Klarinet Archive - Posting 000302.txt from 1995/12

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: bleach/reeds
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995 09:50:36 -0500

Bleach is sodium hypochlorite (usually about 2-5%), which IS a
chlorine compound. ( Swimming pool "chlorine" is calcium hypochlorite.)
When this compound decomposes, it releases the chlorine as the gas we all
know and love! ( Anyone who has worked with swimming pools knows that
sunlight will do the job nicely!) Thus, yes, when it "dries", the chlorine
will be gone. Also, it's probably a good idea to rinse very well (you
might get rid of the chlorine, but you could be left with salt deposits.)
Also, rinsing would dilute anything that might be left down to "safe"
levels (we all know that there's chlorine in our water, anyway; just a very
small amount.)
I'd never thought of bleaching reeds - I've always just boiled
questionable reeds in a pot of water. I dont see a problem, though, as
long as you make sure you get rid of the bleach afterwards!
(P.S. Hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water, for those
of you who were wondering. The bubbling is actually due to an enzyme called
peroxidase, which breaks down peroxides.)

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu