Once a month, the tuning slides and valve should be cleaned with a snake brush, lukewarm water, and liquid dishwashing soap. After cleaning the slides, apply a small amount of tuning slide grease to them. NEVER USE VASELINE in place of slide grease. Never force the slides in or out. Use thumb pressure only in the center of the slide.Once a month you may consider giving the entire instrument a bath (excludes french horns). If you wish to do this, consult a Summerhays repair technician for step-by-step instructions.