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How do you clean slides (mainly, degreasing the tubes and cleaning the inside)

My repair tech suggested 409. It seems to work extremely well and not affect any part of the finish that I can see (haven't tried it on silver). It doesn't taste real good. So thorough rinsing is a good idea.

I use Brasso for the inside of the slides. It works EXTREMELY well, but don't let it get on the laquer or silver.

I've found the brass brushes and cotton swabs in a shotgun cleaning kit do a nice (and easy) job...

Put valve oil on the slides to de-grease, slide them in and out, wipe and repeat several times. Then take the slides to the sink and use a 3M Scotch-Brite pad on them with soap and water. Run a brush-snake thru them at the sink and rinse. Be careful not to let it get caught in sharp bends (like on 2nd valve slides).

And if you have some nasty built up calcium/lime deposits (hard, bumpy white film) inside your slides, get 1/2" and 3/4" bristle brushes to scour that crap out. Then rinse and apply grease.

I have done this on my tubas with excellent results.

Here is what type of brush I am talking about:
http://www.thebandroom.biz/01_item_action.php?id=447" target="_blank ....but I got them cheaper at Lowe's in the plumbing section. I am sure Home Depot has them too.

ghmerrill wrote:My repair tech suggested 409. It seems to work extremely well and not affect any part of the finish that I can see (haven't tried it on silver). It doesn't taste real good. So thorough rinsing is a good idea.

I like this stuff. It's environmentally friendly, safe for silver and lacquer, comes in convenient, single use packets, AND tastes minty fresh.