The Flic

FULL LENGTH INSTRUMENT CARE

... For Flutes

FLIC is a simple, handcrafted cleaning system that reaches the full internal length of your flute without taking the flute apart.

Designed by flute player and enthusiast Richard Twyford and made from selected hardwoods and 100% pure cotton, FLIC removes moisture and condensation quickly, gently and effectively — making daily flute care effortless.

Simple steps to cleaner, dryer, play-ready flute interiors

Insert the wand tip into the “sock” end of the cotton Ribbon-Swab.

If you are using a Half & Half fold-down wand version, connect the top half of the wand to the handle section until secure.

Thread 1 Ribbon snugly through the primary FLIC slot.

Wrap or twirl the ribbons gently down the length of the wand.

Draw a gentle tension and secure the ribbon tip snugly into the anchor slots on the FLIC wand.

How to use the FLIC

Insert the FLIC into the flute until the sock meets the faceplate in the head joint, ensuring it reaches the full internal length.

Rotate the wand slowly several times to allow the cotton to absorb moisture and condensation.

Move the wand up and down gently through the Head Joint and body of the flute.

Repeat once or twice if needed — your flute interior is now clean, dry, and ready to play.

A word from the inventor

The experience of most flute players produced 3 clear needs …

A way to clean/dry the inside of the flute, quickly, completely and without dismantling the flute and having to replace and re-align the Head Joint.
Play more often, using any available time the day has to offer.
Have a fully assembled flute safely at hand at any time.

FLIC has made this practical and possible.

Philosophy

FLIC exists to support flute players with tools that make instrument care quick, simple, gentle, and effective — especially for those who play often and want their instrument to stay aligned, dry, and safely stored.

We believe that:

Clean instruments play better and last longer.
Care routines should fit seamlessly into a player’s daily practice.
Every flute — student, intermediate, or professional — deserves careful handling.
Excessive handling is potentially damaging to a valuable instrument.

FLIC does not replace thoughtful, general flute care. Instead, it makes frequent interior cleaning quick, easy, safer, and more consistent — reducing unnecessary handling and helping protect the instrument you love.

How the FLIC system works.

FLIC is designed to be simple, fast and effective — so that cleaning becomes a natural part of your playing routine.

Key Features

Thoughtfully designed to care for your flute interior from end to end.

Full-length cleaning

Reaches through the body to the Head Joint in one quick and smooth motion — all the way up to the faceplate and corners, where most cleaning devices or systems are simply ineffective.

No flute disassembly needed

Clean your flute between playing sessions without taking it apart, reducing handling and the risk of alignment issues or wear over time.

Natural, gentle materials

Made from fine-grained hardwood and a soft 100% cotton ribbon swab. No metal, no abrasives, and safe for student, intermediate and professional flutes.

Why flute players love using FLIC

Fast.Simple.Effective

Fast cleaning in just seconds between sessions.
Helps protect pads from excess moisture and condensation.
Reduces unnecessary assembly and disassembly of the flute.
Encourages consistent, healthy care habits.
Encourages more frequent, daily flute playing and practice.
Fits naturally into the daily routine of players who practise often.

What's included in the standard FLIC set

The core FLIC system is designed as a complete solution for full-length interior flute cleaning

1 × FLIC Wand (fine-grained hardwood)

Two Options – Full Length Wand or 1 x FLIC ½ & ½ ‘Plug and Play’ Fold-Away version

1 × 100% White Cotton FLIC Ribbon Swab

Caring for your FLIC Ribbon Swab

With simple care, the FLIC Ribbon Swab will serve you reliably and hygienically for a long time.

Store in a dust-free pouch or environment.
Hand-wash in warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Allow to drip dry completely before reuse.
You may gently iron the ribbon on a cool setting if preferred.

FLIC does not replace general good flute care — it makes regular interior cleaning easier, safer, and more consistent, especially for those who play frequently.

Product Specifications

Overall Length: 72 cm (29 inches)
Wand Material: Selected fine-grained hardwood eg. African Kiaat, European Beech
Ribbon Material: 100% super-absorbent natural white cotton
Ribbon Length: 85 cm
Colour: White swab, natural wood
Suitable for: Student, intermediate and professional flutes (C and B foot joints)