Sorry to post a question that I’m sure has been answered many times.
I tried a search but could find the answer.
What is a safe way to clean the embouchure hole? I think I’ve seen mention of sprit on a cotton bud and then applying some oil after, I just wonder if this could make the wood move.
That’s exactly what I do, and I didn’t notice any negative effects so far.
Usually, gunk on/in your embouchure comes off really easily - skip the spit part, and dab whatever oil you use on a cotton swab and it should clean right off, already oiled. If you really have buildup, rubbing alcohol works without harming the wood and then, of course, oil the embouchure again. What you don’t want to do is use anything abrasive, hard or be too forceful. But unless you’re restoring an old, uncared for flute, the first is probably all you’ll need to do - just do it regularly.
How about a polymer flute? Is alcohol safe?
I think they are relatively inert. With the exception of the threads or cork. 
Use the alcohol.
^Ah! I see… well, of course I use the alcohol! Oh… you meant on the flute.
Ahem - thanks!
The Wise Man Breaks Wind And Is Gone…
Alcohol might slightly bleach the polymer.
Kevin Krell
Hmmm… what would you recommend?
How about the cleaning solution used for computer screens and plastics?
How about Windex for the plastic ones?
I’ve been watching this thread, waiting for someone to say one very important thing but haven’t seen it so far, so here it is:
Try not to even touch the blowing edge, not edge-on anyway. All of my flutes have a lovely, sharp edge that contributes greatly to the responsiveness of the instrument; the ones that didn’t come that way have been “sharpened”. Not all flutes have such a sharp, and therefore fragile, blowing edge, but this area is nevertheless vulnerable. Any kind of contact with the edge could damage it, either right now or slowly over time. Be careful! Cheers,
Rob
i was wondering if someone was going to say it, too, but because i was wondering about it. what exactly is the blowing edge–the part on the outside of the flute, or the whole chimney?
I’d say, in standard parlance anyway, it’s the sharp edge on the opposite side of the embouchure hole from where your lip rests. The “target,” if you will. Cheers,
Rob
where they meet!
I notice that some makers put an inset in that place,
e.g. note the amber inset in the Peter Noy headjoint
that Jessie K is selling as part of her house-funding sale.
Others are made of bone and maybe metal.
I suppose the idea is to create a more durable blowing
edge. Perhaps also a sharper one?
I wonder if these are superior sounding to wood.
Never played one.
That’s a better answer by far. Cheers,
Rob
I used alcohol on mine. Started black. Stayed black. You would have to use a lot of alcohol for a very long time to bleach that delrin, I would think. But, if you are cautious, test it on a place that won’t be seen.
Thank you! Sound advice, all. Marked and 'membered.
I do realize the importance of the edge on the embouchure (tone holes as well, I believe - but to less of a degree). It’s one of the risky bits about used instruments. I’ve had to clean a couple on used flutes recently (along with some ugly black gunk in the headjoint of one) - but my other flutes and fifes have never needed it (I carefully wipe out the embouchure and tone holes after use). I’m a bit obsessive about such (not necessarily a good thing).
Rob, I did mention not to use anything hard, or abrasive, or use force, when cleaning the embouchure - I thought caution on the edge itself was implied. I don’t really think a Q-tip’ll damage the edge, though, which is all I recommended be used. Since the worry was gunk built up (possibly on the edge), something would have to actually touch the embouchure - cotton and oil seem safe enough, no?
Regarding Delrin, I’ve never owned a Delrin flute, but I’d imagine the safest thing to use would be soap and water, again, on a Q-tip.
Based on working with the stuff, delrin is a lot more resistant than wood, or pvc. You don’t have to pussyfoot around with delrin. Just use common sense. Don’t put it in the dishwasher, for instance, because you will screw up the cork. Or the thread. Or you can bang it with a few pots and pans, but likely it will give as good as it gets. You can wash it out good with soap and water, and I don’t think the edge is as easy to screw up as wood. You will do more to mess up your embouchure edge by slobbering all over it and not cleaning it than giving it a good bath once in a while. 
My whole reason for levitating to Delrin/polymer flutes in the first place is their lack of need for care and imperviousness to weather conditions. While I use flute for recording; it’s highest function for me is when it accompanies me for songs from the wood. I spend an average of 5 days a month living in the woods of Virginia playing my flute and talking to trees - and I don’t care if it’s raining. A terrible fate for a nice wooden flute!
Now would that be the wood, paper or plastic stemmed Q-tips that are safe to use?
I’m just kiddin’ around (about the Q-tips)!
If you spend enough time performing, you either develop a sense of humor or decide to stay home.
I used just almond oil on the wood of the emboucher. It had just a moderate build up on it from playing and it cleaned away easily enough with a cotton bud.
I was a bit surprised about the comment of not touching the blowing edge at all, I knew they are delicate but didn’t know they were to quite that degree. I think I’ll have to have a close look at mine with a magnifing glass.It seems pretty sharp to me but I must confess I have touched it with my finger and I guess it wasn’t the first time in it’s 100 odd years.
Kevin