How to Clean a Clarinet's Mouthpiece

The clarinet is one of the most popular band instruments among school-aged children. After playing the clarinet, to it is importantalways clean it out properly, especially the mouthpiece.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove the ligature and reed from the mouthpiece after playing the clarinet. Place them inside of the case. Wipe them off with a dry cloth if needed.

2. Roll the corner of a piece of clean cloth between your fingers. Push the rolled corned down through the mouthpiece until it comes out the bottom side. Pull the cloth through the mouthpiece. Repeat this step three or four times.

3. Dip the mouthpiece in warm tap water and allow the water to flow through the mouthpiece. Once again, roll the corner of a piece of cloth and pull it through the mouthpiece once again. Make sure the mouthpiece is completely dry.

4. Use mouthpiece cleaner. This is available in many music stores. It is good to clean your mouthpiece with a special cleaner at least once per week.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a mouthpiece brush in place of a mouthpiece cloth. The brush is good for scrubbing inside the mouthpiece.
• Clean the mouthpiece after each use.
• Do not get the cork parts wet.