{"id":21797,"date":"2020-02-14T12:58:57","date_gmt":"2020-02-14T20:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=21797"},"modified":"2023-11-02T11:44:30","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T18:44:30","slug":"how-to-care-for-your-drums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/how-to-care-for-your-drums\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Clean Drums (Maintenance Tips)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Drums make perfect companions. They\u2019re always there when you need them. They don\u2019t judge you. They know how to make you happy. They come in all shapes and sizes and no matter your preference, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We need to care for the ones we love, right? And how better to do that than with some light polishing, dusting, and other forms of maintenance (that you should reserve for drums, not people)? Keeping your drum set, cymbals<\/a>, and hardware in excellent shape will extend their lifespan, reduce squeaks\/friction, and ensure they play beautifully for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from gifting your drums with good cases to keep them safe and sound, here are some basic tips to show them how much you care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular maintenance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unless you have extra time in your schedule and are extremely committed to your drums, you can keep your babies looking and sounding great with regular light maintenance. Cleaning your drums removes dirt and particle buildup which, if left to accumulate over time, can affect performance and longevity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While metal and acrylic drums might require slightly different cleaning techniques, we\u2019re going to stick with classic wood construction for the purpose of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the bare minimum, here\u2019s how you can keep your drums happy:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Remove the hoops and heads from each drum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wipe down the bearing edge and the inside of the shell with a damp cloth (microfiber if possible, but a soft cotton t-shirt works as a last resort)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Give the outside a shine with the same cloth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Make sure everything is dry, and replace heads if needed before reassembling everything<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Lubricate the moving parts on your pedal(s) to keep them working smoothly (you can use special bearing oil or even sewing machine oil)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Deep cleaning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Don\u2019t forget to treat that special someone every once in a while. Think of it like taking your drums to the spa. It might take a bit more time and effort, but it\u2019ll be an experience that\u2019ll benefit every drum set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Take your drums apart. Remove the hoops and heads. Repeat the steps in the \u2018regular maintenance\u2019 section, taking care to not use paper towel or a material that could scratch the finish, but consider cleaning with mild soap and water. You should also add the following steps every now and then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Polish and condition shells<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You can use polish to restore shine to lacquer finishes and glossy wraps. Try to choose one that\u2019s formulated for drums, since you can\u2019t always guarantee other products don\u2019t contain chemicals that could damage the finish. Some people swear by furniture or car polish, but always test a small, less visible area first before applying it to the whole drum – just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If your bearing edge is a bit rough or uneven, detail-oriented drummers might want to use a bearing edge conditioner. Some swear it helps seat the head better. This isn\u2019t a necessary step, but it\u2019s something to consider if you\u2019re the type to leave no stone unturned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Clean hardware<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Once you remove the hoops and tension rods, consider removing the lugs as well. You can use an all-purpose metal\/chrome cleaner or polish on most hardware, although you should be careful and go for something with mild ingredients if yours has a colored finish or plate. You can use an old toothbrush to clean the inside of the lugs and tension rods, but use a cloth on the bigger pieces to avoid scratches. The same goes for cymbal stands and other hardware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    When it comes to metal maintenance, make sure you don\u2019t leave your drums or hardware exposed to excess moisture where they could rust or corrode. If it\u2019s too late and some rust has made an appearance, use wire wool to gently remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lubricate hardware<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    One you\u2019ve serviced your pedal, you should also add a tiny bit of lubricating oil to your tension rods and the wingnuts on your stands to encourage movement and prevent the threads from stripping over time. One drop can go a long way – don\u2019t overdo it or you\u2019ll end up with a mess on your hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If you include these points in your maintenance routine, you\u2019ll extend the life of your drums while keeping them looking and sounding awesome. And while your drums will always love you unconditionally, you\u2019ll be able to sleep better knowing extra care can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treat your drums right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n