How do you clean harmonicas?

Answer 1

To clean your harmonica, gently tap it to shake out any saliva after playing.

Use a damp cloth to wipe the outside and comb.

You can also use a toothbrush to gently remove any stubborn saliva from around the comb and covers.

It should not be necessary to do any more than this.

Answer 2

The Hohner harmonica website says...

"For the most part, cleaning your harmonica is not necessary and should not be attempted. Parts of the instrument, including the reeds, reed plates, valves, and comb are very delicate and could damage easily. If you wish to clean the exterior parts such as the covers, mouthpiece, slide, etc, use a soft cloth with either soapy water or rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. If you disassemble your harmonica before cleaning, wait until the parts are completely dry before reassembling."

Also, "Never soak, rinse, or boil a harmonica. A number of harmonica instruction books and other sources recommend this practice. However, soaking or boiling a harmonica will make painted surfaces peel, cause the wooden combs to warp or crack, promote corrosion of metal reeds and the reed plate, destroy the wind saving valves and void the warranty. In short, soaking or boiling your harmonica will damage it beyond repair."

Answer 3

I clean my harmonica by unscrewing it taking the cover off and cleaning the insides with one of the toothbrushes you get from an orthodontist.

A word of advise: brush your teeth before playing the harmonica. This makes it so you won't have to clean it as often.

Answer 4

water