How to Clean a Mouth Harmonica: 10 Steps

Table of contents:

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Do you want to clean your harmonica? The maintenance of this musical instrument is a delicate matter due to the fragility of its internal components. Follow the advice in this article to proceed safely.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Daily Cleaning

Step 1. Rinse it off with warm water

If you have a diatonic harmonica with a plastic core, you can simply place it under warm running water. With the side with the holes on your hand, gently tap the tool to remove excess water.

Proceed with this type of rinse only if the central body is made of finished and waterproof plastic or wood. If it is made of metal or raw wood, do not get the harmonica wet

Step 2. Tap it after each use

As it is played with the mouth, saliva and other contaminants are blown into it. At the end of each session, tap it on your hand, leg, or cloth to get rid of all saliva. This will keep it clean and reduce the amount of dirt that accumulates in it.

Try to play it "dry". This means that you should try to reduce the amount of saliva you pass into the tool when you use it

Step 3. Let the harmonica dry after playing it

Another technique for keeping it clean and rust-free is to allow it to dry out after each music session. When you put it back in the case, leave the lid open. By doing so, the moisture can evaporate instead of impregnating the musical instrument.

Step 4. Clean your mouth before playing

If you ate or drank just before using the harmonica, rinse your mouth with water. Food residues can transfer into the instrument, while sugar and other contaminants in drinks other than water can accumulate inside.

Avoid playing it right after brushing your teeth. Any trace of toothpaste or mouthwash can make it dirty.
Do not smoke while playing, as this will damage the harmonica.

Method 2 of 2: Thorough Cleaning

Step 1. Remove the shells

Use a suitable screwdriver and remove the external elements that cover the central body. For some tools you need to use Phillips screwdrivers, while for other models a flat tool is fine. Make sure the tip of the screwdriver is the right size for the screw head.

Store the screws in a safe place where you cannot lose them.
Spray both shells with alcohol and then scrub them with a cloth.

Step 2. Remove the reed holders

After removing the shells, use the screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the cleats with the reeds. Put the screws back in the order in which you unscrewed them, in order to then insert each one in its original hole.

Step 3. Leave the plates to soak

Dip them in a solution of hot water and vinegar or lemon juice. Wait about half an hour.

Step 4. Clean the main body, or comb

While the reed plates are soaking, clean the central part. If it's plastic, you can use soap and water. Scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush to loosen any encrustations. Alternatively, spray the comb with alcohol and clean it with a soft brush. To remove stubborn residue, use a sharp tool.

If the central body is made of wood, do not use soap and water. Just brush it or gently scrape it dry. If the comb is made of metal, make sure it is dry before reassembling all components

Step 5. Clean the reed holders

Take them out of the water and scrub them with a brush. Do not use the toothbrush on these items. You must gently clean the plates by moving the brush along the reeds, from the rivet towards the tip. Do not proceed in the opposite direction, otherwise you can deform or tear the ends of the reeds, risking to damage them or alter the notes emitted by the instrument.

Do not brush perpendicular to the reeds. Always follow their length.
Clean the opposite side of the cleat with all the energy you want, as there are no reeds in this area that you can ruin.
When finished, rinse them under running warm water.
You can also clean the pads with a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide.

Step 6. Reassemble the tool

Wait for the various parts to dry completely and assemble the harmonica.

Tighten the vines gradually. Start by turning them evenly before tightening them to the maximum

Advice

Never rub too hard.
Be careful when handling the harmonica.

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