The human mouth is full of bacteria and food particles. So, playing a wind instrument like the saxophone is actually a dirty job. Without proper cleaning, the mouthpiece of a saxophone can become a breeding ground for various deposits and even disease-causing fungi. With good care, your saxophone can last for a long time.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Instrument
Step 1. Disassemble your saxophone
Loosen the saxophone ligature, then remove the mouthpiece, reed, and neck of the saxophone. You should clean these parts as often as possible because they come into direct contact with your mouth. The reed is the part of the mouthpiece that produces sound from vibrations and is sensitive to bacteria, mold, heat and pressure.
Step 2. Wipe the reed clean
The warm air exhaled on the reed saxophone contains saliva which provides moisture for the growth of bacteria and fungi, as well as food particles that will damage your instrument.
- Reed cleaning should be done as often as possible using a clean, dry towel or special wipe after each use. Thus, bacteria and chemicals will not thrive.
- Swabs and special brushes for saxophones can be purchased at music stores or online.
Step 3. Clean the reed thoroughly
Just wiping will only remove moisture. To kill germs and prevent dirt deposits, a more total cleaning should be done.
Soak the reed in vinegar (2 bottle caps) and warm water (3 bottle caps) for 30 minutes. After that, rinse the reed with warm water to wash off the vinegar
Step 4. Air dry the reed in a clean place
All the moisture trapped in the saxophone case can invite bacteria back in. Place on paper towels, and wait 15 minutes. After that, replace the kitchen paper and turn the saxophone over. When your instrument is completely dry, put it back in its box.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Main Mouthpiece
Step 1. Treat the mouthpiece regularly
If the saxophone is used daily, remove the mouthpiece for maintenance once a month or a week. Saliva collects in the mouthpiece and produces a deposit of a substance called limescale which affects sound and makes it difficult to remove the mouthpiece.
Step 2. Use a weak acid
If the scale has thickened, acids such as vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can help clean it. However, exposure to acid can accelerate discoloration so it's best to manually remove scale, if possible.
- Using vinegar with an acidity of 4-6%, soak two cotton swabs. Let a cotton swab rest against the window of the mouthpiece. After 10 minutes have passed, take it and gently rub off the scale using a second cotton swab. Repeat again if the sediment is still stubborn.
- With hydrogen peroxide, soak the mouthpiece for two hours. This chemical will start to dissolve the water scale on its own.
Step 3. Wash the mouthpiece with soap and water
Try not to use hot water and harsh detergents as they will damage the instrument. Warm water and a mild detergent will suffice to wash off the vinegar, most bacteria, and scale deposits.
Step 4. Scrub off the scale with a brush
Use a toothbrush or a special saxophone mouthpiece brush.
You can pull the special swab from the neck and through the saxophone mouthpiece using thread. Usually this cloth helps to get rid of bacteria and saliva, but it's best to still do a thorough cleaning
Step 5. Soak the mouthpiece with germicide
Sterisol is a germicide for musical instruments, but you can also use mouthwash for a few minutes. This step is not mandatory, but it is useful for eradicating the remnants of bacteria.
Step 6. Air the mouthpiece to dry in a clean place
This will prevent the instrument from re-humidifying and promoting bacterial growth. If the mouthpiece is no longer wet, store it in the saxophone case.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Neck
Step 1. Use a wiping cloth after the instrument is finished
Saliva and dirt deposits collect on the neck of the saxophone. Run a swab across the chime of the saxophone and pull the thread through the neck.
Step 2. Clean the water scale
The cleaning process is the same as for the mouthpiece. You will need warm water, soap or detergent, and a special saxophone brush or regular toothbrush to use every week.
Dip the brush in warm soapy water and use it to scrub off the scale. After that, rinse with warm tap water
Step 3. Sterilize the neck of the saxophone
Again, this step is optional because soap and water are sufficient to remove the bacteria. Sterilization will ensure that bacteria and odors are completely removed from the instrument.
- Pour the germicide (germicide) Sterisol down the neck of the saxophone until it coats the inside. Air dry on a paper towel in a clean place, then rinse with warm tap water. You can also dry your saxophone with a dry cloth or towel before storing it in its case.
- You can also use vinegar. After loosening the scale with soap, water, and a brush, stop the mouthpiece with the stopper. Cover all holes, straighten the neck of the saxophone, then pour in cold or warm vinegar. After 30 minutes, rinse off the vinegar with warm soapy water, then air dry or dry with a towel/cloth.
Tips
Instead of storing it, make it a habit to clean the saxophone immediately after use
Warning
- Do not clean the parts of the saxophone in the dishwasher. Heat and detergents will damage your instrument.
- Do not use household utensils to dig up dirt deposits. The surface of the saxophone can be damaged and change the shape of the reed.
