Klarinet Archive - Posting 000184.txt from 2005/09

From: "kevin fay" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: RE: [kl] Disinfecting my reed
Date: Sun, 18 Sep 2005 11:54:27 -0400

Audrey Travis asked:

<<<I have a nasty virus that has given me a sore throat for over a month
now. Just when I think I have it licked it returns. I suspect I may
be reinfecting myself, perhaps by using an infected reed. Could anyone
please tell me how to disinfect my reed without poisoning myself? I
wash my mouthpiece tip and plastic teeth guard with soap and water.
Any suggestions?>>>

I clean reeds with hydrogen peroxide solution, available from drug stores.
It will kill bacteria, maybe not viruses as well (as others have noted).

Couldn't hurt, though, and your reeds will be clean.

Soaking a mouthpiece in white vinegar may also help disinfect - it will get
the nasty calcium deposits off, so why not try.

Hope you feel better,

kjf

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