Harmonicas - How do you clean them?

[Bonhomme Richard]

Does anyone have any ideas? I've got a bunch and it seems that no matter what I do (shake them, let them dry before putting away, etc.) they eventually start rusting up inside and then the reeds begin to stick. Is there any way to save them cause I really get tired of buying new ones all the time.

[ProfessorGAC]

1. I Called A Friend Of A Friend On This

This guy used to play harmonica for Travis Tritt. (For something like 9 years. He now has a kidney disease and can't tour, so he had to quit.)

He told my friend that he, at least once a week, takes the top and bottom off and exposes the reeds. Cleans them with dish detergent and a little wire brush. Then drops them in a glass of grain alcohol for a few seconds, and lets them airdry. He has a whole suitcase full of harps and some of them he says he's had for 20 years. So, it must work.
The Professor

[BlueEyedSon]

2. I tried google, looks like there is some info out there......

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=cleaning+harmonica&btnG=Google+Search

[Bonhomme Richard]

3. Thanks for the reply....

I am going to try taking them apart and using the alchohol. It seems to make sense. I did google harmonica cleaning and they deal mostly with chromatic harmonicas and more don'ts than do's so I'll try the soapy water, brush and alchohol method.

Thanks again for the help.

[no name no slogan]

4. I usually take 'em apart, and wipe them with alkeehol, or

...warm soapy water. I think the key is to dry them thoroughly, so you don't end up with any stagnant moisture in them, which could lead to rust, bad odors, etc.

[Beetwasher]

5. I've Been Playing For 20 Years

It depends on the type of harp you have, but if you take the plates off you can access the reeds. Use a bit of alcohol and a q-tip. Make sure you don't leave any cotton from the q-tip behind though. If you can't take the plates off then you really can't clean it very well.

Keep in mind though, it may not be dirt that's the problem. The reeds do have a tendency to break or bend and you just have to buy a new harp. Hohner will allow you to send your broken harps back to them and will replace them for cost. Much cheaper than going to the store.

[leftofthedial]

6. buy a new one

or start sucking harder than you blow

[Bonhomme Richard]

7. Thanks again for the help n/t