Looking After Your Flute

Caring properly for your flute will ensure that you always have an instrument that can just be picked up, assembled and be good to go.

A concert flute is a complex instrument, made up of many different keys and rods, all of which must be carefully balanced and adjusted.
Improper handling of a flute, or carelessness when assembling it can easily push these keys out of alignment, which in turn makes it very difficult to play your instrument.


Therefore the first rule of thumb, when it comes to looking after a flute is;

• Always avoid gripping the flute over the keys, instead hold it at its further most ends and gently assemble, taking time and care to avoid all contact with the keys where ever possible.
• Always, always clean out your flute after you have been playing on it. A silk scarf is very useful for cleaning the inside of the flute and can easily be threaded through the metal measuring rod that comes in the case with your flute. Make sure that the clothe fully covers all the metal to avoid scratching the flute and run it through the barrel until the inside is completely dry. Special attention should be paid to cleaning the head joint.
• The outside of a flute can be gently wiped and cleaned with a microfibre clothe, but this should not be used for the inside of the flute as it can leave behind small deposits of fibres which will affect your tone and playing. It is a good idea to wipe the outside of the flute over thoroughly, once every few weeks.
• Its is also a good idea to either brush your teeth or rinse your mouth out with water before you begin to play. Playing after you have eaten can cause the pads to become sticky.
• Always store your flute in the case provided. Do not be tempted to leave your flute out of the case for later use, unless you have a flute stand and a safe place to keep it. It takes only a few seconds to pack it safely into its box. 
• Keeping it inside its box when not in use protects your flute from possible accidents and also the extremes of atmospheric temperature and humidity which can quickly affect the pads and rods of your flute, which will in turn affect your playing.