Alexei Volkov
Plastic recorders are a great instrument for beginners, but they can get dirty over time and require some basic care to keep them in good playing condition. Dirt, saliva, body oils, and bacteria can transfer from hands and mouths to the recorder, so it is important to clean your recorder regularly to prevent the airways from becoming blocked, which will ruin the sound of the instrument. This guide will teach you how to wash a plastic angel recorder, so you can keep it in good condition and sounding great!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of cleaning | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Cleaning solution | 1 part dish detergent and 4 parts warm water |
| Soaking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Additional tools | Cleaning rag, bottle brush, pipe cleaner, cleaning rod |
| Drying method | Air dry, cleaning cloth |
| Precautions | Do not use solvents like acetone or lacquer thinner; wash hands and brush teeth before playing |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the recorder for cleaning
Preparing your plastic angel recorder for cleaning is a straightforward process. Firstly, ensure you have washed your hands and brushed your teeth before handling the recorder. This will limit the amount of dirt that comes into contact with the instrument during the cleaning process.
Next, disassemble the recorder. This may not be possible with some plastic recorders, as certain parts are glued together. However, if you can, take the recorder apart.
Now, fill a container or your sink with enough warm water to submerge the recorder. You can use hot water, but be cautious, as very hot water can warp the instrument. Add a small amount of dish soap to the water. Some sources suggest adding a disinfectant, such as vinegar or silver-ion technology, to prevent bacterial growth.
Before placing the recorder in the water, ensure that you have removed any protective plastic tenon or joint caps. These should be stored separately to prevent them from being damaged during the cleaning process.
Now your plastic angel recorder is prepared for cleaning, and you can begin to soak and scrub the instrument.
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Soaking the recorder
Soaking your plastic angel recorder is a great way to give it a thorough clean and remove any built-up dirt, saliva, bacteria, and grime. Here is a step-by-step guide to effectively soak and clean your plastic recorder:
Prepare the Soaking Solution
Mix a solution of warm or hot water with a mild dish detergent. The ratio to aim for is 1 part detergent to 4 parts water. You can use a container or your kitchen sink for this. The container should be large enough to fully submerge the recorder. Adding a small amount of vinegar to the solution can aid in disinfection.
Disassemble the Recorder
Before soaking, carefully disassemble the recorder by twisting off the mouthpiece from the base. If your recorder has a removable block, you may remove it as well. However, most plastic recorders have glued blocks, so removing them might not be possible. Be cautious when handling the recorder to avoid damaging any keys or joints.
Soak the Recorder
Gently place the recorder pieces into the prepared solution. Ensure that all parts are fully submerged. Let the recorder soak for at least 10 minutes, but you can leave it for up to 15 minutes for a more thorough clean. The warm soapy water will help loosen and remove any dirt, grime, and bacteria from the recorder.
Scrub and Rinse
After soaking, use a soft cleaning rag or bottle brush to gently scrub the exterior and interior of the recorder, including the mouthpiece. You can also use a pipe cleaner or a mouthpiece brush to clean the smaller crevices and the windway, being careful not to scratch the instrument. Rinse the recorder pieces thoroughly with warm water, ensuring that all detergent residue is removed.
Air Dry
Once rinsed, place the recorder pieces on a clean towel and allow them to air dry completely. You can also use a clean cloth to gently wipe down the recorder to speed up the drying process. Make sure the recorder is entirely dry before reassembling it and storing it in its case.
By regularly soaking and cleaning your plastic angel recorder, you can maintain its hygiene, improve its sound quality, and extend its lifespan.
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Cleaning the recorder's windway
To clean the windway of a plastic angel recorder, you can use a small piece of fabric, preferably silk, and run it through the instrument after each use. You can also use soapy water, as this is a plastic instrument. Be careful when cleaning the windway, as any nicks to the ramp (the angled section that creates the sound) can lessen the strength of the instrument's tone.
If there is mould in the windway, you can use hydrogen peroxide, undecylenic acid, or a thymol solution to get rid of it. Alternatively, white vinegar can be used, as it is likely to kill mildew.
Some plastic recorders have separate blocks, but most are glued in and cannot be removed. In this case, warm or hot dishwater in the sink should be enough to clean the windway. Afterwards, you can use a piece of card stock to dislodge any remaining food or lint that is caught in the windway. A clean pipe cleaner can also be used, but be careful as it may leave lint in the windway.
It is important to clean your recorder regularly to prevent the airways from becoming blocked with dust and dirt, which will affect the sound of the recorder.
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Drying the recorder
After cleaning your plastic angel recorder, it is important to dry it thoroughly before reassembling and storing it away. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:
Firstly, rinse the recorder with warm water. Make sure to thoroughly rinse all the pieces of the recorder, including the head joint, over the sink. Warm water is recommended as it will help to prevent water droplets from forming on the recorder.
Next, gently twist the head joint back on and let the recorder air dry. Place the recorder on a clean towel or cloth and allow it to air dry completely. You can also use a cleaning rod, which is a thin rod that comes with some recorders. Wrap a clean cloth around the cleaning rod and insert it into the recorder to absorb any moisture inside. Alternatively, you can dry the inside of the recorder by sealing the mouthpiece and filling the windway with warm air.
If you are in a hurry, you can speed up the drying process by using a clean cloth. Rub the outside of the recorder with a towel or cloth to absorb any remaining moisture. However, be careful not to scratch the instrument, especially if it is made of plastic, as some cloths may be too abrasive.
Once the recorder is completely dry, you can reassemble it. Make sure that all the pieces are securely attached, especially the head joint. Finally, store the recorder in its case to protect it from dust, dirt, and damage. Ensure that the case is also dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mould and bacteria growth.
By following these steps, you can effectively dry your plastic angel recorder, ensuring that it stays clean, hygienic, and in good playing condition.
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Storing the recorder
Storing your plastic angel recorder is an important step in keeping it in good condition. Here are some detailed steps and tips to ensure your instrument is stored correctly:
Firstly, always ensure your recorder is completely dry before storing it. Moisture build-up inside the instrument can lead to mould and bacteria growth, so it is crucial to air-dry the recorder thoroughly on a clean towel before putting it away. You can also speed up the drying process by using a clean cloth wrapped around the cleaning rod to dry the inside of the recorder.
Next, use the protective plastic tenon or joint caps that came with your instrument. These caps help prevent greased joints from picking up grit that could eventually abrade and loosen the joints. Make sure to cover all the joints with the appropriate caps before placing the recorder in its case.
Store your plastic angel recorder in its case to protect it from dust, dirt, and potential damage. The case will help keep your instrument safe and free from debris that could affect its performance. Additionally, avoid storing the recorder in areas with high humidity or heat, as these conditions can be detrimental to the instrument.
It is also important to note that you should always wash your hands and brush your teeth before playing your recorder. This simple habit will limit the amount of dirt and bacteria that come into contact with the instrument, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and helping to maintain its condition.
By following these steps for storing your plastic angel recorder, you can ensure its longevity and optimal performance for years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your plastic recorder every 1-2 weeks to prevent the airways from becoming blocked with dust, dirt, saliva, body oils, and bacteria.
You will need a sink or a large container, dish soap, vinegar, a cleaning rag, a cleaning rod, a small piece of fabric, and a bottle brush.
First, disassemble the recorder if possible. Then, fill the sink or container with warm water and add a small amount of dish soap and vinegar. Soak the recorder in the solution for 10-15 minutes. Use the cleaning rag to scrub the exterior and the bottle brush to scrub the inside and outside of the mouthpiece. Finally, rinse the recorder with warm water and let it air dry before reassembling.
Always wash your hands and brush your teeth before playing the recorder to limit the amount of dirt that gets inside. You can also use a pipe cleaner or a piece of cardstock to dislodge any food or lint that gets caught in the windway.
Yes, avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents such as acetone or lacquer thinner as these can melt the plastic. Do not put your recorder in the dishwasher as the heat can warp the instrument.
