Use a very small pigeon-tail feather or a small pipe cleaner. Great care must be used. Soaking the reed blades in hydrogen peroxide will work for this purpose as well. Reeds that are subjected to unusual stress dropping, unnecessary squeezing, bending of the tip, scraping against clothing are destined to have a short life. Keep a vessel of water handy during playing and reedmaking sessions.
Professional players use a reed case.
This helps prolong reed life by allowing the reed to dry out more slowly between playing sessions, thus helping to prevent warpage and mildew.