How to Clean and Protect Your Harmonica

By Jonathan Prestidge (edited by Paddy Wells)

 

While the harmonica may be one of the less expensive musical instruments you can buy, proper care and cleaning will ensure your instrument lasts for years. Given that many players build up a set of harmonicas rather than just one, it’s good practice to store and clean them effectively. Care more, spend less!

How to clean a harmonica

Unlike instruments like guitars, where a lack of cleaning will have few effects on playability or functionality, at least in the short term, harmonicas benefit from regular cleaning. 

Washing

This process should be part of your regular routine of instrument cleaning, as it’s simple and quick, and will help to limit saliva buildup in the harp.

Wash with lukewarm water

•    Rinse the harmonica with lukewarm water, then tap it against your hand, with the mouthpiece facing down, to remove any residual water. Leave it out to dry thoroughly afterwards.

•    NOTE: this step only applies to harmonicas with plastic, alloy or heavily sealed combs. Harmonicas with limited or no sealing on the comb (such as the Hohner Marine Banc Classic) should not be subjected to this step, but should instead be cleaned with a soft, dry brush

Full clean

This process is more involved than washing, and involves disassembling your harmonica, so should be performed after a significantly greater number of playing hours than the washing process.

•    First remove the screws holding down the cover plate with the appropriate screwdriver. Keep these in a safe place. Clean the cover plates with an alcohol spray and a clean cloth.

•    Soak the reed plates for about 30 minutes in a solution of lukewarm water and a few drops of vinegar or citric acid.

•    Whilst the reed plates are soaking, wash your metal or plastic comb with soap and lukewarm water and brush any deposits off with a soft brush. If your harp has a wooden comb avoid using water or soap – just use the dry brush to clean it.

•    Once the reed plates have soaked for a sufficient time, brush them with a soft toothbrush or similar implement, ensuring that your brush strokes are up and down the reeds, not across them. Rinse with water then dry.

 

•    Dry all the components thoroughly and reassemble, making sure that you tighten the screws sufficiently to ensure airtightness, but not so tight that you risk damage.

 

Protection and storage

Looking after your harps with proper storage will ensure they last much longer than if they’re strewn around on open surfaces attracting dust and possibly being mauled by the family pet. We have a range of high-quality leather harmonica cases that will keep your instruments in prime condition, minimising your maintenance and saving you money. Plus, they look cool!

About Pinegrove

Here at Pinegrove Leather, we lovingly craft leather goods of premium quality for musicians of every level. Since 2012, we’ve been producing elegant and hardwearing leather guitar straps, alongside a bestselling range of cases for harmonica. Whether you’re a pro on the road or just a play-at-home hobbyist, Pinegrove has got you covered.