Posted by David on March 19, 2003 at 10:44:27:
In Reply to: Cleaning Frequency posted by Rocky Bivens on March 19, 2003 at 07:07:37:
If you don't want to spend the money on a good repair person doing the work for you, here is the formula that works really well to clean the horn.
1. Take it apart and run the bathtub full of cold water
2. Put a good shot of Dawn dishwashing liquid (or some other bio-degradable detergent) in the water
3. Lay the horn, slides, and valves in the water and let it soak for a good 15 - 20 minutes (oil the rotary valve springs prior to putting the horn in the water)
4. Let the soapy water out of the tub and refill with clean water to rinse the horn, slides and valves
5. Fill the tub with white vinegar
6. Put the horn, slides and valves in the vinegar (it'll take about a 30 minute soak)
7. Empty the tub and rinse everything with clean water (it may take 2 or 3 tubs of water to get all the vinegar completely removed
8. Take your cleaning brush(s) and brush out every tube you can reach
9. Rinse the horn again to remove all residue
10. Grease the slides and put back in
11. Oil the valves
The detergent is used to remove or loosen all dirt and grease from the horn. The vinegar is dilute acetic acid and is used to remove lime and calcium deposits. Both are bio-degradable so can be put into the sewer system with no problem.
Knowing that a repair person is set up to do the above work on a regular basis makes letting one of them do it that much simpler. If you have plenty of time on your hands, then by all means do the work yourself. If not, let someone do it for you. By taking your time and doing all this yourself, I would estimate the time required to be around 3 to 4 hours. Also keep in mind you will tie up the bathtub, and maybe the sink area. You will also have tuba parts on your desk or kitchen table for the kids or pets to play with as well as being in the way of your roommate or spouse.
Hope this helps any of you do your own cleaning.