how to clean drums

Everly

3 min read

·

13-01-2025

31

0

Share

Cleaning your drums regularly is crucial for maintaining their sound, longevity, and overall appearance. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the best methods for cleaning different drum components, ensuring your kit stays in top shape.

Preparing Your Drums for Cleaning

Before you begin, gather your supplies. You'll need:

• Microfiber cloths: These are gentle yet effective at removing dirt and grime.
• Drum cleaning solution: A specialized drum cleaner is ideal, but a mild soap and water solution works well for many drums. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Soft brushes: Use brushes with soft bristles to avoid scratching the drum's finish. Old toothbrushes are perfect for hard-to-reach areas.
• Buckets: One for clean water and one for dirty water.
• Clean towels: For drying your drums thoroughly.

Cleaning Drum Shells

The drum shells are usually the largest part requiring cleaning. Here's how:

Step 1: Dusting

Start by dusting the drum shells with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth to remove loose dust and debris. This prevents scratching during the next steps.

Step 2: Washing

Prepare your cleaning solution. For most drums, a mixture of lukewarm water and mild dish soap is sufficient. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out well to avoid excess water, and gently wipe down the entire drum shell. Pay close attention to areas that tend to accumulate grime, such as the bearing edges.

Step 3: Rinsing and Drying

Rinse the drum shell with clean water, again using a damp (not soaking wet) cloth. Thoroughly dry the shell with a clean, soft towel, ensuring no water remains trapped in the seams or hardware.

Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, try a specialized drum cleaner. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Cleaning Drum Hardware

Drum hardware, including lugs, hoops, and mounting hardware, can accumulate dirt and grime quickly. Follow these steps for effective cleaning:

Step 1: Disassembly (If Possible)

If your drum hardware is easily removable, take it apart. This will allow you to clean each piece thoroughly. Many drummers remove their lugs and hoops for cleaning, then reassemble.

Step 2: Cleaning

Use a soft brush (an old toothbrush is perfect) and your cleaning solution to scrub the hardware. Pay attention to crevices and hard-to-reach spots.

Step 3: Drying

Dry all hardware pieces thoroughly with a clean towel before reassembling.

Cleaning Drum Heads

Drum heads are delicate and require extra care. Here's how to clean them properly:

Step 1: Gentle Cleaning

Use a slightly damp cloth and a mild soap solution to gently wipe down the drum heads. Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaners, as they could damage the heads.

Step 2: Spot Cleaning

For stubborn stains, use a soft brush and your cleaning solution to gently spot clean. Again, avoid scrubbing vigorously.

Step 3: Drying

Dry the drum heads thoroughly with a clean towel. Allow them to air dry completely before playing.

Caution: Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on drum heads!

Cleaning Cymbals

Cymbals require a different approach due to their delicate nature. Here are some tips:

• Regular wiping: After each playing session, wipe down cymbals with a soft cloth to remove any sweat, dust, or grime.
• Deep cleaning: For a more thorough cleaning, use a specialized cymbal cleaner and a soft cloth or brush.
• Avoid harsh chemicals: Just like with drum heads, avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the cymbal's finish.

Maintaining Your Drums

Regular cleaning is vital for preserving your drums. Remember to:

• Clean your drums after every use.
• Store your drums in a dry place to prevent mold and mildew.
• Use protective cases or covers to prevent scratches and damage.

By following these tips, you can ensure your drums remain clean, sound great, and last for years. Remember that prevention is key; regular cleaning prevents build-up and major cleaning issues down the line. Happy drumming!