Maintaining Woodstock Chimes

Every part of a Woodstock Chime is weather protected. Over time, however, those layers of protection can begin to wear. To enjoy your Woodstock Chime for years to come, we suggest you hang it in an area that is not exposed to long term direct sunlight and periodically clean it with a damp cloth and mild detergent. In addition, here are some simple maintenance tips:

Aluminum Tubes

Woodstock Chimes tubes are made of aluminum that will not rust when exposed to the elements. However, over time, the aluminum may show pitting as a result of environmental factors. Please note this will not affect the beautiful tones of your chimes. If necessary, use mild soap and water (or a foaming, non-abrasive cleanser) to clean the tubes.

Wood Parts

Periodically, apply a thin layer of exterior use Danish or lemon oil with a clean cloth to the wood parts. Regular oiling will help protect the wood and retard the natural aging process.

Glass, Ceramic, Cloisonne-style, Stainless Steel and Stone Accents

Use a damp cloth to clean these parts. If necessary, mild soap and water can be used.

Resin and Rust-Finish Elements

Resin and rust-finish steel elements should be wiped clean with a duster or damp cloth.

Brass Parts

Brass parts can be cleaned with brass cleaner or left to naturally age and patina.

Rainbow Makers and Crystal Accents

Spray window cleaner on a clean, soft cloth and gently wipe crystals till they are clean and shiny.

Bamboo Chimes

All Asli Arts bamboo windchimes are made using natural and sustainable products such as bamboo and coconut shell. Each is hand-carved and hand-tuned by artisans in Bali or Vietnam. With proper care, your Asli Arts bamboo chime will typically last from 3-4 years when hung outside. 

To extend the life of your chime:

  • Hang your chime in an area protected from direct sunlight or heavy winds. Excellent locations include under a porch overhang or in a shady tree.
  • Bring your chimes in during extreme weather or windstorms.
  • If you live in the north, bring your chimes in during the harsh winter months and store it in an unheated area, such as a shed or garage.
  • Occasionally wipe off your chimes with a damp cloth to remove any build-up or mold.
  • Every spring, provide added weather protection by applying a coat of varnish on your chime (you’ll want to wipe off the chime before doing this!)

We have taken a number of precautions to ensure our Asli Arts bamboo chimes are the highest quality bamboo chime in the marketplace. Our manufacturers produce only for us, allowing us to ensure a high standard of quality control. In addition, our manufacturers harvest their bamboo only during the best time of year and properly dry the bamboo before making the chimes, both of which reduce the risk of cracks in the bamboo. Finally, all Asli Arts chimes are inspected before they leave our U.S. warehouse. 

Bamboo is sensitive to humidity and sudden temperature changes. Despite all our precautions, infrequently, cracks in bamboo occur as the bamboo expands and contracts in reaction to climate changes. Hairline cracks are not of concern; they are normal to bamboo and will not affect the sound of your chimes. What’s more, hairline cracks generally do not develop into larger cracks. If, however, you receive a chime with a large crack or other defect, please contact us for resolution.

Maintaining your Woodstock Music Collection Instrument

To clean Woodstock musical instruments, we suggest wiping with a damp cloth. If desired, a mild detergent such as dishwashing soap can be used.

Please note: if you are a day care provider, school or other institution you should adhere to the cleaning and sanitizing regulations of the state in which you are licensed.

Musical instruments should never be immersed in water or cleaned in a dishwasher, as this can damage the internal parts or compromise the integrity of the materials. Most sanitizing wipes and disinfectant sprays contain harsh chemicals and solvents. While they are fine for occasional cleaning of your instrument, repeated use such as daily cleaning, as well as the use of commercial cleaners, chemicals and solvents must be avoided, as these compounds could compromise the plastic components of your musical instrument.

Chimalongs

Your Chimalong tubes are made of aluminum. If necessary, use mild soap and water (or a foaming, non-abrasive cleanser) to clean your Chimalong. You can also use this to clean the wood parts on the Chimalong XR and the plastic case of the Chimalong Deluxe. Take care not to get the foam chime holders or the Mini Chimalong's songbook or stand wet when you clean the instrument.

Drums

To prevent damage to the drumheads, avoid exposing drums with natural drumheads to extreme temperature and humidity. Natural drumheads can be wiped with a damp (not wet) cloth. Solvents and soaps should not be used on natural drumheads.

Remo drums feature their patented Fiberskyn drumheads. These synthetic drumheads produce wonderful tone and can be cleaned using a wet cloth.

Stringed Instruments

Here are the simple but important things you need to do to keep your Woodstock stringed instrument in good working condition for many years to come.

  • When you are not using it, protect your instrument by keeping it in its cardboard box or a case if you have one.
  • Never leave the instrument near a heater, radiator, stove or other source of extreme heat. Never leave it outside in winter or in a very cold room either. If you take it in a car, don't leave it in the trunk on a hot day or a very cold day. These things can cause the wood of the instrument to warp or crack.
  • If your instrument gets dirty you can wipe it with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth or ask a grown-up for help in polishing it.

Calypso Steel Drum

To protect the tuning of the steel drum, play it only with the sticks we've provided, and use only the rubber-tipped side to strike the pan. Do not strike the drum with great force. Sound will project with the gentlest touch. The Calypso Steel Drum is 100% steel and should be kept dry. To clean it, dust the pan occasionally with a dry cloth or dusting spray. You can revitalize the wooden stand with Danish or lemon oil.

Plastic Shakers

For general cleaning of Woodstock egg and maraca shakers, we suggest wiping with a damp cloth containing a non-solvent based cleaner.

To disinfect egg and maraca shakers, we recommend the use of a bleach application referenced by the New York State Office of Children & Family Services in the NYS Family Day Care Provider Handbook.

The surface of the shaker should be sprayed with a solution containing 1/2 teaspoon household bleach to 1 quart water, then immediately wiped dry with a cloth or paper towel. Always label your spray bottle with the contents, and keep out of reach of children.

Please note: if you are a day care provider, school or other institution you should adhere to the cleaning and sanitizing regulations of the state in which you are licensed.

Woodstock shakers should not be immersed in water or cleaned in a dishwasher. Most sanitizing wipes and disinfectant sprays contain harsh chemicals and solvents. The use of commercial cleaners, chemicals and solvents must be avoided, as these compounds will compromise the plastic components of our shaker products.

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