How can I clean my alto sax?

Question

I have a student sax, I played for about six years throughout middle and high school.  I graduated in 2004 and in the 5 years since have played it possibly 4 times on a whim.  I found a community band I want to join, but my horn is in baaad shape.  Apparently I didn't take great care of it, the inside is pretty gross and the tiny pad on the neck is green (yuck I know).  How can I clean this to the best of my ability until I can get it to a professional?

Kab · Accepted Answer

Wipe the area that is yucky with a cloth damp with baking soda water. After the gunk is gone wipe it with a dry micro fiber cloth.
For the inside make a swab out of a piece of microfiber which can be pushed completely through the small end.(That is to determine size)
Moisten the cloth with soda water. Tie a string that you can drop through from the big end. Pull the cloth through as many times as needed. Again pull a dry cloth through several times. 
Get it to a shop.

gtarczar · Answer

To clean a brass instrument use brasso cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use any caustic chemicals that can damage the lacquer finish any more than it already is. You will most likely have to get the instrument repadded. Take it to your local music store and let them give you an estimate

pro_sassenheime · Answer

Give it a acid bath and remember to renew the rubber joints in it
afterward as they do tend to melt down a little in the process!
I'm just kidding!  I'm just being a bit funny on here and could not tell you.

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How can I clean my alto sax?

3 Answers