How do you clean a trombone case?

Question

I just started to play the trombone awhile back, and I got a school one. The trombone case reeks thanks to the last user of the case, and I don't know how to clean it. If I can't clean it though, about how much is a new case?

Answer 1

Cleaning: I use Mi-T-Mist by Roche Thomas all the time to disinfect instruments, and it works to disinfect and freshen up cases as well. You can get it at www.interstatemusic.com. $1.98 for 2 oz, $5.88 for 8 oz. The 2 oz. should do the trick for you.

You can also spray regular old rubbing alcohol in it, but it won't smell as good.

If you prefer, you can buy a new case. Prices range from about $60 to about $180 depending on what type of trombone you are using (peashooter or trigger, slide or valve, etc). You can get those at Interstate Music as well. I can't get the website to pull up right now to give you exact prices (stupid dial-up), but Interstate Music always has the best prices, cost plus 10%.

If you buy a new case, just don't get rid of the old one since it belongs to the school! When you return the trombone to the school (if you get a new one, go to a new school, or promote to a new school), just put it back in the old case and keep the new one unless you just want to donate it to the school. Although I'm sure they would appreciate it if you donate it!

Answer 2

I'll tell you what, but I'm not an expert on Trombone case maintenance, but here's what you need to do. Take the Trombone case out side preferably in the full sun, open it up and lean it against a wall, or a secure object. Now run in the house a get some liquid dish soap and trot back outside to the case , and squirt the dish soap all over inside the case, top to bottom. Given you may have to lay the case down flat to do a good job, with the soap, about 3oz. is plenty.
OK now stand the case back up , get the garden hose and use a spray nozzle, or use your thumb and spray the hell out of the inside of that Trombone case, paying special attention to the ends of the case. Spray that sucker until you've got soap and bubbles everywhere! Eventually though you will have sprayed away all the soap and bubbles and once that case rinses clear with the hose spraying find a nice new place to stand it up to dry, that is definitely in full sun, say at least 7-8 hours per day. Let the case dry in the sun for 2-days, may be longer depending, but leave it out there for as long as it takes for that material and fabric from within to become bone @ss dry! Then get your horn and introduce it to it's new friend. NOTE: It does not matter what the case is made of metal , wood , plastic, leather or glass. It will handle the cleaning, not to worry, Blast it!

Answer 3

Your local music store can provide you with answers about the cost of a new case. As to cleaning one, without detail of what is wrong, I am just guessing. Try spraying some Febreze in the case. Also, you can try sprinkling some baking soda and leaving it in for a while. Try these without the trombone in the case, though, to avoid a mess!
Good luck!

Answer 4

First vacuum it out real good. Then over a weekend spray it with a disinfectant, like lysol. Then spray with an air freshner. Leave the case open as long as possible. If the case still smells keep a fabric softner sheet in your case. Eventually the smell will go away.

Answer 5

What kind of slide oil were you using? You could always try a different brand. Maybe it'd help a little more. Mine is only a few years old, so I've never had the problem :(