Handpan Care

Caring for Your Handpan is Easy!

Playing Your Instrument.

There are many wonderful tutorials on YouTube to help you learn how to play and I also share some beginner content my Instagram account. I highly recommend looking for local handpan communities because they can make learning fun!

Steer clear of the following to ensure your handpan stays in tune as long as possible:

  • Avoid playing rough or hitting hard because it can detune your instrument.

  • Avoid mallets and other percussive tools because can also detune your handpan.

  • Avoid wearing jewelry when playing. Bracelets, rings, etc. can scratch or damage your instrument’s finish.

  • Avoid playing in direct sunlight, your handpan will heat up and can detune. It may even get hot enough to burn you!

Storing Your Handpan.

Spirit Handpans always come with a Namana shoulder bag for medium sized instruments. To prevent damage and detuning, always store your handpan in a safe place (such as the Namana bag) where it can't be dropped or knocked into.

NOTE: Don’t leave your handpan in a closed case for extended periods of time.

If you intend on flying frequently, I’d recommend looking into a large Evatek fly kit. These large plastic cases are reinforced with steel and are inserted into the Evatek cloth case for extra protection. Spirit Handpans only fit in a large Evatek fly kit.

Cleaning & Rust Prevention.

While nitrided and stainless steel Spirit Handpans are inherently much more resistant than raw steel, we still must take preventative action against rust.

Always keep your handpan properly coated in oil. It’s a simple 2-step process:

  1. Use a small towel (any kind, even paper) with rubbing alcohol to clean your handpan.

  2. Using another clean towel, apply handpan oil, especially Spirit Gloss Handpan Oil.

Additional Cleaning Tips

  • If you play daily, I’d recommend cleaning and then applying oil at least once every other week. Apply a coat when it seems the previous coat has worn off, some musicians will clean and oil every week!

  • Don’t forget to clean and treat the port and the rim of the handpan.

  • Be extra attentive in humid weather.

  • If you have a rubber rim with a clip, be sure to occasionally remove them to clean the metal rim.

Treating Rust

If rust should appear, immediately take action.

  1. First try a light grade of steel wool with rubbing alcohol.

  2. If you notice more intense rust, a Miracle repolishing cloth will remove it very well.

  3. After removing the rust, clean with rubbing alcohol. Discoloration may occur.

  4. Re-coat your instrument with Spirit Gloss Handpan Oil.