Now that you have invested in the full, beautiful sound of a wooden drum you need to know how to take care of it so that it stays beautiful for years to come. Here are a few simple pointers to keep your drum in top condition.

First, store your drum inside. This might go without saying, but I will say it anyway. Extreme temperatures and conditions can dry out your drum and create cracks or warp the shell. And I would recommend storing your drum in a specially designed bag or case. This will protect your drum from everyday collisions as well as protect it while being moved around.

To clean your drum you should use a damp cloth to dust and clean the shell. Do not use soap or other harsh detergents. This can be harmful to the wood. If you do clean it regularly and keep the drum away from other contaminants, use of other cleaning agents won’t be necessary.

You may want to apply a natural oil to keep the shell hydrated. There are different options available with different properties; for instance, linseed oil and Danish oil can act as a natural varnish that will lock in the moister level permanently. Coconut oil, by comparison, will simply keep the wood hydrated while at the same time allowing the wood to breathe. It will depend on your own preferences on which oil to apply if any.

If you take these simple steps you should be able to keep your drum alive for years to come with its warm, one of a kind sound.