Ocarina Care Instructions: How to Properly Clean and Maintain Your Ocarina

Taking care of your instrument is simple, but it must be done correctly. Ocarina Care Instructions are not complicated, yet many long-term problems come from small daily habits. Moisture buildup, food particles, improper cleaning, and temperature changes can all affect tone, tuning, and longevity.

The good news? With the right Ocarina Care Instructions, your instrument can last for decades.

This guide focuses strictly on cleaning and maintenance. We will cover protective cases and travel storage in a separate article.

If you follow nothing else in these Ocarina Care Instructions, follow this section. Most issues begin immediately after playing.

This is one of the most overlooked Ocarina Care Instructions.

Because the ocarina is a closed chamber instrument, anything you blow into it stays inside. Unlike a flute or whistle, you cannot easily disassemble and clean the internal chamber.

That leads to one simple rule: Don’t eat Cheetos before playing.

Or anything greasy. Or sugary. Or crumbly.

Food particles + moisture = sticky buildup inside the chamber. Once that happens, cleaning becomes much more difficult. Oils can cling to interior surfaces, and sugars can create odor or residue.

It is always easier to prevent contamination than to remove it later. Following this simple step makes all other Ocarina Care Instructions easier.

If you’ve just eaten, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth before playing.

Every time you play, condensation forms inside the chamber and windway. Proper Ocarina Care Instructions always include moisture removal.

• Gently tilt the ocarina and allow moisture to drain.
• Do not shake aggressively.
• Do not blow excessively hard to “force” water out.
• Never insert sharp objects into the windway.

The windway and labium edge control the tone. Damage here permanently affects sound. Respect this area when following your Ocarina Care Instructions.

Air drying is one of the simplest yet most important Ocarina Care Instructions.

• Leave the instrument out for 20–30 minutes.
• Allow air to circulate through the mouthpiece.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight.
• Never use hair dryers or heaters.

Heat can cause finish damage or cracking. Patience is safer than speed.

Use a soft, dry cloth to remove fingerprints and oils. These small daily Ocarina Care Instructions prevent long-term surface wear.

Avoid:

• Alcohol-based cleaners (especially on finished ceramic)
• Scented cleaners
• Household chemicals

Porous materials can absorb odors or chemicals, which may later affect the instrument.

You do not need deep cleaning daily. These Ocarina Care Instructions are for occasional maintenance.

If tone becomes airy or unstable, inspect the windway.

• Use clean water only (for ceramic or plastic).
• If absolutely necessary, use a thin strip of paper.
• Never use metal objects.
• Never scrape the labium edge (the small sharp edge inside the windway that splits the air to create sound).

The windway geometry determines pitch and response. Protecting it is central to all Ocarina Care Instructions.

Plastic models are more forgiving.

• Wash with mild soap and lukewarm water.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Air dry completely before playing.

Do NOT:

• Boil
• Use dishwasher
• Use harsh disinfectants

Proper Ocarina Care Instructions avoid extreme cleaning methods.

Ceramic requires gentler Ocarina Care Instructions.

• Light rinse with water if necessary.
• Avoid soaking if finish is delicate.
• Avoid scented products.

Because ceramic can absorb odors, keeping cleaning simple is best.

Disinfection is only needed if:

• The instrument was shared
• You were recently ill
• There is unusual odor

Plastic:

• Mild diluted soap solution
• Rinse thoroughly

Ceramic:

• Damp cloth wipe only
• Avoid strong chemicals

Never use bleach, boiling water, or alcohol on finished surfaces. Safe Ocarina Care Instructions preserve tuning and finish integrity.

If you are unsure about your specific model, contact our team at STL Ocarina.

Wood requires additional attention.

Wood expands and contracts with humidity. Following proper Ocarina Care Instructions prevents cracking.

• Do not play extremely long sessions without drying breaks.
• Always air dry thoroughly.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Keep away from heaters or very humid environments.

Wood stability depends on gradual changes. Sudden shifts cause stress.

If you own a wooden model, you can explore our collection of wooden ocarinas.

Metal ocarinas are durable and resistant to cracking, but they still require proper Ocarina Care Instructions to maintain tone stability and surface finish.

Unlike wood or ceramic, metal does not absorb moisture. However, condensation will still form inside the chamber during play.

• Gently tilt and drain internal moisture after each session.
• Allow the instrument to air dry before storing.
• Do not seal it in a case while still wet.

Even though metal is structurally strong, trapped moisture can still affect airflow consistency and long-term hygiene.

• Wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth after playing.
• Remove fingerprints to prevent long-term oxidation or tarnishing.
• Avoid abrasive cleaning pads.

Depending on the finish, some metal ocarinas may naturally develop a subtle patina over time. This does not affect tone and is part of the character of the instrument.

• Avoid leaving metal ocarinas in extremely hot or cold environments.
• Metal adjusts quickly to temperature changes, which can temporarily affect tuning.
• Allow the instrument to acclimate before playing.

Following these Metal Ocarina Care Instructions ensures consistent tone, stable response, and long-term durability.

If you would like to explore our current metal models, visit our collection of metal ocarinas.

Daily:

• Remove moisture
• Air dry
• Wipe exterior

Monthly:

• Inspect windway

As needed:

• Gentle cleaning

After illness:

• Careful disinfection

Simple routines protect long-term tone stability.

An ocarina is a beautifully simple instrument. With proper Ocarina Care Instructions, it can last for decades — even generations.

• Keep your mouth clean before playing
• Remove moisture
• Avoid harsh chemicals
• Protect the windway

Small daily habits make the biggest difference.

If you ever feel unsure about caring for your instrument, STL Ocarina is always happy to help.