Is It Time to Come Clean?

If you'd like to get an interesting discussion going with a group of drummers, ask them how often they clean their cymbals. You're bound to get a plethora of opinions, and possibly a few dirty looks. There are four principal modes of cleaning -- Wash, Scour, Strip, and Grind -- plus the option of going au naturel – and which direction you opt for is a very personal choice.

It'll Come Out In The Wash
The majority of commercial cymbal cleaners are designed to remove surface dirt and nothing else. If your aim is to preserve some of the cymbal's patina and tone, then any of these cleaners will do the job. You can also use household soap or detergent. Keep in mind that cymbals can't perform their best if caked with dirt.

Scrub-a-dub-dub
Heavier dirt and other contamination can be removed with light scouring. Products such as Ajax Cleanser, Barkeeper's Friend and other scouring formulas will take care of the accumulated detritus without removing precious metal. You can make your own scouring powders that include washing soda as a scouring medium. Note that these powders can be used dry as well as wet. A dry scrub will remove more deeply whereas water will activate the powder's dirt banishing ingredients.

A Strip Routine
This group of cleaners is made up of chemical strippers -- i.e. acids, alkalines and other volatile chemicals. That lovely surface patina is mainly oxydation, and to get rid of it you have to remove the outer layer of metal. It's just a few molecules, but repeated over time it can be enough to affect the sound. These products include Brasso, Peak and the like. For a milder acid bath, you can try lemon juice, Coke or ketchup (yup, Coke and ketchup).

Back to the Grind
Heavier abrasives will remove not just surface dirt and patina but also a significant amount of metal. Heavy polishing with a buffing wheel will accomplish the same thing. If this is your goal, pick up some Turtle Wax Polishing Compound (or similar) at the local auto supply and grind away. Just be sure to not let the metal overheat. This, by the way, is how you create a 'brilliant' cymbal.

So which to choose?
I guess the main question here is whether you prefer a well-aged patina, a radiant shine, or something in between. A cymbal cannot vibrate fully if it has layers of grime on it, and removing the offending crust will make your cymbals sound brighter as well as look brighter. If you prefer a darker sound, you may want to just let nature takes its course. Many old-time players would never think of cleaning their cymbals. 

From there it's really a case of how much gleam you want to see on stage. My view is that cymbals, like any quality instrument, will age, often improving in the process. If that isn't what you're looking for sonically, then regular cleaning may be in order. 

IMPORTANT Cleaning a rare or vintage cymbal will most likely reduce its value ... a lot.