How to Disinfect a Clarinet Mouthpiece

Mouthpieces and reeds can carry germs and cause illness.

The clarinet mouthpiece is not just where air enters the instrument to create sound; it is also a gateway for saliva and sickness. If you choose not to disinfect your clarinet mouthpiece after someone uses it, you could catch a sickness or infection they might have, or prevent yourself from getting healthy after you've been sick. Regular cleaning will keep it looking good and will prevent germs from being passed from your instrument to your mouth.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Mouthpiece brush
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Paper towel

Instructions

1. Remove the mouthpiece by pulling it apart from the rest of the instrument. Loosen the screws on the ligature, the metal or plastic piece holding on the reed, by twisting counter-clockwise. Slide out the reed and throw it away, as it could be infected. Take off the ligature and set it aside.

2. Soak the mouthpiece in vinegar for five minutes. Scrub with a mouthpiece brush and rinse through with vinegar. Repeat until the mouthpiece appears clean.

3. Rinse the mouthpiece with warm water. Soak it in hydrogen peroxide for one minute, then rinse it again with warm water and dry it with a paper towel. Shake out any extra moisture and allow the mouthpiece to dry for half an hour to remove any moisture you missed.

Tips & Warnings

• Always give the mouthpiece time to dry after washing and disinfecting to keep mold from growing on the mouthpiece and reed.

References

• Stephen Howard Woodwind: Cleaning Mouthpieces
• Woodwind and Brass: Mouthpiece Cleaning