I recently bought a couple inexpensive bamboo whistles (a low G and a low D to see if I like playing a low D before I spend lots of money on one). What should I do to clean and care for these in general? Anything I can do to help keep the mouthpiece sanitary, or am I just out of luck with the bamboo?
Okay, this will sound gross, but if you sip a beverage during little breaks while whistle playing, rinse your mouth out with water a few times before you start playing again. This at least prevents some gunk from building up-----I drink coffee and started doing this and it made quite a difference.
I wouldn’t worry too much about it. Unless you stick your whistles into really dirty places, this not a big concern. If you do stick your whistles into really dirty places, we don’t want to hear about it… :roll:
Besides, by now you’ve probably decided that you really do like low whistles and will be buying some non-bamboo ones pretty soon, right?
I’ve had bamboo whistles (and flutes) for a few years now and have never cleaned them with anything. In fact, I painted one with spray paint (up to the mouthpiece) and it is still fine, so I don’t think they need any special care.
If you’re really concerned about germs or bacteria, dipping the mouthpiece in mouthwash or peroxide and letting it dry before playing again should help.