Calling all handpan players!✋🎶 Want to know the best way to care and maintain your beautiful handpan for years to come? Here are a few tips to protect your handpan from rusting and other damage:
♪ Sweat may deposit salts to the surface, which contribute to rust formation. Before playing, wash and dry your hands.
♪ Don’t play the handpan if it’s hot (for example, if it’s been in the sun).
♪ Handpans should only be played gently and with one finger at a time: No hands, fists, or mallets.
♪ After each play, wipe down the instrument with a soft, clean, dry cloth (preferably microfibre).
♪ Clean your handpan every 6 – 12 months to remove dirt & oils: Use isopropyl alcohol, or a more gentle rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol or ethanol based of 50-75%, diluted with water). Use a soft cloth on both sides, the rim, and the inside.
If your handpan has oil on it, you’ll need to re-apply it since the cleaning will remove the oil.
♪ Store your handpan in a cool place, and out of direct sunlight, ideally outside the case in a safe place. If stored inside the case, leave the zip 1/4 open to release the moisture from the case. Check that the foam in the case doesn’t get damp.
♪ Apply Phoenix oil every 2 weeks – 2 months. Make sure to only use appropriate oil/wax for this process. You can get Phoenix oil here.
Would you like more advice on how to deal with rust or would like to ask another question? Feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to guide you. Find out more about handpans here.
