Q&A for How to Clean Your Clarinet's Mouthpiece

I use rubbing alcohol pads to clean my mouthpiece all the time, so it shouldn't be a huge issue.

If you do that, you will ruin the mouthpiece and it might not play anymore, so don't even think about it.

Whatever you do, don't add cork grease. Gently wipe the cork with a paper towel or cloth. Let it dry as you have been. Often you won't have to get the cork replaced because it will dry out.

Don't use soap or too much water, just something slightly moist. Baby wipes might work. Q-tips will work, but try not to get it too wet.

A #2 reed should be fine, but yes, always test the reed if possible.

You shouldn't need to take off the tooth-guard unless it is particularly dirty or has been bitten through, damaged, etc., or you want to change the thickness of it. Peel it off slowly and gently to prevent any sticky from staying on the mouthpiece. If any sticky does get stuck on the mouthpiece, gently rub it off under cold or warm water. Don't use hot water or sticky-remover chemicals as they can damage the mouthpiece. Also, don't use any abrasives to get rid of any left over sticky as this will damage the mouthpiece; instead just take your time and use your thumb/fingernail. Make sure the mouthpiece is completely dry before applying another tooth-guard or storing it in the case or using it.

Your pads may have fallen out. Fix your clarinet at a music store. Did you wet any corks?

If the mouthpiece on your clarinet is cracked, the best thing you can do is buy a new mouthpiece.

Rinse your mouthpiece in mouthwash to wash away any lingering vinegar trace.

Try to avoid mouthpiece cleaners, because they can damage/break the mouthpiece long term. Use cold water on a soft Q-tip.

Do the same things, but for a shorter amount of time.

White vinegar is normal vinegar.

It will not appear very quickly, but make sure to clean it after every use, just in case.

Don’t wet the whole clarinet, just remove the mouthpiece and clean it underwater.

Try spraying the inside of the case with Febreze. According to the commercial, it should work to get rid of the odors. Make sure you're cleaning your clarinet regularly.

You can put a plastic bag or saran wrap around it. You can also have someone help you by cupping their hands to cover the cork.

About 10-15 minutes to really disinfect it, but make sure to dunk it in water afterwards to get rid of the taste and smell.

If you haven't cleaned your instrument's mouthpiece regularly, it can develop fungus or mold from the moisture. Clean it at least once a week to prevent this happening again. (Read the tips in the article if you're unsure how to clean your mouthpiece.)

I would try to avoid getting the cork wet at all costs. It could damage your instrument even though you dry it off.

You can use Sterisol. It is regularly sold for instrument cleaning, but mouthwash can also be used. Soak the mouthpiece in a small container of the solution. Wipe the mouthpiece dry. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to remove all moisture before reassembling the clarinet or storing the parts.

You can soak it in 50% water and 50% white wine vinegar, and soak as needed. Afterward, gently scrub with a mouthpiece brush and it should come off. Remember to not get your cork wet.

A common trick is to use cigarette paper to soak up moisture underneath keys. Slide a sheet underneath a key, press it down gently and release. Then remove the paper again.

Use warm water and rinse the mouthpiece, and the sticky residue should come off easily.

Use enough embouchure, and make sure your fingers are covering all the holes they are supposed to. You can try using a stronger reed if you feel you need one.