A clarinet swab is the one accessory you use every single time you play, and the cheap one that came with the instrument is usually the worst option available. Moisture left in the bore swells pads, lifts tenon corks and, on a wooden clarinet, contributes to cracking. The right swab clears the bore in one pull without getting stuck, which is the other thing beginners worry about. Here are the swabs worth owning.
Clarinet Swab Types Compared
| Type | Absorbency | Risk of Sticking | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silk pull through | High | Very low | $12 to $20 |
| Microfibre pull through | Very high | Low to moderate | $10 to $18 |
| Chamois | Very high | Moderate | $10 to $20 |
| Cotton handkerchief style | Moderate | Higher when bunched | $5 to $10 |
Hodge Silk Swab: The Technician’s Choice
Repair shops recommend the Hodge silk swab more than any other, and the reason is simple: silk is absorbent, lint free and compressible, so it pulls through the whole instrument without bunching in the upper joint.
- Silk compresses, so it rarely gets stuck
- Leaves no lint in the keys or tone holes
- Pulls through the fully assembled instrument
- Lasts for years and washes well
- Costs more than a basic cotton swab
- Silk needs gentle washing rather than a hot machine cycle
Microfibre Swabs: Maximum Absorbency
Microfibre soaks up noticeably more water per pull than silk, which suits players who produce a lot of condensation or who play long rehearsals. The trade is bulk, so buy one sized specifically for Bb clarinet rather than a general woodwind swab.
- Removes more moisture in a single pass
- Machine washable and quick drying
- Widely available at a low price
- Bulkier, so an oversized one can jam
- Some versions shed lint after heavy use
Mouthpiece and Neck Swabs
A separate small swab for the mouthpiece is worth having, because pulling the main swab through the mouthpiece deposits reed residue in the bore. A dedicated mouthpiece swab keeps the tip and rails clean, which affects response more than most players realise.
- Keeps the mouthpiece bore clean and hygienic
- Prevents residue reaching the instrument
- Cheap and small enough to live in the case
- One more thing to remember to wash
- Not a substitute for a full bore swab
How to Use a Clarinet Swab Without Getting It Stuck
Drop the weight through the bell end and pull the swab in the direction the bore widens, never from the barrel down. Straighten the cloth before pulling so it does not bunch, and pull steadily rather than yanking. Two gentle passes clear more water than one hard one.
Swab after every session, including short practices, and wash the swab weekly so it stays absorbent. Take the mouthpiece off first and swab it separately. If a swab ever jams, do not force it: take the joints apart and work it out gently, or take the instrument to a technician rather than risking the bore. Our guides to the best clarinet cleaning kits and how to clean a clarinet cover the rest of the routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I wash my clarinet swab?
Once a week for regular players. A saturated swab stops absorbing and starts smelling, and it can leave residue in the bore.
Silk or microfibre?
Silk if you want the lowest risk of jamming, microfibre if you want maximum absorbency. Many players keep one of each.
Can I leave the swab inside the clarinet?
No. Storing a damp swab in the case holds moisture against the pads and the bore, which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.
Charlotte Moore
Charlotte Moore is a Clarinetist by profession and has over time offered lessons on how to play the clarinet among other musical instruments. And while a majority of clarinet players are well versed with the process of settling with a good clarinet among other accompanying features. There is little information about clarinets. The reason why Charlotte prepared comprehensive experts touching on the various facets of the clarinet. The consolidated information will offer more insight on everything clarinets including the best stand to use, and the best plastic clarinet that you can invest in, among other information. Charlotte Moore is a devoted mother of two and a professional clarinet player.