Mark23
1 post
Jul 21, 2014
9:53 AM
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Hello there,
I have recently acquired several aged harmonicas through a friend of mine. A lot of them are very rusty and grimy and I have decided it would be sensible to clean them properly. I have read several online cleaning guides which suggest the use of isopropyl alcohol to clean the cover plates, reed plates and comb. Is there a particular percentage of isopropyl alcohol which is most effective? Is 99% isopropyl alcohol aappropriate?
Cheers!
Mark
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barbequebob
2646 posts
Jul 21, 2014
11:04 AM
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There are two versions usually being sold, 70% by volume and 91% by volume. I prefer 91% by volume, but 70% will do in a pinch.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Harpaholic
499 posts
Jul 21, 2014
2:27 PM
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99% Ethyl Alcohol is better but not Isopropyl.
The CDC does not recommend Isopropyl Alcohol for complete sanitizing in the healthcare industry because it does not kill certain viruses and spores.
The CDC and study's show that 70% is more effective than 91% due to the fact that 70% evaporates at a slower rate allowing more time to kill bacteria.
Ethyl Alcohol and chlorine products like bleach are considered some of the most effective sanitizers.
I'm not saying don't use them, I use 70% now after researching it. It is effective, but not 100%.
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Jul 21, 2014 4:27 PM
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MP
3248 posts
Jul 21, 2014
2:36 PM
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for the inside of the cover plates if the rust is really bad I sand it off with a sanding wand or just a piece of sandpaper. rust on the outer covers can be broken up w/ a chopstick or small piece of wood.
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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Mark23
2 posts
Jul 22, 2014
11:10 AM
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Hi everyone,
Cheers for all your help, today I was given a bottle of 99.5% isopropyl alcohol from a friend and am going to try it out and see how well it works. Is it appropriate to use isopropyl on wooden combs?
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Harpaholic
506 posts
Jul 22, 2014
11:17 AM
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You can use it on wooden combs. I wouldn't soak in there for a long period of time, it's likely to dry out the wood. For cleaning, shouldn't be an issue.
That percentage is going to evaporate almost instantly.
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barbequebob
2655 posts
Jul 22, 2014
11:17 AM
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Do not EVER use that on wood combs at all!!!!
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Harpaholic
507 posts
Jul 22, 2014
11:24 AM
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Bob, up until recently, I've been using 91% on wooden combs since I started playing harp, never had an issue with combs drying out, cracking, warping, nothing?
It evaporates in seconds and I don't soak them.
FYI, there's DIY videos, and instructional info all over the internet showing people soaking wooden combs in alcohol, just something I haven't done for more than a few minutes.
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Jul 22, 2014 12:35 PM
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MP
3250 posts
Jul 22, 2014
2:33 PM
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For unsealed wooden combs i'll use a suede brush or a stiff bristled nail brush for manicures. A pen knife or xacto knife can be used for stubborn build-up. After that it's time to flat sand and seal the comb. There are a myriad of ways to do this; everything from mineral oil to salad bowl finish. Since combs makers like Blue Moon, A. Zajac, Sandoval, and etc. make better combs than the improvements I do on stock MB combs I prefer custom combs everytime. Zajac goes so far as to flat sand by hand every single comb he cuts to insure a quality product. Cheers! MP
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Affordable Reed Replacement
Marks Harmonica Tune-up
Click user name MP for contact info
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Barley Nectar
446 posts
Jul 22, 2014
5:47 PM
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Don't use chlorine bleach. It will discolor brass. I learned this the hard way...BN
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Harpaholic
519 posts
Jul 22, 2014
7:16 PM
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BN, I agree although I have used it in a heavily diluted form to clean reedplates when I didn't have anything else on hand.
One cap full in a spray bottle full of water.
Rinsed it with water right away with no issues.
Last Edited by Harpaholic on Jul 22, 2014 7:19 PM
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1847
1979 posts
Jul 22, 2014
7:26 PM
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brass reeds?
oh i remember those, from history class.
they are so last century.
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i get a lot of request when i play my harmonica
"but i play it anyway"
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