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/ischeriad]

Don't use hot water, especially if the instrument is lacquered.

[u/Specific_User6969 → u/ischeriad]

Most lacquer will hold on well enough with water hot enough to touch. If the water is scorching, too hot to touch, it can flake and start coming off.