The mouth is full of bacteria and bits of food, so playing a wind instrument like the saxophone can become a dirty business. Without proper cleaning, the saxophone mouthpiece can accumulate all sorts of substances and even molds that can cause disease. With a little attention your saxophone can continue to sound fantastic for years to come.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the reed
Step 1. Disassemble the saxophone
Loosen the ligature, then remove the mouthpiece, reed, and neck of the saxophone. You have to clean these parts very often as they come into contact with your mouth. The reed is the part of the mouthpiece that produces sound through vibrations and is vulnerable to bacteria, fungi, heat and pressure.
Step 2. Clean the reed
The breath you blow into the saxophone contains saliva, which makes the instrument a humid environment in which bacteria and fungi proliferate, and food particles that damage the instrument.
- Cleaning a reed requires at least a wipe with a clean, dry cloth or a specific swab after each use. This prevents the accumulation of bacteria and chemicals inside.
- Swabs and brushes specific for cleaning the saxophone can be purchased in musical instrument stores or online.
Step 3. Thoroughly clean the reed
Wiping with the cloth removes only the newly created moisture. A more thorough cleaning is recommended to kill germs and prevent them from accumulating.
Soak the reed in a cup containing two vinegar and three caps of hot water for 30 minutes, at least once a week. Next, rinse it with warm water to remove any vinegar residue
Step 4. Place the reed on a clean surface to dry
Moisture from the water can also cause bacteria to proliferate once the reed is locked in the saxophone case. Place it on a paper towel. Replace it after about 15 minutes and turn the reed upside down. When it is completely dry, place it in its special case.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Main Mouthpiece
Step 1. Clean the mouthpiece regularly
Once a month or, if the saxophone is used daily, once a week, remove the mouthpiece and clean it. The saliva that accumulates in this area causes the formation of limescale which affects the sound and makes it difficult to remove the mouthpiece itself.
Step 2. Use a weakly acidic substance
Vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, which are acidic substances, can remove limescale when it becomes encrusted. However, exposure to these substances may speed up the mouthpiece discoloration process, so it is recommended that you use a pipe cleaner to remove limescale by hand.
- Dip two cotton balls in 4-6% acid vinegar. Place the first one over the mouthpiece opening. Remove it after ten minutes and use the second swab to scrub away the limescale. You can repeat this operation again if the limescale is difficult to remove.
- Or, soak the mouthpiece for two hours in hydrogen peroxide. This substance will dissolve the limescale on its own.
Step 3. Wash the mouthpiece with soap and water
Avoid using hot water and harsh detergents, as both will damage the instrument. Warm water and a mild detergent are sufficient to remove vinegar, eliminate most bacteria and non-encrusted limescale.
Step 4. Brush off the limescale
You can do this with a regular toothbrush or with a specific brush for the saxophone mouthpiece.
There are special cloths that can be passed from the neck of the saxophone through the mouthpiece, pulling them with a string. This removes bacteria and saliva, but a more thorough cleaning is recommended
Step 5. Immerse the mouthpiece in a germicide
Disinfectants like Amuchina can be used on instruments, but a common mouthwash is just as effective. This operation is not mandatory, but it is useful for eliminating any residual bacteria.
Step 6. Place the mouthpiece on a surface to air dry
This will allow you to prevent moisture from forming which could allow bacteria to proliferate. Once dry, store it in the saxophone case.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Neck
Step 1. Rub it with a special cloth after use
Saliva and food particles accumulate in the neck of the saxophone. Place the cloth in the bell and then pull it towards you using the cord it comes with.
Step 2. Remove the limescale
This is the same process you used on the mouthpiece; requires warm water, soap or detergent, a pipe cleaner or toothbrush to be used weekly.
Dip your toothbrush in warm, soapy water and use it to remove limescale. Then rinse your neck under the tap with lukewarm water to remove any residue
Step 3. Sterilize the neck
This step is optional, since already using soap and water the bacteria are removed quite well. Any residual bacteria or odors will certainly be eliminated with this step.
- Pour the germicidal disinfectant directly into the neck of the saxophone so that it covers the inside surface. Let it dry for a minute in a clean place, on a paper towel, then rinse with warm water. You can air dry it, or hand dry it with a cloth or towel, before storing it.
- You can use vinegar on this piece as well. After dissolving the limescale with soap and water and with a toothbrush, close the mouth with a cork. Cover any holes from the outside, hold your neck upright, and pour in cold or lukewarm vinegar. After 30 minutes, rinse with warm soapy water, then air dry or hand dry.
Advice
Get in the habit of cleaning the saxophone after use instead of putting it back in its case right away
Warnings
- Do not put the saxophone pieces in the dishwasher, heat and detergent will damage them.
- Do not use household utensils to remove any deposits. They scratch surfaces and deform the reed.
