: How to clean a smelly flute? I've been playing the flute for a while, an noticed that my flute headjoint is smelling a little funky. How do I clean it, and is it safe to wash the headjoint (after removing the cork)? P.S.

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There are plenty of tutorials for cleaning instruments online, for example:

Taylor Music's "Piccolo / Flute Cleaning Instructions"
UNLV School of Music's "Instrument Hygiene"
Jennifer Cluff's "How to Clean a Flute"

In summary though, a cloth and a small amount of rubbing alcohol should be enough to clean your flute once the cork is removed. If rubbing alcohol does not work, it might be worth taking your flute to someone who cleans and repairs instruments like flutes professionally (similar to having a guitar set up or a piano retuned). Getting a professional to give it a thorough clean is almost always worth it, and they may offer some professional advice on instrument maintenance for the future if you ask.