If you own a handpan, you must use it to jam all the time. The mesmerizing sounds and the melody it generates are a treat for the ears. However, if you don’t take care of it, the handpan will lose its sound. So, whether you already have a handpan or are looking to get a Halloween-themed one this season from https://www.cosmoshandpan.com/, you must know some maintenance techniques. And here’s how to do exactly that. Keep reading.

Maintenance Techniques for a Handpan

Here is how you should go about cleaning the handpan for durability.

Basic Wiping After Each Use

As you use the handpan, oils from your hands, sweat, dust, and other environmental items can collect on the instrument and build up over time. All these things together can lead to rust buildup on the handpan, which can further corrode the metal completely. So, to ensure this doesn’t happen, wipe down your instrument after using it each time. This is especially true for those who live in a humid environment. A quick wipe-down will do the basic cleaning necessary.

Deep Cleaning

While a surface wipe-down does the basic job, you also must clean the handpan every few weeks or months thoroughly, depending on how much you use it. You can do this with a soft cloth. Just dip it in warm water mixed with mild soap only. Then, gently clean the surface and immediately wipe it up with a dry cloth to rub away any lingering moisture. The mild soap will ensure you don’t get scratches on the instrument while cleaning.

Polishing With a Microfiber Cloth

You can also polish the surface of the handpan with a microfiber cloth to buff the look even more. Just gently rub the cloth in circles over the handpan and it will remove the smudges to bring out the shine without disturbing the sound of the instrument. If you want to go a step ahead, use a handpan-safe oil to add a protective layer. Apply a small amount with the microfiber and then wipe it away with a fresh cloth after a few minutes.

Removing Rust

If there is any rust on the handpan, you need to clean it with a rust remover. First, get a rust remover for the instrument and apply a small amount on the rusty spots with a microfiber cloth. Take a damp cloth to remove this after a few minutes and then wipe away the moisture right after with a dry cloth. Don't forget to test the rust remover on a small side portion of the handpan before using it all over.

How Often Should You Clean a Handpan?

You must wipe the hand pan with a cloth after every use. But this is not enough and you have to deep clean it too after every few weeks or months. This will vary depending on the area of residence and how much you play the instrument. If you live in a humid area or near the coast, you may have to deep clean after every few weeks. For drier environments, you may not have to deep clean for months. However, you must make sure to do a thorough clean with rust removal after every 3 to 6 months.

Conclusion

With the right cleaning routine, you will be able to use your handpan for years with the correct sound. Whether you have a Halloween-themed one or a plain handpan, make sure to take notes on how to clean it properly. Besides this, store your instrument in a safe place and you are good to go.