Lime Away/CLR

[MileMarkerZero]

Anyone ever use it to clean lime deposits out of a horn?

If so, how do you think it will effect a satin silver horn finish?

[Dean E]

Anyone ever use it to clean lime deposits out of a horn?

If so, how do you think it will effect a satin silver horn finish?

I've used CLR on three satin-silver horns with success.

I've used CLR, normally diluted, and highly recommend it for removing black corrosion from old project horns. I've done a sousa and a helicon in a child's wading pool, and an upright horn in the bathtub.

I've also used diluted CLR for removing green deposits from slides and valves, assisted by a brass-bristle auto detailer's brush and brass-bristle shotgun bore brushes.

[iiipopes]

I have heard CLR was designed to clean deposits from the reservoirs of modern Mr. Coffee style coffee makers, so it should be fine for tubas. I may have to run some through mine and see how it goes. If I do, I'll report back in a post.

[djwesp]

It will in fact take the laquer off of some things, however, not well enough to strip a trumpet. I was told by many people to strip the horn with CLR, it worked, kinda. I then consulted the tubenet freak jury for the appropriate materials.


Just be careful not to spill it or let it touch the finish.

[bububassboner]

This seems good but the back of a CLR bottle says DO NOT use on brass. I don't want to use it on a horn if it's going to damage it. If anyone who has knowlege of this stuff (plumber?) who chime in to clear this up that would be nice.

[ASTuba]

CLR will not damage brass, provided you don't let it sit in their for an absurdly long time. However, I haven't found it to be an effective cleaner of brass either.

[iiipopes]

The problem is using it straight instead of diluting and using to the label directions, so it eats the lime, calcium and rust, but doesn't eat into whatever it is you're cleaning.

As with everything, it is probably safe if used according to the manufacturer's directions.