How do I sanitize my instrument or bow?
“Hello, Wyatt Family,
I have heard a variety of ways to sanitize string instruments, but I was wondering if you could share with me how you sanitize your instruments in your shop? What is safe to wipe on the instrument’s neck/fingerboard? Thank you in advance for your help!”
The Question above is one of many we are getting from musicians, local teachers, and others. Below is our attempt to suggest some answers. The best thing you can do, really, is -Be Responsible: Do not lend your instrument to others unless absolutely necessary. The less the instrument is handled and away from your control, the less it is exposed to possible contamination.
Cleaning Orchestral Instruments for Virus/Bacteria
Cleaning your instrument takes on a whole new meaning during the COVID-19 health concerns. The following information is designed to explain and clarify what we can about this process.
I. You should always use your cleaning cloth every day to remove rosin, hand prints, and dust from strings, chin rest, fingerboard, and the surface of the instrument.
-Also, wipe down the bow with the cloth.
-Vacuum your case to remove dust and rosin chips.
The above tips are recommended on a regular basis. However, while we are doing all we can to protect ourselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus – consider doing extra to provide even more protection.
II. To enhance your cleaning process, add a cleaning agent that contains ingredients that help to kill viruses and bacteria.
STEP 1 – THE INSTRUMENT
*****DO NOT USE THE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE****
A. What to use: Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol 70%). Apply with small cotton cloths very sparingly. Make the cloth damp but not dripping wet.
(DO NOT USE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE, SEE BELOW IN PROCESS)
Alcohol wipes are another option. They are available in most cleaning supply stores, and will provide a cloth that is less likely to drip. (Cover your instrument and all varnish areas to protect from any drips etc.)
B. The Process: Fold the dampened cloth to make sure you focus only on the parts described below.
Alcohol when applied properly can help kill viruses and bacteria, but Alcohol can damage the varnish on fragile instruments.
So - DO NOT USE THE ALCOHOL ON THE VARNISH SURFACE.
Use the Alcohol ONLY ON:
-The chin rest, and shoulder rest
-Strings – also helps to remove rosin. Wipe carefully along the whole string.
-Fingerboard
-Pegs – the end part used to turn the peg.
-Neck (that part of the neck you touch while playing)
Step 2 – THE BOW
A. What to Use:
Alcohol (as described in Step 1)
B. The Process: Apply as follows:
-Wood Bows: use the alcohol on the frog and the grip only. Use your regular cleaning cloth (Dry – no alcohol on the cloth) to wipe down the stick. Some bows react differently to any solvents on the wood.
-Carbon, composite or fiberglass bows: use the alcohol on the frog and the stick. Be careful to not touch the hair with the alcohol and use alcohol sparingly.
Step 3 – THE CASE
A. What to use: Alcohol (as described in Step 1); for case surfaces you can also use Clorox wipes effectively. Lysol spray may also be used for case surfaces.
B. The Process: Apply as follows:
-Wipe the handle and latch, bow holders, inside compartment handles and any other place you touch regularly with the alcohol or Clorox wipes.
-Use the cloth to wipe down the exterior of the case.
-Lysol spray can be used – sparingly to sanitize larger areas inside the case. Make sure to remove the bow and instrument while doing this step. Allow the case to dry and vacuum the inside before placing the bow and instrument back into the case.
In addition to cleaning your instrument, bow and case:
IMPORTANT TIPS
-Good Hygiene: We recommend that you wash your hands with soap and/or use hand sanitizer before touching your case, bow or instruments. Do this regularly and the need to sanitize the instrument is greatly reduced.
-The Instrument: While holding the instrument, try not to touch the varnish. Hold the instrument by the neck with one hand. Only touch the chin rest, shoulder rest, and pegs (all can be wiped down with the alcohol later when you clean it). Use the “dry” cleaning cloth on the varnish and refresh the cloth regularly (most cloths are machine washable).
-The Bow: While handling the bow, try to limit your handling to the frog and the grip. Never touch the hair; and always hold the bow by the frog and grip – not by the stick.
-The Case: Never set the case on the floor. Viruses and Bacteria is tracked on the floor with shoes. Sitting the case on the floor can contaminate the case. Keep the case clean and dry. Follow cleaning tips in the Step 3 above.
-Be Responsible: Do not lend your instrument to others unless absolutely necessary. The less the instrument is handled and away from your control, the less it is exposed to possible contamination.
We look forward to the day that virus spread is under control. Our thanks to teachers and students for working together on this issue.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS WASH YOUR HANDS
and follow recommendations from our local governments and the CDC!
*These tips are distributed with the best intention to aid in the effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. We want you to be safe. The tips are meant to be a temporary solution and normal cleaning and instrument care will be sufficient for the long-term future - after the virus spread is contained. Improper application of the methods described above may cause damage or void warranty terms. 04/20/20
