A well-cared-for handpan will stay resonant and beautiful for decades. These simple routines take minutes and require no special tools — everything you need is included in your Healing Kit.
The simplest habit. The biggest impact on your handpan''s longevity.
A clean microfiber cloth. That''s it. We recommend keeping one in your EVA case so it''s always within reach.
After each playing session, gently wipe the entire surface of the handpan — the tone fields, the ding, the rim, and the bottom shell. Use light, circular motions. No pressure. No rubbing. The goal is simply to remove the natural oils and moisture left by your fingertips before they have time to interact with the steel.
Fingerprint oils contain acids and salts that, over time, can etch into the nitrided steel surface. A 30-second wipe-down after playing prevents this entirely. Skip it consistently, and you may see faint oxidation spots appear within weeks — especially in humid environments.
Your Healing Kit includes a bottle of professional maintenance oil formulated specifically for nitrided steel handpans.
Place a few drops of oil onto a clean microfiber cloth — not directly onto the handpan. Wipe evenly across all surfaces using the same gentle, circular motion you use for cleaning. The oil should leave a microscopically thin, even film. If the surface looks wet or streaky, buff lightly with a dry section of the cloth until it feels smooth and matte.
If you live in a humid region — coastal areas, tropical climates, or places with rainy seasons — increase oiling frequency to every 1 to 2 weeks. Humidity accelerates oxidation. If you live in a dry climate, every 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. The handpan will tell you: if the surface starts to feel dry or loses its subtle sheen, it is time.
Do not forget the bottom shell. It is exposed to lap moisture, clothing friction, and ambient humidity just as much as the playing surface. A quick wipe with the same oiled cloth is all it needs.
When not being played, your handpan should rest in conditions that preserve its tuning and finish.
When you finish playing — cleaned and oiled — place the handpan back into its high-density EVA protective case. The case shields it from dust, accidental bumps, and sudden temperature changes. It also maintains a more stable micro-environment than open air.
Store the case in a room with stable temperature and moderate humidity — ideally 40-60% relative humidity. Avoid: direct sunlight (UV degrades finishes over years), radiators or heating vents (rapid temperature swings can stress the steel and subtly affect tuning), and air conditioner units blowing directly onto the case (causes condensation cycles).
The EVA case is designed for portability. For car travel, place it flat in the trunk or back seat where it will not shift. For air travel, the case fits most overhead bins on standard commercial aircraft. If you must check it as luggage, use the original double-walled shipping box as an outer layer — never check the EVA case alone.
These are the things we see new players do — and how to skip them entirely.
Never use window cleaner, all-purpose spray, alcohol wipes, or abrasive pads on your handpan. These can strip the protective nitrided layer, leave chemical residues that affect resonance, or create micro-scratches that trap moisture. Only use the included maintenance oil and a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
The tone fields are the most precisely tuned surfaces on the instrument. They do not need polishing. Wipe them gently — the same pressure you would use to clean a pair of eyeglasses. Aggressive rubbing can, over time, subtly flatten the tuning and dull the overtones.
It looks beautiful. But wall mounts place constant stress on a single point of the rim. Over months or years, this can introduce slight warping that affects tuning — especially on larger, heavier instruments. Store it flat in its case. If you want to display it, use a dedicated floor stand that supports the entire circumference.
Even with perfect care, a handpan will develop subtle changes over years of use — slight darkening, faint surface marks where fingers land most often. This is not damage. It is patina. It does not affect sound quality, and many players feel it adds character. A well-played handpan that shows its age is a beautiful thing.
Every handpan is unique. If you have questions about caring for your specific instrument — or if something does not look right — reach out. We would rather answer a quick question now than help you fix an issue later.