Instrument Care Guide
Clarinet Cleaning Guide: Easy Care Habits Every Clarinetists Should Know
Rose Park
4/18/25 • 4 min read
Taking care of your clarinet doesn’t have to be complicated, but it is something you’ll want to stay on top of. Like any wind instrument, the clarinet is exposed to moisture and oils every time you play. If you don’t clean it, that buildup can lead to sticky pads, smell, sluggish keys, and even permanent damage over time.
The good news? A quick cleaning routine after each session makes a big difference. With just a few simple tools and a couple of minutes, you can keep your clarinet sounding great.
Try a Half Hour Clarinet Lesson Completely For Free!
Meet your teacher and begin 1-on-1 instruction.
No contract or credit card necessary.
60+
Instructors
50,000+
Lessons taught
4.9/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Average lesson rating
Basic Clarinet Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what essential cleaning tools you’ll need, what’s optional, and why each item matters:
Clarinet Swab (required)
Used to remove moisture from the bore of the clarinet after playing. Choose a lint-free fabric like microfiber or silk with a pull-through design.
Price range: $8–$20
Mouthpiece Brush (required)
Cleans out saliva, bacteria, and residue from the mouthpiece interior. A few gentle scrubs with warm water is all you need.
Price range: $5-10
Suggested Cleaning Cloth & Mouthpiece Brush
The size of the clarinet cleaning cloth, the length of the rope, and the mouthpiece brush are all carefully designed based on the characteristics of the clarinet.
Buy on Amazon
Cleaning Paper or Powder Paper (optional)
Used to absorb moisture and prevent sticky pads. Gently press it under the pad, then release—Yamaha powder paper is a popular option.
Price range: $5-10 per pack
Clarinet Cleaning Paper - Yamaha
The semi-transparent powder removes stickiness from pads for better key response and works for clarinet, flute, and other woodwind instruments.
Buy on Amazon
Polishing Cloth (required)
Wipe down the keys and body to reduce tarnish and remove fingerprints. Use a microfiber or instrument-safe cloth.
Price range: $5-12
Quick & Easy Daily Clarinet Care Routine
Swab out moisture
Mouthpiece quick clean
Wipe keys and body
Break it down and case it up
Take the clarinet apart, give it a moment to air, and store each piece properly in its case.
Start Your Free Trial Lesson
Beyond Daily Cleaning: When Your Clarinet Needs Extra Care
Disassemble Completely
Clean the Mouthpiece
Swab All Sections
Use a soft, absorbent swab to clean the upper joint, lower joint, barrel, and bell, removing moisture and debris.
Explore LWY music lessons
Wipe Keys and Body
Check Key Performance
Test keys for noise, sticking, or sluggishness; if issues persist, visit an instrument repair tech for adjustments.
Inspect and Grease Corks
Look for dry or worn corks and apply a small amount of cork grease if they feel tight or dry.
Common Clarinet Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Many beginners tend to overdo clarinet care, not realizing the mistakes they might run into later. To protect your clarinet, avoid these cleaning errors. Overwashing the mouthpiece with hot water or strong soaps can damage its material or shape—use warm water and a gentle brush instead. Forcing a swab through a tight joint risks breaking the swab or harming the tenons, so proceed carefully.
Avoid household cloths like dish towels when cleaning the exterior, as they can leave lint or scratch the clarinet’s surface. Instead, use microfiber or instrument-safe cloths. Also, don’t apply excessive cork grease—a thin layer keeps corks smooth without attracting dust or grime.
Quick Recap + Care Checklist
- Swab all sections after playing.
- Brush the mouthpiece with warm water.
- Wipe keys with a microfiber cloth.
- Apply cork grease lightly.
- Schedule professional maintenance—annual for a few times a week players, every one and a half to two years for weekly or monthly players.
Start a Free Lesson at Lesson With You!
Your clarinet stays in great shape with daily care! A quick swab and wipe with the right tools after playing prevents damage and keeps the sound clear. It’s easy, and doing it regularly helps your clarinet play beautifully for years.
At Lesson With You, you will work with a professional clarinet instructor who can help you learn the basics and develop skills to take your playing even further.
First lesson is free, no contracts ever.
Interested in a certain style?
Musical Theatre Singing Lessons | Classical singing Lessons | Rock singing Lessons | Country singing Lessons | Pop Singing Lessons
Classical Guitar Lessons | Acoustic Guitar Lessons | Jazz Guitar Lessons | Rock Guitar Lessons | Electric Guitar Lessons | R&B Guitar Lessons
Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.