Article: Clean the bottom section of your valves with warm running water and a small amount of dish soap. Place the bottom bottom side of the valves beneath the running water, and then apply soap with your fingers or a damp washcloth. Focus on cleaning out the small holes underneath the valves that line up with the slides rather than cleaning the entire valve. Rinse all soapy water from the valve holes. When cleaning trumpet valves, it's important to keep the tops dry. Water will ruin the felt pads at the top of the valves, which will prevent them from aligning properly when your reassemble your trumpet. Do not dry the valves by hand, as you might run the risk of inadvertently running a damp towel near the felt pads. Instead, set the valves aside on a soft towel until you're ready to reinsert them into your trumpet. Place the mouthpiece under warm running water, and insert the brush into the larger end of the mouthpiece. Spin the brush around the inside tubing of the mouthpiece in order to clear out any residue before rinsing again. Use the brush to scrub the outside of the mouthpiece as well. Gently use the cloth to hand-dry the exterior of your mouthpiece. Set it aside on a soft towel to allow the inside tubing to continue to air-dry before reinserting it onto the trumpet. The spit valve is located at the bottom of the trumpet, close to the bell of the horn. Tilt your trumpet forward to allow all liquid to collect in the valve before pressing on the lever of the spit valve to release it. Empty the spit valve over a sink, toilet, or tub in order to avoid making a mess. When there is no liquid left in the valve, take your finger off the lever.
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Wash the bottoms of your valves. Keep the top parts of your valves away from the water. Set your valves aside to air-dry. Clean your mouthpiece with a mouthpiece brush. Dry your mouthpiece with a washcloth. Empty your spit valve.