Flute Maintenance
Flute Maintenance
Embedded Files
Use a flute stand or gently lay the flute on its case or on a table with the keys facing up.
When you have finished, always store the flute in the case where it is best protected.
Keep the case away from direct sunlight and heaters.
Never use grease or oil on the joints of your flute.
Use a cleaning rod and cloth to dry the inside of the flute.
Insert the cleaning cloth into the slot of the cleaning rod.
Wrap the swab around the head of the cleaning rod.
Swab out the head joint and the body of the flute.
Polish the body, keys, and levers using an instrument polishing cloth.
Polish the head joint, body and foot joint separately.
Hold the flute by the barrel so you don't apply pressure to the keys.
Instrument Service
Instrument Service
Oxfordshire woodwind teachers recommend Claire Bownds for instrument repairs and servicing. She is based in Witney.
If you discover any instrument repairers that are more local to your area, please let me know.
Knowing when to send your flute for repair can save you money, prevent long-term damage, and make playing far more enjoyable. Many issues start small — a tiny leak, a slightly sticky pad, a loose key — but gradually turn into bigger problems that affect tone, tuning and response.
If your flute suddenly sounds fuzzy, airy or lacks projection, it often means the pads aren’t sealing properly. Even one leaking pad can affect every note on the instrument.
Sticky keys, slow springs or uneven key movement are early indicators of pad wear or mechanism misalignment. This is one of the most common problems and it’s usually an easy, affordable fix when caught early.
Pads that are dark, swollen, frayed or visibly indented will not seal well. Pad replacement may be needed, especially on student flutes.
After a drop, knock or bump, even if the flute looks fine, one bent key or shifted rod can cause subtle but important changes in tuning and response. A quick technician check prevents long-term issues.
Even if nothing feels “wrong,” a routine annual service keeps the mechanism clean, aligned and sealing properly — extending the life of your pads and preventing expensive repairs later.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse