How Should I Store and Care for My Shofar?

A shofar isn’t just an instrument—it’s a sacred object, a direct link to biblical history, and a powerful symbol of Jewish faith. If you’ve invested in a quality shofar, whether it’s for personal use or synagogue services, you need to take care of it properly. A neglected shofar can dry out, crack, or develop a foul odor. That’s the last thing you want when it’s time to sound the call of repentance!

Here’s how to store, clean, and maintain your shofar so it lasts for generations.

(Shimon Keinan, owner of Kol Shofar, with a made-in-Israel Shofar. Photo: Asaf Lazer)

Store Your Shofar in a Cool, Dry Place

The first rule of shofar storage: keep it away from extreme heat and moisture.
Most Shofars are made from a ram’s horn (or kudu in the case of a Yemenite shofar), which means they’re organic material. Heat and humidity can cause warping, cracking, and even rotting. The best storage option is a dry, ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

What NOT to do:

Better options:

Clean Your Shofar Regularly

Blowing a shofar means moisture and bacteria will build up inside it over time. If you don’t clean it, your shofar can develop a bad smell (We in Kol Shofar invented a patent that gets rid of the smell, but you still need to regularly clean the shofar).

Basic cleaning steps:

  1. After each use, use pipe cleaner or feather if you have to clean the shofar. The point is to absorb the saliva. Let your shofar air out. Set it on a shelf, mouthpiece down, so any moisture can drain. Be sure to do it very gently.
  2. For deep cleaning, use a pipe cleaner or a flexible bottle brush to scrub the inside, see what we wrote in #5 for bad smell.
  3. Let it dry completely before storing it. Never put away a damp shofar!

Keep It from Cracking

Shofars are natural and it’s important to protect them from falling or cracking.

Preventing cracks:

  • Avoid extreme temperature changes. Don’t take your shofar from a freezing cold room to a hot environment too quickly.
  • Don’t drop it! It might seem strong, but a bad fall can cause fractures that are impossible to repair.

If your shofar does crack, it might be fixable, but according to halacha (Jewish law), a cracked shofar can become unkosher if the damage affects the sound. Speak with us before you give up on your shofar for professional advice.

Protect It During Travel

If you’re taking your shofar to synagogue, traveling with it, or storing it long-term, consider investing in a protective case. A padded shofar bag will prevent scratches and breakage.
For long-term storage, wrap it in a soft cloth and place it in a sturdy container where it won’t get crushed or bent.

What If My Shofar Smells Bad?

Shofars do have a natural odor, and if you purchased a shofar that was not made by Kol Shofar then it has a bad smell. If yours has an odor problem, try one of these methods:

  • Vinegar or lemon juice rinse: Mix with water, pour inside the shofar, and seal the mouthpiece so the water doesn’t come out. Let it sit for half a day to a full day, then rinse thoroughly. Important: Never submerge your shofar in water! Too much moisture can ruin the polish and cause the outer layer to develop unwanted fibers. The less water that touches the outside, the better.
  • Baking soda mixed with water: Follow the same steps as written above.
  • Sunlight exposure: After cleaning, leave the Shofar in indirect sunlight to dry for a few hours (not too long, or it may dry out).

Tip: We specialize in cleaning shofars from bad odor – we can take care of it for you. Just contact us.

Keep Your Shofar in Top Condition with Kol Shofar

Looking for a high-quality, kosher shofar? Want a beautiful Yemenite shofar or a classic ram’s horn? Kol Shofar offers handcrafted shofars from Israel that are carefully selected for the best sound and durability.

Check out Kol Shofar to find the perfect shofar and accessories to keep it in top shape! We are a family business, we will take care of you.

Sound the call. Keep the tradition. Care for your shofar.

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Shimon Keinan Shofars

The Shofars at Kol Shofar are meticulously handcrafted in our family workshop, paying maximum attention to the highest level of quality, to Kashrut, ease of blowing, cleanliness and producing a special sound. Our customers say they can recognize our Shofars immediately anywhere in the world, due to our unique handprint.

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