Cleaning Instructions
For BiNaK 495 & BiNaK PRO Musical Instrument Oils

Like skin, metal has pores, and certain metals are more apt than others to collect residue in these microscopic areas. BiNaK oil, which cleans before it lubricates, is a "boundary lubricant".  As such, it requires clean metal to cling to, and then acts as a barrier / lubricant between two metal parts.  Some oils on the market leave an almost permanent coating on the metals which, even with chemical washes or soap baths, are hard to remove.  When  BiNaK is placed on these residues, it may seem to be working but is actually incorporating the residues, and movement between the metal parts becomes sluggish.  It may take several applications before BiNaK is on completely clean metal and its film begins to  work best.  Since BiNaK does not evaporate,  it should be wiped off both the valves and casings before the next application.  Also, as BiNaK is attracted to ALL types of metals, it will lubricate any worn areas.

To clean their horns, some musicians use dish soap with contains silicones or lanolin.  These type of soaps are difficult to rinse off.  BiNaK will react to soap as it does to any other residue; it will attempt to remove it.  It is better to clean with a 50-50 solution of Simple Green, and then rinse and dry thoroughly.  One dish soap that does work is Ivory because it does not contain silicone.  Also, I recommend that, once you have been using BiNaK, just wipe the valves and casings out and reapply a thin film of oil with your finger.  Do not clean them with detergents.  If you want to wash the rest of the horn with warm soapy water, so be it;  however, the BiNaK will act as a cleaner on the valves and casings.  Another suggestion is to blow some BiNaK through the instrument as its formula has metal protectors and it will eliminate pitting, discoloration, and other damaging effects of moisture.  Remember that BiNaK does not evaporate, so wipe the valves off and valve casings out before reapplying it.  Otherwise, oil build-up may occur and cause the valves to be sluggish.

*NOTE: To introduce BiNaK to the valves and to speed up the cleaning process, follow these steps.

  1. Take the valves out and wipe the valves and casings dry with a clean cloth.
  2. Apply a liberal amount of BiNaK oil on the valves, replace them, and work them up and down several times to coat the valves thoroughly.
  3. Set the instrument aside for 24 hours.
  4. The next day, remove the valves and wipe both the valves and casings again with a clean, dry cloth.
  5. Place a couple of drops of oil on your finger or a Q-Tip and wipe a THIN FILM onto the valves.

This process seems to work best when first starting the BiNaK oil program.

For some reason, BiNaK takes longer to work on some horns.  However,  I guarantee that once this oil does start to work, your days of constantly reapplying oil, is history.  In addition, BiNaK will lubricate and protect rental instruments and those stored for long periods of time.  It will also work under varied temperature and climate conditions.  It will, too, cling to the metal and not drip onto your clothes.  Used correctly, one bottle of BiNaK will last a surprisingly long time.

Every player is different, as is every instrument, and results will vary with the BiNaK.  Just be patient and let it work for you as it meets the needs of the metals it encounters.

If you have any questions about BiNak 495, BiNaK PRO, or BiNaK Tuning Slide Lubricant, please feel free to contact me,         Nanette L. Kappus.

Power Up of Western New York                                                                                                                                                                              2317 Angling Road, Corfu, NY 14036            

Phone: 585-762-8536    FAX:  585-762-9535                                                                         
www.binak.com / binak@rochester.rr.com