How Do You Sanitize a Harmonica?
When it comes to playing an instrument, it’s important that you take the proper care of it. This can help ensure that your harmonica is durable, able to hold up under heavy use, and that it sounds as good as possible. One of the best ways to ensure that your harmonica remains in good shape is by sanitizing it regularly.
Sanitizing your harmonica is an easy process that should be part of your regular routine when it comes to instrument maintenance. This will help ensure that your harmonica stays clean and free of germs, which can lead to an increase in its playability.
The key to sanitizing your harmonica is to make sure that you follow a few simple guidelines. The first is to ensure that you’re washing your mouth properly before playing. This will prevent saliva build-up from damaging the reeds, which can cause them to sound dull or break down.
It’s also a good idea to avoid using any liquids (such as soda pop, juice or alcohol) while playing. These can contain sugars which will affect the reeds and make them not work as well.
A simple way to sanitize your harmonica is to rinse it with lukewarm water and tap it on your hand to remove any excess moisture. This will help to limit saliva build-up, which will prolong the life of your harmonica and keep it in pristine condition.
Another important step is to thoroughly dry your harmonica after every play session. This will help to prevent the reeds from becoming sticky, which can lead to an increase in intonation problems and shorter lifespan for your harmonica.
If your harmonica has a wooden comb, it’s a good idea to use an old toothbrush to brush off any dirt or saliva that may have collected on the comb. You can do this with soap and water, or even with a bit of alcohol if the comb is metal. If you have a plastic comb, you can simply run room temperature water through it and let it dry completely.
Once your harmonica is dry, you should check it for any parts that might need to be re-lubricated. This is especially true for chromatic harmonicas, as oil can clog up the cells and cause them to malfunction.
Cleaning your harmonica can be done at any time, so long as you remember to follow these tips. Depending on your playing habits, you may need to sanitize your harmonica more frequently than other instruments, but it’s an easy and effective way to keep your harmonica in tip-top shape.
It’s also a great idea to disassemble your harmonica and give it a thorough cleaning once in a while. This can be done with a small spray bottle of isopropyl alcohol, as well as a lint-free cloth and a small round brush that’s used to clean electric shaver blades.
You can also lubricate your slide, as this will allow it to slide more smoothly and quietly. However, you should be careful about how much oil you put on the slide, as too much can clog the reeds or wind saver valves.
