Quick cleaning 

After playing, the recorder should be cleaned thoroughly. This prevents the accumulation of moisture and dirt, which can damage the wood and impair the sound quality.

• Disassemble
  Disassemble the recorder into its individual parts (e.g. headjoint, middle joint and footjoint).
• Dry wipe 
  Use the cleaning rod and wiping cloth supplied with your FEHR recorder to remove moisture from the inside of the recorder. Thread the cloth into the eyelet of the Cleaning rod. Carefully guide the cloth through the hole and gently wipe the inside of the flute dry. 
• Exterior cleaning
  Wipe the outside of the recorder with a soft, dry cloth. 

Regular deep cleaning  

In addition to daily cleaning, thorough cleaning every few weeks is recommended.

• Cleaning set
  Use a cleaning set that contains a flexible brush and special cleaning agent for wooden flutes  You can find these sets in well-stocked specialist shops. 
• Brushes
  Clean the inner bore with a soft brush to remove any deposits  
• Oiling
  Oil the instrument with "recorder oil" after cleaning to keep the wood supple and prevent cracks.

Oiling the recorder 

Oiling the recorder is an important part of care to keep the wood supple and resistant. In addition to special "recorder oils", natural oils such as linseed oil and almond oil can also be used.  

• Linseed oil
  Linseed oil is ideal for the care of recorders due to its deeply penetrating and hardening properties. It protects the wood from moisture and efficiently prevents cracks.
  Application of linseed oil
  Apply a small amount of linseed oil to the inside of the recorder using a soft cloth or brush. Allow the oil to soak in for a few hours and wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Linseed oil can cause rags etc. to catch fire 
• Almond oil
  Almond oil is another excellent oil for the recorder. It is particularly suitable for the outside of the recorder (beak, labium) as it nourishes the wood and gives it a slight sheen.
  Application of almond oil
  Apply a few drops of almond oil to a soft cloth and rub it evenly onto the outer surface of the recorder. Allow the oil to soak in and then polish the recorder with a dry cloth.

How to deal with moisture 

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of your recorder. Here are some tips to prevent damage from moisture 

• Playing in
  New recorders should be played in slowly. However, remember that you also need to familiarize yourself with the new instrument. Start with short playing times and gradually increase them. Get to know every single note of your new recorder. Test the reaction of your instrument at different blowing pressures.
  After playing, allow the recorder to dry completely before putting it back in its case or packaging. Avoid extreme conditions Protect the recorder from extreme temperatures and high humidity.

Caring for the cork joints 

The cork(s) at the joints of the recorder also require care 

• Greasing
  Apply cork grease to the corks regularly to keep them supple and allow the recorder to be plugged together easily. 
• Control
  Check the corks for wear and replace them if necessary. 

Storing the recorder