Cleaning a trombone is quite simple. Throughout this process, be sure to handle your slide carefully as it may be damaged easily, especially when the inner slide
…is not inside the outer slide. To clean the slide: For starters, gather your slide, a mild dishwashing detergent, a sink, and a snake, which is a long object with a brush on either end (please; metal snakes can scratch the inner surface of the slide, so always use a plastic snake!). 1. Using your hand to make a cup shape, funnel warm water into the slide as it is assembled. If you wrap your fingers around the sink faucet and the top of the slide, you can actually make it like one giant pipe, and water will come right out the other end. 2. Fill slide about 2/3- 3/4 of the way up both sides, and then place a drop of detergent in each side. Stick the snake in one end and with vigorous scrubbing motion try to get the inside foamy and clean. Repeat for the other side. 3. Dump the soapy water out of the slide, and using your hand funnel run water through the slide until it is clear. 4. Remove the inner slide and set it on a long towel. Be VERY careful. 5. Repeat the filling, scrubbing, rinsing process with the outer slide. 6. Repeat the filling, scrubbing, rinsing process with the inner slide. It will be trickier to scrub this, so just use your hand, wrapping it around and moving it up and down. 7. Put the slide back together and rinse one last time with warm water. 8. Oil and lubricate your slide. I suggest Slide-O-Mix lubricant, as it gives the best glide. Directions are on the box. "The Rest" 1. It is always safe to sponge dirt and material off your instrument. Especially the bell may be prone to water spots, so this is the most effective way to remove them. Dry after wetting with a sponge. 2. If your trombone is dirty or discolored, a professional chem-clean is your best option. 3. To keep your trombone in good shape, use a polishing cloth for lacquer if your trombone is brass, or for silver if your trombone is silver. Valves 1. Special care should be taken when it comes to cleaning rotors and valves. If you have not been trained first hand in the art if disassembly and reassembly, leave this job for professionals. (MORE) 
