How do I clean my flute thoroughly?

Question

I have a cleaning cloth and a rode to clean it but I just didn't know if there is something I can soke it in.

Answer 1

Right the rod and a clean cloth.  Then you can put a tiny bit of corn starch or powder on the cloth and gently hold up under the keys to dry the underside of the valve covers. The problem is if you use too much it could interfere with their closing......don't want to gum them up.

You can shine the outside the appropriate metal polish depending on the type metal you have.  Flutes vary.  Of course you won't be able to get under all the wire and bridges.  

Answer 2

OH MY!!  Please no soaking of the flute.  Promise???  Wow! In the nick of time.  I played flute for 10 years and really, the only way to clean it safely is with the rode (USE A CLEAN CLOTH EVERYTIME PLEASE).  Ask the person who sold it to you whether you could lightly spritz cloth with some white vinegar...But other than that; if you soak it...your little delicate keys will shrivel up and die.  It's not pretty.

Good luck!!