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How to Oil a Wooden Clarinet

With a rich, full-bodied sound, clarinets are featured in symphony orchestras in the woodwind section. Proper maintenance of any instrument is necessary, but is especially crucial for wooden instruments. Wood needs to be oiled or it will dry and crack, compromising the quality of sound. These defects could make the instrument unplayable.

Things You'll Need

Oil (almond or olive)
Cotton swabs
Paper towels
Hand towels

Instructions

- 1
  Take apart your clarinet. It's easier to apply oil to the individual pieces rather than the entire piece.
- 2
  Dip a cotton swab into almond or olive oil. Natural organic oils work best on wood instruments.
- 3
  Gently apply the oil to the instrument, avoiding the pads. Use multiple swabs for this process.
- 4
  Wrap a long stick with a rag. Apply some oil to the rag, and gently run it through the inside of the clarinet, again being careful to avoid the pads.
- 5
  Set the clarinet on paper towels so that they can absorb the excess oil. Allow the instrument to sit like this overnight.
- 6
  Wipe up any excess oil with an old hand towel the next day.

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