With the arrival of winter, the temperature gradually drops and the air becomes dry. For this traditional wooden musical instrument, the change of seasons brings special maintenance needs. In order to ensure that the flute can still produce a pure and wonderful sound in the cold season, and extend its service life, the following are some necessary maintenance measures.
Temperature and humidity control:
The use of indoor heating equipment in winter will make the air drier, which is very unfavorable to the wood of the flute. It is recommended to maintain the relative humidity of the room between 40%-60%, and a humidifier can be used to increase the moisture content in the air to avoid cracks or deformation due to excessive drying. At the same time, it is also necessary to avoid placing the flute directly near the radiator to prevent the temperature from causing damage to the wood.
Cleaning and maintenance:
The cleaning work of xiao cannot be ignored. After each performance, use a clean and soft cloth to gently wipe the inside and outside surfaces to remove residues such as saliva and sweat and prevent these substances from eroding the wood. If there is condensation inside the pipe, a specially designed pipe cleaning rod can be used to clean it, but the action should be gentle to avoid scratching the inner wall.
Proper storage:
When the flute is not used, it should be stored in a special flute box, which can not only protect the flute from collision damage, but also play a certain moisture-proof role. The storage place should be sheltered from light, well ventilated and away from heat sources.
Regular inspection:
Perform a thorough inspection of the flute regularly, including checking for cracks, looseness, or other abnormal conditions. If a problem is found, it should be dealt with promptly, and do not wait until the problem becomes serious before taking action. For minor wear and tear or scratches, you can consult a professional for repair advice.
Professional Care:
For valuable or collectible old xiao, it is recommended to take a professional musical instrument repair shop to do a comprehensive care every year, including waxing, oiling and other operations to keep the wood in the best condition.