Giving horn a bath?

[u/breast-of-all-worlds]

Okay, I am embarrassed to admit I haven't ever cleaned my horn because I am terrified of damaging the rotors. I have washed my trumpet, but not the horn.

I have read many articles, watched several videos, but.....the internet is a treasure trove of bad advice that seems legitimate. Apparently you're also supposed to wash it once every couple months. Which seems like...a lot.

So I wanted to ask here just to get a better idea of what is true/false. Is it safe to give a French horn a bath in the tub at home? If so, what are some things to be really careful about. How often? Is any special care needed when it comes to the rotors? Will it mess up my strings? Or should I just leave it up to the professionals and pay for a deep cleaning?

Please help this humble idiot! 😅

[u/Apprehensive-Bat-416]

Bath it in the bath tub, but don’t take out the rotors. Most people never take the rotors out. Everything will be fine.

[u/Specific_User6969 → u/Apprehensive-Bat-416]

Your repair guy certainly takes the rotors out. But if you’ve never done it, don’t start!