Klarinet Archive - Posting 000313.txt from 1995/12

From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: bleach/reeds
Date: Tue, 12 Dec 1995 16:41:54 -0500

>From: "Scott D. Morrow" <SDM@-----.EDU>
>
> 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.)
>
>Question: why bleach/boil/peroxide? Are you talking about removing saliva
>deposits, or
> "decontaminating" a [contaminated?] reed? Sorry to be this clueless. I am
>curious because
>I am alternately a soaker/non-soaker.

I've only done it for disinfection purposes (i.e., using someone
else's reed, or one of my own after I've been sick, etc.). I believe some
others on the list have mentioned peroxide as a way of rejuvenating reeds
(which I've never tried!). I was mostly just trying to close up the
chemical loose ends!

-Scott

Scott D. Morrow
(410)-955-3631

SDM@-----.edu