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So, I heard a trumpet player talking about boiling her mouthpiece recently. I was wondering why one would do that. I assume it was to clean it but would that cause any harm to the mouthpiece or its plating? Is it a good idea? I have always cleaned my piece with a water, a mild soap, and a brush but I have never boiled one.

Sousie

bloke "...but hard boiled, as well"

Now that's VERY "hard" to believe! And from possibly the only member of this board LESS PC than I!

Considering what the dishwasher does to my good kitchen knives, fat chance.

What have you got to worry about unless you're passing your mouthpieces around the band room? A little dishwashing liquid combined with warm water and a soft brush is all you really need. Now... if you're suffering from being alergic to metals, that's another story altogether. Viruses and bacteria don't fare too well on exposed hard surfaces. Most will die fairly quickly. Just keep the crud off the mouthpiece and general washing will take you a long way. Most music stores sell a spritzter to disinfect mouthpieces. Many band directors (and lots of repairmen) keep a squirt bottle of it around. Now.... if you are a repairman handling a lot of instruments... that's a whole 'nother subject! Just keep your hands away from your eyes and mouth while you are working... and keep a bottle of disinfectant handy.

the only time i've heard about boiling a mouthpiece is if you have mold growing in it maybe its just me as but as for all these bleach solutions and anti-bacterial soap ect. it would seem that using this stuff on your moutpiece would bring up some health concerns. i wash mine out with listerine once a week and boil it once a month.

Harry "who would never use anything on his mouthpiece that he wouldn't use on his mouth" Phillips