Anything to rid a flute of a mildewy smell?

Question

I left it in the case too long and I wondered what I could do before resorting to a repadding.  I've seen estimates anywhere from $200 to $500 in this area.  $500 is too much based on the value of the instrument.  Anyway, it plays fine and looks fine, it's just unpleasant to play because of the smell.

I've left it out of the case for a little while to air out, but that's not helping at all.

Swazowski2 · Accepted Answer

What you want to do is this. first you need to wash it out. run some water through it and really wash it. this may take some time because of the drying that is required after the wshing is done. when drying, you have to dry under every key at least 3 times because if you don't the pads will obsorb the water and it will smell some more and they could fall off. then if that doesn't work it sounds like you need to see someone who specializes in this kind of stuff like smelly insruments. good luck

_ · Answer

You need to flush your flute with something to kill the fungus growth. A solution of 1/10 bleach and 9/10 water should work. Be sure that after you flush with bleach that you rinse with warm water. 
Note: If your flute is made of metal, you might not want to do this. The bleach could tarnish the metal, which might lead to corrosion. If your flute is metal try some alcohol. Again, make sure to rinse with warm water afterward. Hope it helps.
Regards, Siekuto.

love in siberia · Answer

just wipe a fuzzy stick thing you should have gotten with it thru the flute. then, go around the keys and in them & such with papertowels, and alcohol.  that's what i do with my clarinet.

Mango Muncher · Answer

clean it

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Anything to rid a flute of a mildewy smell?

4 Answers