Your cymbals are an investment, proper care will keep them sounding great and looking sharp for years. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning, storing, and protecting your cymbals.

Why Cymbal Care Matters

Bronze cymbals naturally oxidise over time — that's normal. But dirt, sweat, stick residue, and fingerprints accelerate the process and can dull your cymbal's tone and appearance. A little regular maintenance goes a long way.

What You'll Need

• A soft, lint-free microfibre cloth
• A dedicated cymbal cleaner or polish (avoid household cleaners)
• Clean water
• Optional: cymbal bags or sleeves for storage

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How to Clean Your Cymbals

Step 1: Wipe Down After Every Session

Get into the habit of wiping your cymbals with a dry microfibre cloth after every practice or gig. This removes sweat, oils, and stick residue before they have a chance to bond with the bronze. It takes 30 seconds and makes a significant difference over time.

Step 2: Clean with Cymbal Cleaner

Every few months (or when you notice buildup), use a dedicated cymbal cleaner. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and work it into the grooves using circular motions, following the lathing lines on the cymbal's surface. Important: Always use a product designed for cymbals. Household cleaners, abrasive pads, and WD-40 can permanently damage the finish and alter the tone.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly

If your cleaner requires rinsing, use clean water and dry the cymbal immediately and completely. Never leave a cymbal wet — moisture accelerates oxidation and can cause uneven patina development.

Protecting Your Cymbals

Use Cymbal Sleeves and Felts

Always use felts and sleeves on your cymbal stands. Metal-on-metal contact can cause damage, especially near the bell hole. Replace worn felts regularly — they're cheap and protect an expensive cymbal.

Don't Over-Tighten the Wing Nut

Your cymbal needs to swing freely on the stand. Over-tightening the wing nut restricts movement and creates stress fractures around the bell hole. Tighten just enough to keep the cymbal in place — it should still wobble slightly when struck.

Store Cymbals Properly

When not in use, store cymbals in individual bags or a padded cymbal case. Stacking bare cymbals directly on top of each other causes scratches and can lead to cracking. Keep them away from extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

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What About Patina and Oxidation?

Some players love the look of aged, oxidised cymbals — and that's a valid aesthetic choice. If you prefer a natural patina to develop, simply skip the polish and stick to dry wiping. The tone of a well-played B20 bronze cymbal often improves with age as the metal settles.

If you want to maintain a bright, clean look, regular polishing will keep oxidation at bay.

Signs Your Cymbal Needs Attention

• Keyholing: An elongated bell hole from over-tightening or improper mounting. Replace the cymbal or have it assessed.
• Cracks: Small cracks near the edge or bell hole come from overplaying (hitting too hard) with poor technique. They can spread quickly. Seek help with repairing the cymbal and consider finding an experienced drum teacher to evaluate your playing to avoid further breakage.
• Dull, choked tone: Often caused by dirt buildup in the lathing grooves. A deep clean may restore the sound.
• Warping: Usually caused by extreme heat or improper storage. Warped cymbals are difficult to repair — prevention is key.

Quick Reference: Cymbal Care Dos and Don'ts

Do: Wipe down after every session, use dedicated cymbal cleaner, use felts and sleeves, store in bags or a case.

Don't: Use household cleaners, over-tighten wing nuts, stack bare cymbals, leave cymbals wet, expose to extreme heat or abuse them.

Final Thoughts

Caring for your cymbals doesn't require much time or money — just consistency. A quick wipe-down after every session and a proper deep clean a few times a year will keep your B20+ bronze cymbals sounding and looking their best for decades.

For more tips, check out our Caring For Your Cymbals blog or get in touch if you have questions about a specific cymbal.