The purpose of handpan maintenance is to preserve its beautiful appearance, and to extend its lifespan, making it a task worth taking seriously.
In this article, we provide a detailed guide on the steps for caring for a handpan and the considerations for its storage.
We will explain what materials, substances, and methods are best for cleaning, what to watch out for during the process, how to store the instrument, and common pitfalls to avoid to ensure your handpan maintains its integrity and tuning for as long as possible.
Before caring for or cleaning your handpan, read any maintenance instructions that came with the instrument when purchased, and consult the manufacturer for any specific care recommendations.
The creator’s advice should always take precedence; follow their instructions first, and only then apply tips and tricks from various blogs or YouTube videos.
For instance, check if oiling is appropriate, as not all handpans are suited for it.
Routine handpan maintenance does require some time and attention, but the rewards are significant.
More importantly, through careful attention, protection, and care, you can maintain the beautiful, clear tone of your handpan for many years, keeping it as a companion for as long as possible.
Moreover, if you decide to sell it, much like a used car, you will find a buyer more easily and secure a better price.
The steps for caring for and cleaning a handpan, in order, are:
You do not need to go through all three steps every time; perform handpan care as needed.
However, do not skip earlier steps. If you wish to oil the handpan, also use the microfiber cloth and alcohol.
Ensure you clean, care for, and treat both the inside and outside of the handpan, paying special attention to indentations, protrusions, and edges.
After each use, wipe your handpan with a microfiber cloth. This is important because sweat, oils, dirt, salts, and acids from your fingers transfer onto the handpan, which can damage the metal over time.
Occasionally, it is worthwhile to clean the handpan with pure alcohol.
Do not use spirits or acetone for this purpose, as they are unsuitable.
What to use: Surgical or denatured alcohol, isopropyl.
Always perform alcohol cleaning as the second step, after dusting and wiping with a microfiber cloth!
Keep in mind that alcohol will remove the oil layer, so it’s advisable to oil your handpan after cleaning.
Perform as neededo
Nitrided instruments need oiling more often, while stainless-steel handpans require it much less frequently, or it might even be unnecessary.
Periodically coat your instrument with handpan-specific oil or wax such as the Phoenix handpan oil.
Check the description or consult the manufacturer, or verify on the website where you purchased it.
If you have the time and inclination, it’s sometimes worthwhile to remove the old oil with alcohol and then apply fresh oil.
The frequency of oil treatment depends on the climate where you live and the material of your handpan.
In humid areas, oiling once every 1-2 months is recommended.
In drier areas, you can oil the handpan even less frequently, every few months.
The term “stainless” indicates a high resistance to rust, but not 100% protection.
For a stainless-steel handpan, you will have relatively little concern about rust prevention, but regular cleaning is still important.
Oiling can be optional, but you can care for it just as you would a handpan made from another material.
Take all necessary measures to prevent your handpan from damage or premature detuning!
If you pay attention to your favorite instrument and protect it from external impacts as much as possible, you will surely extend its lifespan, allowing it to retain its clear, beautiful tone for a long time.
How to protect the handpan:
Avoid playing the handpan while wearing any metal or hard objects such as jewelry (rings, bracelets, long necklaces), a watch, or a belt with a metal buckle.
A hard object can easily scratch, damage, or dent the handpan.
If you lend it to someone, ask them to remove anything that could harm the instrument.
It may seem unbelievable, but the thickness of the handpan shells is only 1 mm, meaning a thin sheet that can be sensitive. While high-quality handpans can withstand considerable physical impact—and are tested against such forces—it’s advisable to avoid unnecessary strong strikes on any handpan.
Strong temperature fluctuations can damage the handpan material, causing detuning, so protect your instrument and do not expose it to extreme cold or heat.
Do not play the handpan in direct sunlight or in a place with high temperatures.
Do not leave the handpan in the sun or in a hot place, such as inside a car in summer, because the temperature can rise extremely high inside.
If the handpan does overheat, move it to a shady, cool place and allow it to cool down naturally. In most cases, everything will return to normal without detuning.
Extremely low temperatures can also harm the handpan, making the material more brittle and rigid.
If you play in nature (e.g., at the beach), protect your handpan from sand grains that can scratch it.
Storing the handpan in closed, potentially damp environments (drawer, case, trunk, garage, or basement) can make it more prone to rusting. Therefore, store it in a dry, airy place.
Wherever you go, always transport your handpan in a case.
You can choose between soft or hard cases.
If you travel frequently, a hard case will be ideal for you.
Ensure that the ding (center note) faces upwards, as this is the most sensitive part of the handpan.
Through regular care and maintenance of your handpan, you can preserve the clear, beautiful sound and aesthetics of your beloved instrument for many years, extend its lifespan.
Also, ensure you protect the handpan, as it is always easier to prevent problems than to fix them.
If you’ve invested in a valuable instrument that you cherish, make sure it remains a faithful companion for years to come.
Browse our shop if you are looking to buy your new MAG handpan or read our Best handpan guide to learn what type of instrument most suit you.
