🛸 Handpan Care & Maintenance: Protect Your Sound for a Long Time
A handpan is more than a musical instrument.
It is a companion for meditation, creativity, and emotional expression.
With proper care, a well-made handpan can remain rust-free, stable in tuning, and beautiful for a long time.
This guide walks you through how to use, store, clean, and maintain your handpan — not just to preserve it, but to respect the sound it carries.
How to Use Your Handpan Properly
The relationship with your handpan begins before the first note.
Before playing
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Wash and thoroughly dry your hands to remove natural salts
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Gently wipe the surface with a clean microfiber cloth
After playing
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Wipe the surface again to remove sweat and fingerprints
Why this matters
Sweat and skin oils contain salt. Over time, salt accelerates oxidation and gradually breaks down the handpan’s protective surface layer.
Handpans are structurally strong, but their tuning is extremely precise.
Avoid striking with excessive force, and never use sticks or mallets not designed for handpans. A relaxed touch allows the steel to vibrate freely and produces the richest tone.
How to Store Your Handpan Safely
Proper storage protects both sound quality and surface integrity.
Let it breathe
Whenever possible, store the handpan outside of its bag. Closed bags can trap moisture, which is the most common cause of rust.
Control the environment
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Avoid damp rooms, basements, and areas near water
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Keep away from high heat and direct sunlight
Sudden temperature changes cause metal to expand and contract. Over time, this stress can affect tuning stability.
The golden rule
Store your handpan in a cool, dry place, safe from impact.
Cleaning & Surface Maintenance
Daily care
Simply wipe the surface before and after each session with a dry microfiber cloth.
Periodic deep cleaning
Every few weeks, use 50–75% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to remove accumulated oils and dirt:
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Apply a small amount to a cloth
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Gently clean the top shell, rim, and bottom shell
Preventing Rust with Oil
Oiling creates a protective barrier between the steel and the air.
How often to oil
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Humid or coastal environments: once a week
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Dry regions: every 1–2 weeks
Use a lightweight organic oil such as coconut oil, or a handpan-specific oil.
Apply a few drops, spread evenly, let it absorb briefly, then wipe off all excess.
The surface should feel smooth — never greasy.
Even stainless steel benefits from light oiling, especially in changing climates.
What If Rust Appears? Don’t Panic.
Small rust spots are usually cosmetic and do not affect sound unless extremely severe.
How to treat light rust
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Clean the area thoroughly with alcohol and a microfiber cloth
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Use the soft side of a sponge (green side) with a tiny amount of water
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Gently rub only the affected area
⚠️ Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as it may remove the surface coating.
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Clean again with alcohol
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Apply oil immediately and wipe off excess
Patience and gentle care matter more than force.
Final Tips for Long-Term Care
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Keep the playing surface away from sharp objects (rings, watches, zippers)
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Never place heavy items on top of the handpan
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Keep children from striking it with toys or sticks
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When traveling, always use a high-quality padded case
A Final Thought
A handpan responds to how it is treated.
If you listen closely, play gently, and protect it with care,
your BeatRise handpan will continue to offer a resonant, soulful sound — not just for years, but for a lifetime.
Want to explore more about handpans, learn new techniques, and get inspired by music?
Click the link below to check out our other blog posts and enjoy your journey with the handpan:
🛸 Guide to the Handpan: History, Origins, and Evolution
To know the fascinating history behind the Handpan and the Hang, you're ready to explore what makes these instruments truly magical.
🎶 Handpan Anatomy: Understanding the Structure and Sound
Learn about the dome, the Ding, the tone fields, and the Gu, and understand the core anatomy of this beautiful instrument.
Handpan Materials: Nitriding vs. Stainless Steel
A comprehensive look at the different metals used, how they affect sound, and essential tips for preventing corrosion and ensuring your instrument’s longevity.
Handpan Scales and Modes: Choosing Your Voice
Understand the world of scales—from Minor Kurd to Major—and how these musical modes influence the emotional quality of your music.
The Diverse Uses of the Handpan
Explore how the instrument is used in everything from meditation and sound healing to professional studio recordings and live performance.
Essential Handpan Care and Maintenance
Learn the best practices for cleaning, storage, and routine maintenance to protect your investment and preserve its sound quality for years to come.
Handpan Uses: From Street Performance to Meditation & Sound Therapy | BeatRise Music
Discover the versatile uses of handpans—from solo improvisation and street performances to meditation, sound therapy, and film scores. Explore how this unique instrument connects music, art, and mindfulness.
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