Want to clean your harmonica? Harmonica maintenance can be tricky because of the fragile interior of the instrument. Follow these guidelines to clean your harmonica successfully.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Doing Daily Maintenance
Step 1. Rinse the harmonica with warm water
If you have a diatonic harmonica with a plastic comb, rinse the harmonica thoroughly with warm water. Place the mouthpiece against the palm of your hand, then tap vigorously to release the water.
Rinse the harmonica thoroughly with water if your harmonica comb is made of plastic or wood without cavities. If the comb is made of plain wood or metal, do not rinse with water
Step 2. Tap the harmonica after each use
Because the harmonica is played with the mouth, saliva and dirt will be blown from the mouth into its cavities. After each use, tap the harmonica with your hands, feet, or a towel to get a splash of saliva. This will help keep your harmonica clean and reduce the amount of dirt deposited in its cavities.
Be a "dry" harmonica player. This means that you should try as much as possible to reduce the saliva that gets into the harmonica while playing
Step 3. Dry your harmonica when you're done playing
Another way to keep your harmonica clean and rust-free is to dry it after playing. Keep the box open while you insert the harmonica. This will help dry up any remaining water that has soaked the harmonica.
Step 4. Clean your mouth before playing
If you eat or drink anything right before playing, rinse your mouth with water first. Food debris, sugar or other impurities from drinks other than water can be blown away and form dirt deposits in the harmonica.
- Don't play the harmonica right after you brush your teeth. The remnants of toothpaste or mouthwash can form dirt deposits.
- Don't smoke while playing the harmonica. This will damage the harmonica.
Method 2 of 2: Performing a Thorough Clean
Step 1. Remove the cover plates of the harmonica
Use a suitable screwdriver to remove the harmonica cover plate. There are some types of harmonica that require a screwdriver, while others require a flat screwdriver. Make sure you use the right screwdriver.
- Place the screws in a safe place so they don't get lost.
- Spray both sides of the cover plate with rubbing alcohol and then wipe with a cloth.
Step 2. Remove the reed plates from the harmonica
After removing the cover plate, use a screwdriver to remove the screw attached to the vibrating plate. Arrange the screws so you can put them back in the holes where they were previously removed.
Step 3. Soak the vibrating plate in the cleaning liquid
Soak the vibrating plate in a cleaning solution, which is made from a solution of warm water and vinegar or lemon juice. Let the vibrating plate soak for about half an hour.
Step 4. Clean the comb part
When soaking the vibrating plate, clean the comb part. You can clean a plastic comb with soap and water. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush off the dirt deposits on the comb. Another way is to spray the comb with alcohol, then brush it with a soft-bristled brush. You can also use a sharp object to pick up dirt deposits on the comb.
To clean a regular wood comb, do not use water or soap. Use a brush or sharp object. To clean a metal comb, dry it thoroughly before reassembling it
Step 5. Clean the vibrating plate
Remove the vibrating plate from the water. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush the vibrating plate. Do not scratch the vibrating plate with the toothbrush. Gently brush the vibrating plate and vibrating bristles located under the rivet. Do not brush in the opposite direction or tear the tips of the vibrating bristles. This will damage the vibrating feathers and mess up the harmonica.
- Never brush against the direction of the vibrating bristles. Brush in the direction of the vibrating bristles.
- You can clean the reverse side of the vibrating plate with as much pressure as you need, as this reverse side has no vibrating bristles.
- Next, flush the vibrating plate with warm water to rinse.
- You can also clean the vibrating plate with a cotton bud and hydrogen peroxide.
Step 6. Reassemble the harmonica components
Dry all components of the harmonica. Then reassemble the harmonica.
Install the screws gradually. Install the three screws evenly before tightening each one
Tips
- Never brush too hard.
- Treat the harmonica with care.
