Q&A for How to Clean a Harmonica

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  • Question
    How do I get staining off my reed plates?
    Community Answer
    Soak the reed plates in a solution of Keureg K-Cup Machine Cleaner and hot water for 30 minutes.
  • Question
    Do I have to put the screws back in their original order?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I know what the comb is made of?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What exact kind of alcohol is needed?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    Is it possible to clean it without having to open it up?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I remove corrosion from the reeds?
    David Goodwin
    Community Answer
    Without taking it apart, just soak it in coca cola. Then rinse well. You may need to repeat the process.
  • Question
    How about cleaning and disinfecting a newly-acquired used harmonica?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    What can I do if some holes don't play?
    Community Answer
    Make sure your instrument is fully cleaned and working. If it's not, take it to your local music store.
  • Question
    How do I clean mud out of my harmonica?
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    How do I clean a chromatic harmonica?
    Zuze Wu
    Community Answer
    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.
  • Question
    After playing a harmonica and tapping it against your palm to remove moisture, do you let it dry holes up, holes down, or holes sideways, and why?
    Community Answer
    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.
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