Some flutes are designed to have oil applied to the bore at regular intervals.
Almond oil for wooden flutes.
A wooden flute can be cleaned externally using almond oil and then wiping it dry.
Playing in a new wooden flute.
Linseed oil is commonly used on wooden flutes.
Another flute player peter heinlein recommends buying cosmetic grade almond oil rather than food grade which tends to oxidize faster and may gum up the bore of the flute.
These are typically flutes where the maker has not applied a finish to the inside of the flute.
The oil protects the wood from rapid changes in humidity that could stress or crack the flute.
It is also good to remove any built up cork grease from tenons and sockets occasionally.
About wooden flute care.
These oils are not harmful if used as often as every time you play as the residue is mopped out when you dry your flute.
It seems to have quite a similar composition of unsaturated oils to that of almond oil.
Almond oil is the preferred oil for oiling the bore of wood clarinets oboes piccolos.
If you use it be very careful to use raw linseed oil not boiled.
When not in use disassemble the flute to take pressure off the tenon s.
The one loud concensus is not to use boiled linseed oil.
Almond oil is by far the most frequently used although i know of players who use walnut oil people with nut allergies beware and even olive oil smells a bit.
For flutes where the bore is oiled the trick is finding the right oil.
Linseed oil is made from flax.
Beyond that there were various suggestions to use almond oil raw linseed oil and olive oil.
There is some controversy as to what kind of oil is best.
Argan oil for wooden flute.
The residue left on your flute after oiling isn t toxic and it s safe to use.
Almond oil is best p get a cloth and put some oil on it and clean the inside of the flute with it maybe a small bit on the outside to.
Other bore oils on the market can contain petroleum distillates and or dyes none of which is necessary nor desired for oiling the wood of your premium instrument.
Some like almond oil which must be applied with great frequency others like cold pressed raw linseed oil which is applied sparingly and much less often.
Cotton wool buds q tips are excellent for cleaning embouchure and tone holes.
I happen to be a chemist and an occasional woodworker though definitly not a hallowed flute make.
I picked up some argan oil from a cooperative in morroco this summer with the possible intention of using it in place of almond oil to keep wooden flutes lubricated.
Don t put oil on the cloth everytime.
Natural unscented.
Boiled linseed oil will gum up the bore of your flute and may permanently ruin its tone.
The best repair shops in the world and artists trust a simple natural almond oil for their instruments.
This is so the flute doesn t go dry because your tone won t be so great if it does.
