Is kick pedal maintenance important? How to clean a kick pedal? If your kick pedal is already becoming dirty and you do not know what to do with it, you are in the right place, as we are going to have some discussion on how to clean your kick pedal, so you can use it for more years to come.
Here are the steps on how to clean a kick pedal:
Step 1: Disassemble The Kick Pedal
Before trying to clean your kick pedal, the first thing you should always do is to disassemble it first. It is very important to disassemble the kick pedal rather than let it be when cleaning it, as it will allow you to have better access to all the parts that are needed to be cleaned.
To do this, the first thing you should do is take a picture of the kick pedal, especially those parts that you will have to disassemble, as it will give you a better idea of how to reassemble it back, as this will be very helpful to you if you are not used in doing this type of work. Next is to secure all the needed tools to remove the screws on the kick pedal and always get a lubricant that is specifically made for cleaning kick pedals to avoid damaging them. Also, secure with you a piece of cloth to wipe the kick pedal.
If you are good to go, then start to remove the beater and spring from the kick pedal. After, you start now to remove the drive shaft and any other detachable parts of the kick pedal. Make sure that you secure all the bolts, screws, and pins safely, so you won’t have any problem reassembling it back after you will the kick pedal.
Step 2: Remove The Dirt And Debris
After you have disassembled the parts of the kick pedal, you can now start to remove the dirt and debris on the parts. In doing it, one great tool that you can use is a soft-bristle brush, like a toothbrush, so you can brush away all the dirt and dust that has been building up on your kick pedal.
When brushing with the kick pedal, you need to make sure that you have covered all the parts, especially those spots that are very hard to reach, such as where the kick pedal attaches to its base, as lots of dirt and dust can hide in these spots and can be left out when cleaning a kick pedal.
Step 3: Clean The Strap Or Chain
After you have removed the debris and dirt on the kick pedal, you can now start to focus on the disassembled parts of the kick pedal. Whether you have a kick pedal that uses a strap or chain, this part might be a great idea to start your cleaning journey with. You should remember that whether it is a strap or chain, it must be cleaned thoroughly.
When you have a dirty strap or chain on your kick pedal, you can expect that its performance will really be affected because of this. It can also do some unnecessary wear and tear to the kick pedal, affecting its longevity negatively in the long run.
To start cleaning it, soak the chain or strap in a bowl of warm water and dish soap for a few minutes, then use a toothbrush to scrub away any remaining dirt and debris that is still stuck on the part. Rinse it with water and let it dry before you reassemble it in the kick pedal.
Step 4: Clean The Beater
As another important part of the kick pedal, the beater must always be in optimal condition, as it is the one that strikes the bass drum, and having a dirty beater can surely affect its produced sound and feel. To clean it, start to wipe the beater using a dry cloth to remove any loose dust or dirt on it.
Next is to apply a small amount of mild detergent to your spare toothbrush and start brushing the beater. If the beater is really dirty and has not been cleaned for a very long time, one great way you can do it is to soak it first in a mixture of warm water and dish soap for a few minutes before you start brushing it. Make sure to rinse the beater with clean water after cleaning it, and let it dry before reassembling it back on the kick pedal.
Step 5: Clean The Pedal Board
This part is the flat surface where your foot rests, so you can expect that it is the dirtiest of all parts of your kick pedal, as it always comes in contact with the drummer’s foot. To start cleaning it, use a dry cloth and wipe down any loose dust and dirt that you can remove. You can soak the pedal board with a mix of warm water and dish soap or put a mild detergent on your spare toothbrush and start removing the stubborn dirt on the board. Make sure to rinse it with water and let it dry, too, before placing it back on the kick pedal.
Step 6: Clean The Bearings, Screws, Bolts, And Pins
These parts are very important for your kick pedal to work properly, and rust and dirt can usually easily build up in these parts. This is why these parts should not be overlooked when it comes to kick pedal maintenance. Try to soak them in warm water and dish soap, but you can also directly brush them, as long as you put some mild detergent on your brush. After you have dried them out, always put lubricant before putting them back in the kick pedal.
Step 7: Lubricate The Kick Pedal
Remember that before you reassemble the kick pedal and its parts, you should always lubricate them first using a product that is specifically made for lubricating kick pedals to avoid damaging them. So aside from the mentioned parts before, you should also lubricate the hinge and the chain or strap that your kick pedal uses, as they are the moving parts of your kick pedal.
Step 8: Reassemble The Kick Pedal And Its Parts
After you have lubricated all the necessary parts of your kick pedal, you can start to reassemble it. The photos you have taken will be very helpful if you have already forgotten where to place all parts back. You can start by attaching the drive shaft to the kick pedal and then reattach the spring and the beater. After, you can now reattach all the other detachable parts that were removed when you cleaned the kick pedal.
Step 9: Test The Kick Pedal And Store It Properly
After you have reassembled the kick pedal, always make sure to try it out first to check out whether it will still need some adjustments to make or it needs some additional lubrication to it. If all else is good, you should then store it in a place where there is less moisture to improve its longevity in the long run.
So, is kick pedal maintenance important? How to clean a kick pedal? Yes, kick pedal maintenance is very important in improving your kick pedal’s longevity. To clean a kick pedal, you should always disassemble it first before you start cleaning them. You can use a dry cloth and brush to remove all the dust and dirt with the help of some warm water, dish soap, and mild detergent.
