Posted by Dean on June 26, 2003 at 10:16:32:
In Reply to: Horn cleaning posted by Tim on June 26, 2003 at 00:18:33:
If the horn is old enough to have valve wear-but you are experiencing no sluggishness from oil residue-water and mild soap or detergent would be OK. Any film buildup theoretically compensates for metallic wear and there's no need to remove possible buildup.
If it's a new horn with sluggish valves due to film buildup from old valve oils, one option is lacquer thinner. I buy it from the hardware store and use it for all kinds of household cleanup projects. Use it carefully, but keep it away from any lacquered horn finish, of course.
Also, avoid chemically active household and industrial cleaners, which often contain ammonia, lye, and acids.
Use a soft cotton cloth. Carefully lay the valves on another cloth in a container to prevent them from rolling off your work table.