and polishing cloths

A cleaning cloth must suit the instrument's surface and the task you need it to perform. Fine microfibre removes fingerprints from lacquer, an absorbent swab removes moisture from the inside and an impregnated polishing cloth should be used only on the intended metal. Do not use the same cloth to clean both the inside of the instrument and a delicate lacquer finish.

Clean string instrument varnish dry

After playing, wipe rosin dust off your violin with a soft, clean cloth. Do not use alcohol or universal polish. Have a luthier deal with dried-on residue and unknown varnish.

A wind instrument needs the correct swab shape

A clarinet's cylindrical bore, a saxophone's curves and the narrow sections of a flute require different tools. The cord and weight must not scratch the interior or become stuck. You can find more maintenance tools in the wind instrument cleaning category.

Wash the cloth regularly

Dust and metal particles in a used cloth can scratch the surface. Wash it without fabric softener according to the manufacturer's instructions and let it dry completely. Impregnated polishing cloths often must not be washed; check the instructions on the packaging.

Use separate cloths for lacquer, metal and internal moisture, and clean each material only with a product intended for its surface.