Flutes wetting out and flute care

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PEACEFUL SPIRIT FLUTES FLUTE CARE TIPS          - Terry Mack

Flutes will get better with age providing you look after them.
 
Wooden flutes experience wetting out. As you blow your warm breath into the short air chamber of the flute, the moisture from your breath condenses and leaves water droplets building up in the slow air chamber and in the flue, (air channel under the block). When this happens, you will notice a change in the quality of the sound you are making with the flute.
 
If you have been playing for awhile and your flute is quite wet, I recommend taking the block off to let the air chamber dry out and to let the bottom of the block dry out as well. Looking after your flute in this way, helps to prevent the development of cracks in the air chamber. This is especially important in humid climates.
                                                                                                                                                                                                      
It is recommended to avoid eating or drinking when you play your flute. Food particles carried on your breath can be a source for anything that that might grow in the slow air chamber. Liquids will make your flute wet out faster.

Here are a few more tips on caring for your flute.

• Untie your whistle block after lengthy playing to allow the inside to dry out. This helps to avoid

          mildew inside the body. I spray a bit of tea tree oil into the mouth area and into the sound holes to help sanitize the sound            chamber of the flute and to destroy any bacteria that could be growing.
          Some people suggest using a clean, dry cloth to dry the air channel but make sure it is a cloth that does not leave little                 bits of it in or on the flute.

• Keep your flute out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. Don't leave it your car for extended periods of time.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes. For example: Don't step out from a warm cabin into a cold night to play or a cold location into a warmer area and start playing. It may crack your flute.

• if you have to return your flute to the bag once you have finished playing, remember to take it  as soon as you can to let it dry
  USING ALCOHOL ON YOUR FLUTE
  Some people have reported damage to the flute inner chamber from cleaning flutes with alcohol.

        Instead, after playing, slide the block back and allow the inner chamber to air dry or untie the
        strapping, and take the block off, to let the flute dry, you can always check with the maker to find out if alcohol will have an           impact on the finishes used.
 
OILING OR WAXING YOUR FLUTE

• Don't use vegetable oils on your flute. These can go rancid over time.
• If you choose to use any oil on your flute, use very small amounts and wipe off the excess quickly
• If the mouth end of the flute becomes dry and you wish to oil it use a non- toxic oil such as butcher

block oil or Clapham’s Wax.  
 
Most flutes will not require any extensive oiling on the inside. When in doubt check with the flute maker or your flute seller for further information.
 
 
For more information you can visit:  http://www.woodenflute.com/maintaining 
 

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