While some drummers prefer cymbals that look and sound like they are fresh out of the factory, others prefer a more worn-down look on theirs. Regardless of which group you belong to, we are sure you could benefit from a list of the best cymbal cleaners available on the market.
Using low-quality cleaners can greatly hamper the look and quality of your cymbals. That is why we have reviewed several cymbal cleaners to find the best seven products available on the market.
By the end of this article, not only will you have found the perfect cymbal cleaner, you will also learn the right way to use these products as well as some alternate ways to clean your cymbals. Without further ado, let us get into it!
Top 7 Best Cymbal Cleaner Reviews
Reviewed below are some of the top cleaners on the market. We guarantee that they will leave your cymbals looking good as new!
1. Zildjian Company Brilliant Cymbal Polish (P1300)
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B0007L9NS2″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412igQQqNzL.jpg” tag=”” width=”500″]Let us start with a cymbal cleaner that comes from one of the most renowned cymbal manufacturers of the world – that is how you know this product delivers all that it promises. This product is made for use on brilliant finish cymbals only and must not be used on Kerope or ZXT Titanium, or traditional finish cymbals.
The cleaner does a great job removing all sorts of embedded dirt from cymbals. This includes grease, fingerprints, and accumulated dust and debris. In addition to this, it also removes oxidation, which helps restore your cymbals to their original story. Without ripping the finishing, it delivers impeccable shine!
What’s great is that it does not require a lot of products to get a thorough cleaning. This bottle, containing 8 fluid ounces of product, is likely to last you for quite a long time unless you wish to deep clean your cymbals regularly.
Pros
- Quick and easy application
- Does not require too much product
- Removes oxidation
- Removes grease
- Excellent end result
Cons
- Not for use on ink logos
- Not suitable for Kerope, ZXT Titanium, or traditional finish cymbals
2. Groove Juice Percussion Cleaning (GJCC)
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B000BUCV3S” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41z+WnqM+EL.jpg” tag=”” width=”360″]Next up, we have a product that is no less than a cult favorite. This super-effective cymbal cleaner comes in a very convenient spray-on bottle. It is not your traditional paste-like cymbal cleaner. This is a light product that does not even need to be buffed in for it to do its job.
All you need to do is spray it on, leave it to sit awhile, and rinse it off – yes, it really is that simple. The product uses organic acidic ingredients to slowly melt the dirt away so you do not need to put in the elbow grease to get it to work. Once you have rinsed it off, use a clean rag to wipe the cymbal dry.
This is a great product for quick cleaning. Moreover, the spray-on application and leave-on nature of the product make it a great product for batch cleaning. If you have several cymbals to clean at the same time, this will be your go-to product!
Pros
- Spray-on application
- Rinse-off product
- No buffing required
- Excellent for quick regular cleaning
- Great for batch cleaning
Cons
- Fumes may be nauseating
3. Buckaroo Cymbal Cleaner Percussion Cleaning (B-200)
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B0002E3FDI” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dabDRJY3L.jpg” tag=”” width=”454″]Our next recommendation is from a manufacturer that’s been around since 1967. It is a great, reliable cymbal cleaner that brings brilliant shine and even restores the sound of the cymbals. So if the sound produced by your cymbals has deteriorated overtime thanks to dirt, you have arrived at the solution.
This is a traditional paste-like formula that comes in a tin container. Such formulae tend to feel very greasy, but this particular product delivers almost unparalleled. It removed stains, fingerprints, and debris. However, it removes oxidation, which is probably what makes it one of the best cymbal cleaning product.
You can also use this product on brilliant finish cymbals. The cleaner will not strip the cymbal of its original finishing, making the product better. Now you can enjoy your cymbals and have them look and sound good as new at all times!
Pros
- Restores sound
- Brings shine
- Gets rid of stains and fingerprints
- Does not dull brilliant finishes
- Removes oxidation
Cons
- Traditional greasy formula
- Requires some time and buffing
4. Music Nomad MN111 Premium Cymbal Cleaner for Brilliant Finished
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B003TU9CL6″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319e-X6cchL.jpg” tag=”” width=”333″]Coming in hot is another crowd favorite. This product has very skin and respiratory friendly ingredients and thus, it is safe for people of all ages to use. Traditional cymbal cleaners can give off a bit of fume, but this particular product is totally acid-free and free from caustic chemicals, thus making it super gentle.
Formulated with micro-fine polishing powder, this cleaning product helps clean, restore, and polish all sorts of cymbals. What’s unique about this product is that it not only cuts through stubborn oxidation but it also creates a protective layer on the cymbal, which prevents further oxidation.
Since this product works to restore shine, you may not want to use it on traditional finish cymbals as the original finishing may be hampered. This is a highly effective product, and the mild ingredients make it a top pick for us.
Pros
- Acid-free
- Pro-strength formula
- Micro-fine polishing power
- No harsh, caustic chemicals
- Created protective layer
Cons
- Not suitable for matte finishes
- Will remove ink logos
5. Music Nomad MN110 Premium Drum Detailer and Polish
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B003TUBKOI” locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vpIi-VGJL.jpg” tag=”” width=”268″]Next up, we have another effective cymbal cleaner packaged in a convenient spray bottle. Like the previous product from this manufacturer, this particular product also does three jobs – cleaning, restoring, and protecting your cymbals. It is also safe for use on all finishes.
This formula is loaded with gloss enhancers; thus they restore the shine of cymbals effortlessly. It cuts through grease, debris, fingerprints, and all other deeply embedded dirt on the cymbal to take it back to its original look. Furthermore, it has UV protectants to help the cymbals fight sun damage.
Additionally, the formula is also anti-static so it helps the cymbal repel dust after use. This may also be used on drum thrones, hardware, and drum shells, and so on. From light-duty maintenance to tackling dirt and grime, this product can do it all.
Pros
- Safe to use on all finishes
- Removes fingerprints
- Gloss enhancing technology
- UV protectants
- Anti-Static Formula
Cons
- May need multiple applications for deep cleaning
6. Dunlop 6400 System 65 Cymbal & Drum Care Kit
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”312″ identifier=”B0002E1I46″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g51JS2f9L.jpg” tag=”” width=”500″]Our sixth recommendation is a complete kit. This kit includes an intensive cleaning product for cymbals, a polish and cleaner for cymbals, and a polish and cleaner for drum shells. The kit is completed by a microfiber cleaning mitt, which is the most effective fabric for buffing in cymbal cleaners.
For light-duty maintenance cleaning, the cymbal polish and cleaner does a great job. However, for more serious deep cleaning, the intensive cleaning product will come to the rescue. Regardless of which product you are using, all you have to do is apply it using a rag or mitt, let it dry and then wipe off with a clean cloth.
This product is quite effective and saves you the trouble of purchasing several different products to use together. We love such efficient and easy to use products, which is why it has earned itself a place on our list.
Pros
- Complete kit with cleaner, polish and care product
- Microfiber mitt included
- Care instructions included
- Suitable for all types of cymbals
- Quick action
Cons
- Not as effective for deep cleaning
- May leave stains
7. Music Nomad MN117 Cymbal Cleaner and Drum Detailer Pack
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00U2HIAJ4″ locale=”US” nw=”y” nf=”y” src=”https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-xmVHe3hL.jpg” tag=”” width=”324″]Last but not least, we have a set of one cymbal cleaner and one drum detailer. The drum detailer helps restore shine, clean and protect all the parts of a drum set such as the throne, electronic drum pads, and drum shells.
For the cymbals, this kit provides an acid-free cymbal cleaner formula. It helps remove oxidation, which helps bring the surface of the cymbals back to its original glory. Moreover, the sound produced by the cymbal will also improve drastically once the oxidation has been lifted from the surface.
You will get extremely impressive results from this product if you take some time to buff it into the cymbals. However, the results turn out great even without the additional elbow grease.
Pros
- Acid-free
- Detailer is effective on all drum shells and hardware
- Brings shine
- Complete kit
- Removes oxidation
Cons
- Small quantity
How do I use Cymbal Cleaner?
Firstly, make sure you are using a cleaning agent that is meant to clean cymbals and not just any household cleaner as the latter may end up damaging your cymbals. Use and clean and dry microfiber cloth or towel. Apply some cymbal cleaner to it and start rubbing that into the cymbal in sections.
Alternatively, you can also apply a thin layer of the product on the cymbal and let it sit for a while. Afterward, use a microfiber cloth or towel to work it in and remove dirt and stains. Once you are done, use lukewarm water to wash away the dirt, sludge, and product residue. Your cymbals are now good as new!
How to Clean Cymbals with Brasso?
Brasso does a great job of removing stains from cymbals and bringing back their shine too. To get the job done, you will need a bottle of liquid Brasso, and rags. Start by applying to the edges of the cymbal and work your way to the opposite side. You will get the best results if you work in sections.
Apply the liquid Brasso, let it sit for a couple of seconds, and then use the rag to thoroughly buff in circular motions. If you notice green, black, or any dark-colored sludge, well done, you’re doing it right! Once you have worked through the whole cymbal, use a clean and dry rag to wipe off any excess product.
How to Clean Cymbals with Ketchup?
We understand if you are taken aback by the idea of cleaning cymbals with ketchup but trust us when we tell you it a very effective method of getting the job done. All you need is store-bought ketchup and a tool to spread the ketchup evenly on the cymbal – such as a paintbrush. You may also use your fingers to do this part.
Once spread evenly, let the ketchup sit for anywhere between 40 minutes to an hour and then rinse it off with water. The acetic acid is ketchup acts as a mild but effective cleaning agent. For deep cleaning and stain removal, you will need proper cymbal cleaning agents, but ketchup gets the regular maintenance cleaning done just fine.
Final Words
Cymbal cleaners are a sensitive product as no one would want their expensive drum sets to get ruined by cleaning products. Thus, all the products recommended have been tested rigorously before recommending.
For those on the hunt for the best cymbal cleaner, we guarantee you that these products will surpass your expectations. They all do a great job of lifting dirt and grime and making your cymbals look, feel, and sound factory fresh.