[Harp-L] How often should I clean my harmonica?

[Bob Marsolais]

I'm a newbie to the harmonica and I tend to slobber a lot into my harp
while I practice. I tap my harp on my knee several times after each
use, but I'm sure its not pristine after tapping. My 4 harps are either
Lee Oskar or Seydels and have plastic combs. How often should I clean
them. I'm thinking of getting an ultrasonic cleaner to minimize risk to
the reeds, but what liquid should I use? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bob

[Steve]

Give them a good rinse through under lukewarm water after every playing session, then give them a good shake and leave them out of their cases to dry overnight. For plastic-combed harps only! If you do this you won't need to use any other fancy cleaning methods. It's worked for me for thirty years!

[rex]

Hi Bob. This is what I have been doing with my Lee Oskars for over 10 years with no problems:

About every three months I take them apart and spray a small amount of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol on the reed plates, combs, and covers. Then rinse the alcohol off under a slow stream of lukewarm water from the tap (don't turn the water on full blast or hold the reed plates against the faucet). Then I shake the water off the parts and then pat them dry with paper towel. Don't wipe, you might catch a reed and bend it or you might cut your finger on the exposed edge of a cover plate. Then I set the parts aside and let them air dry. Then I put them together. 

I use a small spray bottle that was for cleaning eyeglasses. This routine has prevented funky smells or tastes in my harps and it has not hurt the harps at all. Of course brushing your teeth before playing will prevent nasty stuff in your harp in the first place. After I had been playing awhile my mouth knew the harp wasn't food and I didn't slobber into it. 

[Robert Hale]

I have not used an ultrasonic cleaner.

1. I lay all the harps in a sink of tepid water.
2. Let sit and soak 20 min
3. Swish and rinse in fresh water to get the floating crud away from the
harp
4. Lay them holes up to air dry (or play them, or use canned air if you
are in a hurry)

Robert Hale
Serious Honkage in Arizona
youtube.com/DUKEofWAIL
DUKEofWAIL.com