Maintaining proper harp cleaning technique is essential. Follow our instructions to learn how. Because of health restrictions, retail outlets are not permitted to exchange, refund, or service harmonicas. It is considered used product after a harmonica has been played by anyone or withdrawn from a store. Many times, all that is required to restore a “defective” harmonica is a good cleaning.
Table of Contents
Daily maintenance on your harmonica
1. Remove the sponge from the water and rinse with lukewarm water
It’s simple to clean a diatonic harp with a plastic comb if you have one. All you have to do is run some warm water through it. The water should be removed by firmly tapping the mouthpiece against your hand. If your comb is made of plastic or sealed wood, you should only run water through it. If the comb is made of wood or metal, it should not be submerged in water.
2. After each usage, give the harp a quick tap on the bottom
Because a harmonica is played with the mouth, saliva and other impurities are sucked into the instrument via the mouth. Remove any loose saliva by tapping the harp against your palm, your calf, or a towel after each usage. Keeping it clean and reducing the amount of build-up in the instrument will help it last longer. Make an effort to play dry harmonica. While playing the harmonica, you should make an effort to minimize the amount of saliva that enters the instrument.
3. When finished playing, allow your harmonica to dry
You may also help to keep your harmonica clean and rust-free by allowing it to air dry after each session of play. You should leave the case open after you’ve placed the item inside. Because of this, any moisture in the harmonica is allowed to dry out rather than being damp in the harmonica for an extended period of time.
4. Before you begin, brush your teeth
Please rinse your mouth with water if you have eaten or drink anything just before playing. Food remnants can be blown into the harmonica, and sugar or other impurities from non-water beverages can accumulate in the harp, causing a residue to build up. After brushing your teeth, refrain from playing any games. Any toothpaste or mouthwash residue that is left behind can accumulate. When playing the harmonica, refrain from smoking. Consequently, the harmonica may be harmed.
Cleaning Your Harmonica to a High Degree of Extent
1. The cover plates should be removed
In order to remove the harmonica’s cover plates, you’ll need a screwdriver with the right size head. On some harmonicas, a Phillips-head screwdriver is required; however, on others, a flat-head screwdriver is required. Please make certain that you have the correct size screwdriver. Take care to store the screws in a secure location where they will not be misplaced or damaged. Wipe the cover plates with a clean towel after spraying the alcohol on both sides.
2. The reed plates should be removed
The screwdriver should then be used to remove the screws that are attached to the reed plates after the cover plates have been removed. To make sure they are returned to their original positions, keep the screws in the same sequence as they were removed.
3. Fill the reed plates with water and soak them for a few minutes
Place the reed plates in a solution of warm water, vinegar, or lemon juice, and set aside for 30 minutes. Pour in the water and let them soak for around 30 minutes.
4. Toss out the comb and clean it thoroughly
Make sure to clean the comb during the time that the reed plates are being soaked. You can clean the plastic comb with soap and water if it’s made of plastic. To remove the deposits from the comb, use a soft toothbrush to brush them off. The use of alcohol to spray on the comb followed by a soft brush is an alternative method.
It’s also possible to use a sharp object to dig any build-up off of the comb. No water or soap should ever be used to clean a wooden comb. Simply use the brush or a sharp tool to achieve the desired results. Remember to dry your metal comb well before reassembling it once you’ve finished styling your hair with it.
5. Reed plates should be thoroughly cleaned
Take the reed plates out of the water and place them somewhere safe. To clean the reed plates, use a gentle toothbrush. Using a toothbrush, do not scrub or scrub the reed plates. To clean the reed plates, you should carefully brush them along their length, starting at the rivet and working your way down. You should avoid rubbing your hands on the reeds or catching your fingers on the reed ends. These actions can cause reed damage or cause the harmonica’s notes to sound distorted. Make sure you don’t brush against the reed! Brush only in the direction of the reed’s growth. It’s okay to use as much force as you like on the other side of the reed plate because there are no reeds there. After that, run it under warm water to rinse it off completely.
6. Reassemble
Allow for full drying of all harmonica components. Remove the harmonica from its case. Step by step, re-install the screwdrivers. After that, tighten them evenly throughout all three of them until they are the tightest, they can be. To begin, use the proper screwdriver to remove the screws that are holding the cover plate on. Make sure to store these safely. Using an alcohol spray and a clean cloth, remove the cover plates from their frames. Set aside around 30 minutes to soak the bamboo plates in a solution of lukewarm water, vinegar, or citric acid.
