My flute is tarnished?

Question

ok well i got a flute from my moms friend and it is tarnished and i was wondering what i can put on it. and its not really tarnished it just looks kinda like clouded over. i tried rubbing alchol but it didnt work anymore ideas

Answer 1

You need something acidic to clean it.

Try lemon juice or white vinegar.  They are both mild enough to not harm it, but acidic enough to clean it.

Answer 2

Hi Brii,

I was just reading and re-reading your question and it occured to me that you did not say if the flute was being borrowed from your mom's friend or if the lady gave it to you.  But....  if the flute does not belong to you... you don't want to do anything that will damage it beyond repair.    

When you say the flute looks clouded over,  it makes me think it is nickel-silver.  No matter what you put on it or how much you polish it,  the clouding will not be affected, as that is not unusual for nickel silver.

Even if you take it to the music store,  they can not bring the flute back to what it looked like when it was new.

However, I suggest you take it in to a music repair and ask the technician for his opinion.   Not being able to see the flute, I  am only guessing that it is nickel silver,  but the tech will be able to tell you with one glance.  He will also be able to give you his opinion of whether he can do anything for the finish.

Even if the finish is permanently discolored,  the finish will not keep you from learning how to play the flute.   But the other advice is also very important to acknowlegde.... the flute needs to be examined to determine if there are leaks and if the pads are still seating properly... or you will just have problems with getting sounds out of the flute.   Take it in and let your mom decide if it is worth keeping.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 3

I am a professional flutist and teacher since 1971, and I hope you did not TRY any of the above suggestions -they run the risk of seriously and permanently damaging your flute.  If the flute is nickel-plate, or silver, then the leaning methods will differ.  A polishing cloth may leave reside that will get into the mechanism or pads, crating a lot of wear on those parts, and the need to replace them.  Acids are just plain BAD for your flute.  Far and away the best way is to get a repair shop to clean it.  They have special solutions - one of which actually contains cyanide! - that will clean you flute well.  They will adjust and oil it, check the pads, and return your flute to you in top shape.  You will find it SO much easier to play.  I have an $8K Muramatsu, and when it comes home for the shop, it plays like a dream!  Give your own flute chance to play at ITS best for you!

Answer 4

try windex, and if you really wanna get fancy, try to get a jewelry polishing cloth