How to Care for a Harmonica

The harmonica is a portable instrument that requires very little maintenance. However, considering that sounds originate from reeds or thin strips of metal that measure 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch at a key of C mode, users must keep the instrument clean from even the tiniest of particles in order to produce good music.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Storage area
• Lukewarm water

1. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth well prior to playing the harmonica. Brush out crumbs and any other food particles in between teeth.
2. Store harmonica in a clean place. Good storage locations are a box, case or a shirt pocket.
3. Tap the instrument, with holes facing down, after playing to remove extra saliva. This sanitizing method is especially valuable for chromatic harmonicas, which have reeds made of fragile white wind saver valves.
4. Clean the harmonica by running lukewarm water through it. This technique serves well for the diatonic type of instrument containing a plastic comb. Then play chords of 4 or 5 notes each to clear completely any excess moisture.
5. Play the instrument without forcing the reeds to bend. It's possible to produce smooth notes without physically manipulating the equipment.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your harmonica stored in the same spot so you remember where it is. Harmonicas are easy to misplace since they are so small.
• Never allow anyone else to use your harmonica, especially those people who have the cold or the flu, for obvious reasons.
• Keep food and drinks away from the instrument at all times.