Prepare the Bathtub:

• Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water. Ensure the water level is high enough to submerge the instrument, but not so high that it will overflow when the horn is in the water.
  Note: It is important that the water is not too hot. Scalding water can (and will) damage your instrument by removing lacquer, softening solder joints causing leaks, damaging valve felts, etc. 
• Add a few drops of mild dish soap to the water and mix it gently.

Disassemble the Instrument:

• Carefully remove the mouthpiece, slides, valves, valve caps, and any detachable parts from the instrument.
  Do not disassemble the valves, just pull them out of the instrument. See valve diagram below.
• Check for braces that wiggle or move. 
• Be sure to keep track of all parts so they don’t get lost or damaged. We recommend putting them into a colander so they can soak but not run away into the tub. Set the valves off to the side, those should NOT be soaked. 
• Hint: if this is your first time bathing your instrument, take a photo of how the slides are before disassembling, to make reassembly easier. Most instruments have the valves numbered, number 1 is closest to the mouthpiece. 

Submerge the Instrument:

• Slowly lower the instrument into the soapy water. Be gentle to avoid damaging any delicate parts.
• Let it soak for 10-15 minutes to loosen grime and buildup. 

Clean with a Brush:

• Use a soft valve casing brush (or toothbrush) to gently scrub the instrument’s tubing, bell, and other surfaces. Pay attention to areas with visible grime.
• For tighter spots, a flexible cleaning snake or brush can help clean the interior of the tubing. run the snake until it catches, then pull it back through. Do not force it though if the curve is too tight, as it can get stuck. 

Clean the Valve Sections:

• Take extra care with the valve mechanisms. You can use a small cloth or cotton swab to gently wipe down the valve section without getting them soaked. 

Rinse the Instrument:

• Once the instrument is cleaned, carefully remove it from the water and drain your tub.
• Rinse it under clean, lukewarm water to remove soap and dirt.
• Rotate the instrument several times to make sure you get all the water out. Water tends to "hide" inside the nooks and crannies. Blow through slides to push it out, if needed.  

Dry the Instrument:

• Lay a clean towel on a flat surface and carefully place the instrument on it.
• Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the surface and dry any excess water. Holding the slides tightly, shake them firmly to get water out from inside. 
• Make sure the instrument is completely dry, especially inside the tubing. Water left inside the valves can make them corrode over time.
• For best results, let the instrument air-dry for a few hours or overnight before reassembling.

Reassemble and Lubricate:

• Once the instrument is fully dry, reassemble it carefully. Make sure all of the slides go back to their proper place!
• Apply a small amount of valve oil to the valves and moving parts to keep the instrument functioning smoothly. You can also use valve oil on your 3rd slide if it has a kicker. Do not apply slide grease on top of valve oil. 
• Use slide grease on all of the tuning slides. The easiest way to distribute it evenly is by applying it to the end of the inner slide, then inserting it into the instrument and rotating as you go to distribute it around as evenly as possible. Push the slide in and out several times, and wipe away any that builds up at the joint. 
• Do a final wipe-down to remove and excess oils or grease.

Final Check:

• After reassembly, test the horn by playing it briefly to ensure everything is in working order and that it feels smooth.
• Troubleshooting:
  • If the valves move but the air doesn't, turn each valve in the casing until it clicks and try again. Most valve guides only fit one direction and they just have to slot into place. Rarely, some valve guides may slot in backwards so you have to remove the piston and try again until it works. 
  • If that still doesn't work, double check the valves are in the proper order. Typically, valve #1 is closest to your face when playing.