Drum cymbals have been around for centuries but have come a long way since the middle ages. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a drummer who prefers some shiny, right out-of-the-box cymbals with a fresh sound or, one who likes to keep their cymbals look rustic and have a more settled sound, you still need to take care of your equipment. This article will guide you on how to clean drum cymbals, the products you can buy, and some home remedies and homemade products you could use.
How do you want your cymbals to sound?
Before you start cleaning your cymbals, you need to decide on what type of sound you prefer to have when playing on your drum set. Why you may ask? This is because there is a huge difference in sound between clean cymbals and ones that are a little worn out. With your cymbals being clean or in a newer shape, the sound they make is brighter and clearer. However, due to the oxidation process, a layer of greenish-brown film is produced called patina which causes the sound that is made by the cymbals to be darker and deeper. Who knew a little bit of grime goes a long way when it comes to sound. So it does depend on your preference when it comes to cymbals.
How to clean drum cymbals
Now let’s get into how you could clean your cymbals and make them look fresh out of the basket. Firstly, you need to understand that the terms cleaning and polishing cannot be interchangeably used. This is a common misconception and can make or break your cymbals. In basic words, cleaning is considered as getting rid of the dust, dirt, grime, and fingerprints from the surface of your cymbals. On the other hand, polishing is when you use specific polishes and hardcore cleansers to deep clean the surface.
How you clean your cymbals depends on the sound you want (as mentioned above) and the type of cymbals you have to begin with. Cymbals can be categorized as either brilliant finish or traditional finish. Brilliant finish cymbals have a shiny coating that almost acts as a mirror while traditional finish cymbals have a dull sheen surface and look used even when they’re right out of the packaging.
Therefore, drummers with a brilliant finish like to use proper polishes to clean their cymbals while those who have traditionally finished cymbals stick to basic dust and wipe routine.
Basic cleaning
This process is where you remove the dust and fingerprints after a long session with your bandmates. You take a microfiber cloth and wipe off the dust and moisture from the surface of the cymbals. After wiping off the dirt, you can use a very mild detergent and water to further clean the surface and make it completely dust-free. Do not forget to completely dry the cymbal afterward as moisture and metal never make a good combo.
Using polish to clean
When it comes to using polishes to deep clean cymbals, do your research on all the products available in the market. There are a lot of companies such as Groove Juice Percussion Cleaning, Zildjian Company, Buckaroo Cymbal Cleaner, Sabian Cymbal Cleaner, and many more that provide kits and specific cymbal cleaner products that get the job done.
Now when polishing your cymbals, you should have a large platform where you can lie down all your cymbals on a cloth. Having a larger space makes it easier for you to clean your cymbals.
The first product you should apply is the cymbal polish all over the surface of the cymbal. Leave that on for around 30 seconds so the polish can work its wonders. After 30 seconds, use a soft cloth to wipe off the product. Use a fresh piece of soft cloth to completely dry off the top surface of the cymbal and then do the same for the other side.
There is no die-hard process when it comes to cleaning your cymbals. As long as you are using the right products and taking care of them properly, you’ll always have a good pair of cymbals that work well and create the perfect sound for you.
How to clean drum cymbals with household items
Many drummers do not want to spend a lot of money on products. Instead, they prefer to use household items. There are good alternatives available that are not harmful to their cymbals. Here’s how to clean drum cymbals using household products.
Lemons – Lemons have long been an effective cleaner. These are very common items that can be found in your homes and can be used as a cleaning agent. Their PH level lies around 2.5 and therefore is not too abrasive on your cymbals. All you need to do is cut your lemon in half, rub one half on the surface of the cymbal, rinse with warm water, and dry completely.
Ketchup – Yes, ketchup can be used for a purpose other than a condiment. With a PH level of around 3.9, ketchup is a really good cleaning agent. Squirt a handful of ketchup on the surface of the cymbal and keep it on for around 30 minutes. Rinse using warm water and see how clean your cymbal will be.
Other items – Using vinegar and water could also work. Some drummers might think vinegar is a very strong agent. But diluting it with water creates the perfect solution to clean the cymbals with. Another household item that can be used is a gentle/ mild dish soap. Combine water and soap in a bucket and soak the cymbals for 1-2 minutes. Dry the cymbals with a soft cloth till completely dry before putting them away or using them.
Tips to keep in mind
- When carrying your cymbals, hold them from the edge with your hands to have minimal finger contact on the surface.
- Do not apply a lot of pressure when cleaning the surface of the cymbals as that could cause a bend and ruin the performance of them.
- When polishing your cymbals, use a brand name cleaner rather than a household metal cleaner. The metal cleaner will only wear down your cymbal and ruin it.
- If you want to use a brush to get in the nooks and crannies of the cymbal, keep in mind to never use a wire bristle brush.
- When using household items such as lemon or ketchup, make sure to keep the logo on the cymbals dry and product-free. Otherwise, it’ll fade the logo away.