Pretty good reason to clean out your tuba(s) regularly!

[David Richoux]

I know a bagpipe holds many possible terrible things, but so do tubas!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/mor ... lling-him/

[Ace]

Very important post, David. Thanks.

Ace now, where are my cleaning brushes and chemicals

[Three Valves]

My tuba isn't made of wood, cloth and animal hide.

Bagpipe lung is relatively well known.

Is tuba lung??

Tuba hernia??

[opus37]

So, what is the best way to clean an instrument? And, how often should it be done?

Quick Horn Rinse device and brushes is easy and efficient. Some just fill the horn with soapy water, let it set, brush it out and then rinse it out. Do this once every month or two. If you are really diligent, bring it to your tech and have it ultrasonically or chemically cleaned yearly.

[pjv]

Fill the bell with water.
Take a plunger to it.
Stay clear of the mouthpipe, there'll be a high pressure stream of water and gunk coming out that way.

[David Richoux]

My tuba isn't made of wood, cloth and animal hide.

Bagpipe lung is relatively well known.

Is tuba lung??

Tuba hernia??

If you read the linked article: any instrument that builds up moisture is susceptible - including brasswinds.

[bisontuba]

The Chester way: pour a bottle of hydrogen peroxide through the horn, then rinse out with water....

[edsel585960]

I pull all the slides and valves and soak it in the pool for a couple of hours. Works pretty well.

[Three Valves]

I pull all the slides and valves and soak it in the pool for a couple of hours. Works pretty well.

The same pool the kids peed in??

Ewe!!

[Reptilian]

Which method of cleaning do you guys think would be more disinfecting--ultrasonic or chem? I can get chem cheap at the store I teach at, but my friend at our rival just got a big ultrasonic tub. Intuition would make me think that acid would be better at killing germs, but I'm wondering what you guys think. Thanks

[Three Valves]

Can't you just put some bleach in the ultrasound tub to kill germs??

[Rick Denney]

Hydrogen Peroxide is better than bleach--no smell and easier to rinse out. And it works just as well at killing germs. But it won't remove gunk or calcium deposits. Gunk needs a mild degreaser (like Slime Away), and calcium needs a mild acid (though repair techs often use a not-so-mild acid--carefully)--a "chem clean" will include both. Degreasing dish detergent (like Dawn) is okay with some germs, and okay with gunk, if you scrub with a brush.

Rick "who has never had this sort of problem in 45 years of playing tuba" Denney

[pjv]

And diluted cleaning video vinegar?