How do I get rid of sticky keys on my flute?

Question

I have tried Money and ciggarettepapers and they have not worked.
Are there any other ways I can clean of the keys of my flute.

Answer 1

Oh gosh. You can clean your flute with alcohol and a q tip..... depending on what type the finish is. I do this with my open holed sterling silver flute and with my closed hole nickel plated. Make sure it is totally dry before you put it away. Please treat your flute in a better way so it doesn't get sticky. I have played flute for 37 years. I have never heard of using papers to clean it. That would scratch the finish I would think. Probably some new way to make you spend more money on your flute.

Answer 2

Cigarette papers are the best way to clean sticky pads. Most flutes come with a pack of them when you buy them. How long has it been since you've had your flute professionally cleaned? You should take your flute in for a cleaning and "check-up" once a year. If the papers don't get rid of the sticking, you should take it into your local music store and have their repair shop clean it.

Answer 3

I've played flute for 18 years myself and I repair them as well. I certainly would NEVER use a baby wipe or Chlorox wipe. I used to use a paper towel. Hold the sticking keys down and pull the towel out. If that doesn't help, having a couple pads replaced isn't going to run you a lot of money. As a matter of fact, if you do it yourself, it'll cost less than a few dollars.

Answer 4

Go to the beauty supply store and get the paper end wraps which are used in perms. These are nicely absorbant, and will work when money doesn't. If it doesn't quite do the trick, moisten the papers with rubbing alchohol and then press the pad with it.

The alchohol on the Q-tip works great as a last result, but be very very careful.

I also opted to have cork pads on my Brannen piccolo and sideskirted the problem that way altogether.

Answer 5

You can buy paper made for sticky keys at a music store.