- Avoid extreme temperatures<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul>
- Correct humidity for a cajon<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to Clean a Cajon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Best Practices<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Storing Your Cajon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Cajons are resilient but should be stored in a good-quality padded gig bag when you aren\u2019t playing. Leaving a cajon on a table or having it around kids playing or cats who love scratching things can result in cosmetic and physical damage. A cases also help prevent dust and dirt from sticking to a cajon, and, most importantly, help protect it from the elements, which we\u2019ll cover a little later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What\u2019s great is that almost all cajon gig bags have additional pockets to store cajon brushes<\/a>, music, polishing cloths, oil, and other accessories you may use when you’re out playing a gig. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/02\/Schlagwerk-Cajon-Bag.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nCajon Temperature and Humidity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We discussed how vital a cajon gig bag is because protecting your cajon from the elements is the most important thing you can do to ensure your cajon sounds brand-new. If exposed for too long, it can cause damage and require repair or replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The ideal temperature and humidity are between 60 and 75 degrees with 40\u201350% humidity.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Avoid extreme temperatures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wood expands and contracts depending on the temperature, so any drastic temperature differences will put more stress on the shell, which can lead to warps or cracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple rule is to store it in a temperature-controlled environment and to avoid rapid humidity and temperature changes. Don\u2019t leave it in your car on a hot day or in direct sunlight. During the cold winter months, ensure it\u2019s not stored in your attic or cellar, which are more prone to colder temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Correct humidity for a cajon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Along with temperature, humidity plays a critical role in extending the life of your cajon. 40-50% humidity is the sweet spot for storing the cajon. Anything outside of those ranges can lead to warping and cracking. If you live in a place where the humidity varies widely, you\u2019ll have to take extra special care to ensure the cajon doesn\u2019t get damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Humidity will vary from season to season, so invest in a good-quality hygrometer<\/a> (humidity meter) to help quickly monitor the temperature and humidity.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/sweetcare\/media\/2023\/02\/DAddario-Hygrometer-1024x660.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Clean a Cajon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Although a cajon isn\u2019t a nice piece of furniture, you must treat it as such. You should clean it like any other piece of wooden furniture. With some cleaning every once in a while, you\u2019ll be surprised at how long your cajon will last! Here are a few tips for cleaning a cajon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the playing surface of the cajon (tapa) down after your performance, especially if you have sweaty palms.<\/li>
- Wipe down the cajon with a moist microfiber cloth (NO SOAP OR OTHER HARSH CLEANING AGENTS!<\/strong>), then wipe it completely dry.<\/li>
- To keep the wood hydrated, approximately once every few months apply a very light coat of wood oil in a circular motion, then wipe it down. This is particularly important if your cajon becomes dry.<\/li>
- While it comes down to personal preference, you should try three types of oil: Danish<\/em>, linseed (flaxseed)<\/em>, and coconut<\/em>. Please note that different oil may affect the tone, especially if you\u2019re applying it to a dried-out cajon.
- Danish and linseed (flaxseed) oil: act as a natural varnish and will retain moisture permanently. They essentially act as barriers between the wood and the sweat and oil from your hands. They will often provide a bit more shine than coconut oil.<\/li><\/ul>
- Coconut oil: hydrates and conditions the wood, removes superficial scratches, and allows the wood to breathe more naturally<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With regular cleaning and storing it correctly in a location with ideal temperatures and humidity, your cajon should last for a lifetime. Here are a few tips and tricks to extend the life of the cajon even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Only use your hands, cajon brushes<\/a>, or, if you\u2019re using the cajon as a bass drum, a beater<\/a> specifically made for one.
- Using standard drumsticks will scratch and dent the tapa (face of the cajon), which can cause damage and void any warranty.<\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Consider a cajon pad<\/a> or cajon saddle<\/a> for extra padding. While this doesn\u2019t affect the performance, it will make playing much more comfortable, especially during longer sets!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n\n\n
- Only use your hands, cajon brushes<\/a>, or, if you\u2019re using the cajon as a bass drum, a beater<\/a> specifically made for one.
- Coconut oil: hydrates and conditions the wood, removes superficial scratches, and allows the wood to breathe more naturally<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Humidity will vary from season to season, so invest in a good-quality hygrometer<\/a> (humidity meter) to help quickly monitor the temperature and humidity.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- How to Clean a Cajon<\/strong><\/a><\/li>
- Correct humidity for a cajon<\/strong><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>