Patent ID: 8840961

Claim:
A method for cleaning and lubricating valves and slides within musical instruments comprising: providing a self-cleaning, self-polishing, self-lapping and self-honing composition consisting of from 30-50 percent by weight diatomaceous earth, from 0.5-1.5 percent by weight of light mineral oil, and from 50-70 percent by weight kerosene, having a viscosity which permits said composition to drip through a 7.0 mm loop formed from 0.63 mm wire; exposing the valves and slides having surfaces with sliding contact within said musical instruments; wiping said surfaces in sliding contact dry; applying said composition to at least a portion of each said sliding surfaces to form a barrier of lubricant thereon, while providing for cleaning, lapping and honing; and closing said musical instrument; whereby the instrument is returned to a playable condition while leaving in place said self-cleaning, self-polishing, self-lapping and self-honing composition, thereby enabling said musical instrument to be played for a substantial period of time before further maintenance is required.