Best way to clean a mouthpiece

rosotuba · Post by **rosotuba** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 6:16 pm

My Helleberg does show some wear but it's at least 30 years old and I suppose that has something to do with its condition. I've not had any trouble with the plating on my Perantucci mouthpiece. I've been putting them through the dishwasher for years.

peter birch · Post by **peter birch** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 2:42 pm

cleaning your teeth before playing is always a good thing. V Bach makes a good mouthpiece disinfectant spray.
BTW about boiling the mouthpiece in water or soaking i in alcohol...many people believe in error that this sterilises your MP.. but, you can clean it without sterilising it but you can't sterilise without first cleaning it, the brush and soapy water is all you need.

Chen · Post by **Chen** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 12:02 am

Not to hijack this threat, but if you grab someone else' mouthpiece for a quick buzz, take into consideration HSV-1 (a.k.a. cold sore). It can go both ways; if you have it, wash the mouthpiece afterwards.

TubaSteve · Post by **TubaSteve** » Sat Apr 14, 2007 2:58 pm

I try to make sure that my teeth are brushed before playing. I remember sitting next to a guy that would be eating just about anything then start blowing away.....

( I won't even drink soda while I play) I usually just rinse it out a few times a week. I did find that my 30 year old Conn Helleburg was more prone to getting dirty as the platting wore. It is now rides in the case as a spare and my new one stays very clean. I would also think that the automatic dishwasher detergent would be rather harsh on the platting. On the silver plate flatware set that I have, they expressly state to not wash in a dishwasher. (it's old, maybe things have changed)
Steve