Article: The container needs to be big enough to house the mouthpiece and cover it in liquid. Place the mouthpiece tip down inside the container. The container itself can rest inside a sink. At least once a month but preferably once a week, deep clean the mouthpiece. Use a solution of half water and half white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Either one will work to deeply clean the mouthpiece. These substances are not strong enough to damage the instrument. The water should be cool or warm, never hot. A typical dish soap is also capable of cleaning the mouthpiece in cool or warm water. After the mouthpiece has soaked for several minutes, scrub it with a gentle brush to remove any buildup. Stores sell specialty mouthpiece brushes that won't scratch your instrument. A baby toothbrush can also be used to remove limescale. Put the mouthpiece under a faucet of cool or warm water. The water washes away the soap, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide and helps remove any remaining limescale. Repeat previous steps for a mouthpiece that is still dirty. This isn't required, but germicide ensures that all the bacteria is removed from the mouthpiece. Sterisol is regularly sold for instrument cleaning, but mouthwash can also be used. Soak the mouthpiece in a small container of the solution. Use a paper towel or soft cloth to remove all moisture before reassembling the clarinet or storing the parts. Leftover moisture can damage the pads in the clarinet or create a breeding ground for bacteria inside your instrument case. You can leave the mouthpiece to dry on the paper towel or cloth to make sure all the moisture is gone.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Choose a small container. Fill the container. Brush off limescale. Rinse the mouthpiece. Use sterisol. Wipe the mouthpiece dry.