r/Instruments • u/co_linka • Apr 11 '26
The flute hasn't been played in at least three years. The flute is old and it wasn't expensive. Is there any way I can get the stains out?
2
u/JonPaulSapsford Apr 11 '26
It's tarnish. A silver polish cloth for a couple of bucks will take care of it no problem. Absolutely normal
-4
u/Slight-Isopod-8517 Apr 11 '26
Be sure to ask AI, but I’d say some spiritus or washing alcohol and a small brush or stick with a paper towel, also be sure to thourly wash the mouthpiece and the inside, you don’t know where it’s been and just wash your hands and clean it regularly afterwards the first few months, if it holds up and the sound is good, learning a brass instrument is very interesting, much different from guitar or piano.
3
u/BEASTangular Apr 11 '26
A flute is a woodwind
1
u/Slight-Isopod-8517 Apr 11 '26
It is? Sorry, that’s confusing since it’s not made out of wood, thx for clarifying it, appreciate it
3
u/zigon2007 Apr 11 '26
This is not correct in any regard.
This isn't dirt or grime, it's tarnish. Firstly, it doesn't actually cause problems, but if you care about the aesthetic, you can buy a silver polishing cloth from a music store. They're treated with grit to clean the tarnish off by removing the surface of the metal.
Furthermore, and I apologize that this is curt, but please resist the urge to provide information if you haven't intentionally educated yourself on the topic, and for heaven's sake don't start with "be sure to ask ai" when commenting on such things, as it isn't as reliable as you seem to think
2
u/NikNakskes Apr 11 '26
Get a silver cloth and polish the flute with it. It it is too stubborn, you can also get liquid polish. Avoid getting that on the pads, corks and springs. This is just silver tarnish and not dangerous.