Q&A for How to Clean a Harmonica

Soak the reed plates in a solution of Keureg K-Cup Machine Cleaner and hot water for 30 minutes.

If the screws have any differences between them (length, diameter, etc.), then yes, you have to put them back in their original order. If they are all the same, don't worry about it.

Look at it. If it looks like plastic, it's plastic. If it looks like wood, it's wood. If it looks like metal, it's metal.

It's best to use rubbing alcohol/isopropyl alcohol. This will disinfect your harmonica. However, you will have to rinse it out thoroughly because it isn't healthy to ingest rubbing alcohol.

As mentioned above, you can simply rinse it with water if it has a plastic comb. If not, you can take a small proxabrush/Christmas tree brush and scrub in the holes. However, it is good to once in a while do a full deep clean and open it up, as that is a more thorough way of cleaning.

Without taking it apart, just soak it in coca cola. Then rinse well. You may need to repeat the process.

Take it apart, soak reed plates in vinegar solution, rinse and dry. The comb as well, unless it is wooden (these combs will swell if soaked). In a pinch, you can pour mouthwash or alcohol through the harmonica, tap it dry and blow through all the reeds.

Make sure your instrument is fully cleaned and working. If it's not, take it to your local music store.

You could, if it's plastic, run water through it. If not, take it apart and use a fine paintbrush (or a toothbrush), and gently clean the harmonica. You could use a slightly damp cloth if it is wood or metal, but let it dry thoroughly afterward.

Put it on some lukewarm water and rinse and then wait for it to dry. If it doesn’t work after cleaning, hit it with your hand then turn it upside down. If water falls out, your problem is solved.

Once you've tapped out most of the moisture, store it holes up so that any remaining moisture can evaporate out. A small amount of heat and a fan nearby will help the evaporation.