 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: columbus
Date: 2007-08-14 19:10
My swab is getting kinda nasty, so I'm wondering if anyone has any cleaning tips- machine or hand wash?
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2007-08-14 20:13
(Disclaimer - I sell the silk Black "Legend" Swab)
I would suggest using a cleaning product made for silk or easily available WoolIte and hand wash in cold water and then let air dry.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
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Author: susieray
Date: 2007-08-15 01:46
I own four of Omar's silk swabs, and I periodically hand wash them in the kitchen sink with a little liquid dish detergent and warm water and let them air dry. Seems to work just fine.
Sue
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Author: pewd
Date: 2007-08-15 02:15
i do what sue said - every 4 months or so, a few drops of liquid dish soap, hand wash in warm water and drape it over my music stand. its usually dry within an hour or so.
- Paul Dods
Dallas, Texas
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-08-15 09:37
Gramma used to do hers with her silk stockings.....in Woolite.
Bob Draznik
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Author: eefer ★2017
Date: 2007-08-15 16:52
I don't know about you people, but if I had anything that I touched on a regular basis that had the germ collection of a swab (mine are silk, too and I have one for every day of the week), I would wash it after every day that it was used. Mine are washed in the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, the venue sink when I am playing in the pit ( just hang it to dry between shows), or anywhere that there is water. I carry a little shampoo bottle that I got from a hotel and use shampoo or dish detergent to refill. Silk swabs dry incredibly quickly (15-20 minutes when rolled in a dry washcloth and then hung). In my book there is no excuse for anything other than a clean swab at every play session! You wash daily, brush your teeth at least once a day (I hope), put on clean underwear daily, change your sheets weekly, wash your dishes after EACH use, etc. So spend 60 seconds and wash your swab.
If you happen to be lucky and don't catch things easily, then I guess you can take chances with filthy swabs. I have asthma, so it is a no-brainer for me. We teach our students to clean their reeds, mouthpieces, etc. Why does your swab get left in such a filthy state? Swabs are cheap, illlness is expensive. Sorry to rant, but cruddy swabs are disgusting. Clean up your collective acts!
Nancy Buckman
AACC Symphony Orchestra
Opera AACC
Early Music Society of Northern MD
(and a lot of other ensembles, too)
nebuckman@gmail.com
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2007-08-15 17:53
(Disclaimer-I sell the Black "Legend" silk swab)
Let me start off by giving the disclaimer - What ever works for you.
People with asthma may also need to take special precautions.
Our bodies are normally populated with myriad bacteria. I used to work in a hospital microbiology laboratory and throat swabs and nasal pharyngeal swabs always grew what we call "NTF - Normal Throat Flora" and we were only looking for the overpopulation of bad bacteria as evidence of a possible disease process. Our bodies immune systems are "tolerant" of these normal populations of bacteria and thankfully do not mount an offense constantly to rid our bodies of the symbiotic bugs. The bugs in our digestive system also aid in food processing and provide certain vitamins (e.g. a portion of Vitamin D) for the health of the human. A common malady among people taking strong antibiotics is a GI problem when our normal intestinal bacteria have been killed by the antibiotics and must be repopulated for normal functioning of the GI system; the same is true of the throat as evidenced by an opportunistic infection by yeast when normal throat flora is suppressed. A "normal" population of bacteria is also resistant to invading new bacteria.
Most of the water in our horns is the result of condensation of water vapor from our lungs and not all saliva from our mouths. So, although I have never cultured a sample of water from the bore of a clarinet, I would bet that the bacteria content of new condensation is low to non-existent. If it is our own bacteria - I would not suggest sharing swabs - it will not be a source of potential infection to the individual owner of the horn and swab.
In a current project of mine with Grenadilla oil I have researched the available literature and Grenadilla oil is used by some tribes in Africa as an antiseptic and anti-bacterial agent so the wood of our clarinets actually suppresses bacterial growth. Extracts of Dalbergia species are sold as herbal bactericides.
Do not get me wrong, swabs do get nasty by collecting some of the oil from the wood, cork grease, and the moisture in the swab may support smelly bacterial or fungal growth when they get dirty and over time. Clean swabs are also more efficient swabs at removing moisture so IMO washing them out perhaps monthly is a good practice.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
Post Edited (2007-08-15 18:05)
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Author: Gordon (NZ)
Date: 2007-08-17 14:39
Omar wrote
"People with asthma may also need to take special precautions. "
Eefer wrote,
"I have asthma, so it is a no-brainer for me. We teach our students to clean their reeds, mouthpieces, etc. Why does your swab get left in such a filthy state? Swabs are cheap, illness is expensive. Sorry to rant, but cruddy swabs are disgusting. Clean up your collective acts!"
Hmm. As I understand it, current thinking is that over-protecting the body from bacteria can mess up the immune system, which NEEDS something to work on, and that this can be one CAUSE of asthma.
From http://www.aaaai.org/patients/advocate/2004/winter/hygiene.stm
"The hygiene hypothesis was developed by epidemiologist, E.P. Strachen, who wrote in 1989 in the British Medical Journal that the rise in allergy cases may be linked to declining family sizes, reduced exposure to germs and higher standards of cleanliness providing less exposure to bacteria, which contain endotoxins. The under-stimulated, developing immune system would then be stimulated by harmless substances like pollen, house dust and animal dander, resulting in the development of allergies. "
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Author: Alseg
Date: 2007-08-17 17:03
Most of the "crud" is desquamated cells, particles from reeds, food, and some minerals.
I would be more concerned with the concretion of stuff onto the pads than with the bacterial content. We are all used to our own NTF (see Omar's post) ...you do not infect yourself when you bite your cheek...but woe to someone who is bitten by another person.
Delicate fabric cycle with liquid such as Cheer liquid for colors in the machine
(along with microfibre cloths if used a wipes in the sockets) then line-dry works for me.
I use Omars swabs (Black Legend) and they retain their stitching and lustre just fine with this method.
Wisk would be good, I imagine.
Former creator of CUSTOM CLARINET TUNING BARRELS by DR. ALLAN SEGAL
-Where the Sound Matters Most(tm)-
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Author: eefer ★2017
Date: 2007-08-18 02:46
Sorry, but I still don't agree. We are constantly trying to stop the passing of viral infections (influenza, colds, etc.) by teaching people to wash their hands. If one is infected with nothing other than influenza, it can and will be passed to other people as they swab instruments, touch the swab to stuff it in a pocket or put it elsewhere, and then hand someone a pencil, a kleenex (which goes directly to the face most often), etc. If a swab is wet and has strep, staph, pneumococcus and/or any number of viruses, rolling it up and stuffing it somewhere and then letting it sit in that nice moist environment breeds germs. Now if it just happens to get put somewhere cold, things might slow down a bit. You only have to look at the rate of infection in hospitals to see how things get passed around.
I am appreciative when sick people do not come to rehearsal and/or get a sub for a gig. I am appreciative when someone tells me he/she doesn't feel well and to please not get to close, so as not to catch airborne illness. And if a swab smells funky, you know something is living in/on it that doesn't belong there.
My asthma is intrinsic (non-allergic). If I am sick from a pathogen, it complicates my asthma. If I am congested from a viral infection and have an asthmatic flare due to inhalation of cold air or perfume, etc., my life is endangered. So for people like me, it is reasonable to keep things clean.
I am NOT a clean freak. I don't live in a sterile home, I have been known to let the dog kiss my face, and done some other less-than-healthy things. But the human mouth is NOT the cleanest place. If kids can catch meningitis from close contact, drinking from each other's cups, etc., then why is it not reasonable to wash a swab more often than once a month. The same can be said about mononucleosis.
If it can be proven that swabs do NOT harbor disease-causing germs, then I will happily let my swab sit. Until then, I will wash it every day that it is used, or at least swap it for a clean one from the shelf.
Nancy Buckman
AACC Symphony Orchestra
Opera AACC
Early Music Society of Northern MD
(and a lot of other ensembles, too)
nebuckman@gmail.com
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Author: BobD
Date: 2007-08-18 10:49
I am not medically trained so I don't know if a dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's but I have observed dogs using their tongues in ways that humans don't. Interesting point, GBK, and it may have some relevance to how babies are fed. Another interesting point: If I have a life-threatening condition to what extent may I enforce my attitudes about hygiene on others.
Bob Draznik
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Author: Lelia Loban ★2017
Date: 2007-08-18 14:17
After I swab out the clarinet, I hang the swab over the back of the music stand to dry. I haven't had problems with the swab getting nasty, but in our hot, humid, Virginia summers, I think the silk would mold and mildew and might spawn stinky creatures previously unknown to science if I put away the swab damp in a closed case. I'm not as careful about washing the slob, oops, I mean swab, as Nancy is--I hand wash it with cold water and Woolite every couple of months. I do swab the clarinet, rinse off my reeds and rinse out the mouthpiece in cool water after every practice session.
Lelia
http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/Lelia_Loban
To hear the audio, click on the "Scorch Plug-In" box above the score.
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Author: LarryBocaner ★2017
Date: 2007-08-19 22:02
I'm a dirty old reprobate who last washed his silk swab "never"! After reading this thread, I snatched my swab out of the case and rushed into the adjoining bathroom. Using a few pumps of anti-bacterial "soft soap" I was amazed to see the water in the lavatory turn tea-colored!
Thanks, posters to this thread; you've undoubtedly added years to my life expectancy!
Larry
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-08-19 22:32
When mine gets dirty I throw it away and use a new one.
No big deal. If you see discoloration on the swab, what you are seeing is the stain of the wood, not bacteria buiildup.
Don't ever let your dog kiss you on the mouth - you can get worms. (really - dog trainer told us that).
Cleaning a swab every day is crazy.
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-08-19 22:39
> I'm a dirty old reprobate who last washed his silk swab
> "never"! After reading this thread, I snatched my swab out of
> the case and rushed into the adjoining bathroom. Using a few
> pumps of anti-bacterial "soft soap" I was amazed to see the
> water in the lavatory turn tea-colored!
Yesterday we had a small gig at the wedding of two of our band members. After playing, I swabbed my horn with my trusty (really good, non-silk, however) Reka swab, and my neighbour wrinkled her nose and said "now look at that dirty rag! Say, have you been wiping your face with that thing?"
--
Ben
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2007-08-19 22:53
What she saw was wood stain on the swab which can look "quite dirty"......
It isn't.
If the Clarinet doesn't smell than there aren't bad germs in it. If it does have an odor (oh yes, I see that with new students - pretty bad sometimes!!!) than it probably does have yesterday's lunch inside it, and the swab probably has picked that up too (that is IF the new student ever did swab it.....)
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: ChrisArcand
Date: 2007-08-19 23:05
I had to play on someones horn with nasty breath who don't clean it...yuck...it was disgusting, after the 15 minute set I ran and brushed my teeth for a very long time. Many times.
So to all you people who don't mind sharing a clarinet with your instructor (like me), make sure you brush your teeth, if not for your own sake then for your instructors! (If I were him/her, I wouldn't play it!) (And no, please don't start the thread on the much debated topic of Should you let your instructor play your horn? Search if you want that)
CA
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Author: tictactux ★2017
Date: 2007-08-19 23:07
DavidBlumberg wrote:
> What she saw was wood stain on the swab which can look "quite
> dirty"......
>
> It isn't.
Yeah, when a man tries to explain that to a women, she'll surely believe him, eh? ![[tongue]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie6.gif)
--
Ben
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Author: Markael
Date: 2007-08-20 12:02
Whatever happened to common sense?
How many clarinet players wash their swabs every day? I doubt if even one percent do it. Why aren’t we all walking around sick?
Never washing doesn’t make sense either.
Some people wash their bath towels every day. I don’t. I figure—I’m clean; the towel is essentially clean. But after a few days the towel is no longer fresh and needs washing. This is a very unscientific explanation, but as other posters have pointed out, science pretty much bears this out.
Back in the days of washboards and creek bank washdays people didn’t have the luxury of washing everything every day.
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Author: Ski
Date: 2007-08-20 12:36
Two things...
@ Markael
Indeed... lately I've been considering how humans beings have survived for millennia without the aid of antiseptics, etc. Kinda put some perspective on just how much our more modern-day hyper-phobias about germs are warranted. Just some food for thought.
Second, Dr. Henderson, is your www.doctorsprod.com site down? Been trying to get through for the past 24 hours... after entering your URL, I get no reaction. Eventually the page loading effort times out and I get this error:
[Safari] can’t open the page “http://doctorsprod.com/” because it can’t find the server “doctorsprod.com”.
Post Edited (2007-08-20 12:38)
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-08-20 12:39
Ski wrote:
> Second, Dr. Henderson, is your www.doctorsprod.com site down?
> Been trying to get through for the past 24 hours... after
> entering your URL, I get no reaction. Eventually the page
> loading effort times out and I get this error:
>
> [Safari] can’t open the page “http://doctorsprod.com/”
> because it can’t find the server “doctorsprod.com”.
The Doctor's ISP service is changing. We hoped the transition would have been smoother ...
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Author: L. Omar Henderson
Date: 2007-08-20 13:05
From what I am told the ISP change can take 48-72 hours until all of the servers recalibrate - Mark would know the time delay - sorry.
L. Omar Henderson
www.doctorsprod.com
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Author: Mark Charette
Date: 2007-08-20 15:13
L. Omar Henderson wrote:
> From what I am told the ISP change can take 48-72 hours until
> all of the servers recalibrate - Mark would know the time delay
> - sorry.
There should have been no delay, Omar. The transition was handled badly.
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Author: JJAlbrecht
Date: 2007-08-20 15:46
I have been playing since 1968. I wash swabs when they become obviously dirty, visually discolored or if they start to smell. As the old movie saying goes... "I'm not dead yet!" ![[right]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smilie8.gif) ![[rotate]](http://test.woodwind.org/clarinet/BBoard/smileys/smiley25.gif)
Jeff
“Everyone discovers their own way of destroying themselves, and some people choose the clarinet.” Kalman Opperman, 1919-2010
"A drummer is a musician's best friend."
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