The Quick And Easy Way to Clean A Chromatic Harmonica Kettlewell

The quick and easy way to clean your chromatic harmonica.
Why clean a harp? Get the mouth goop off the slide and mouthpiece assembly, and eliminate breathsaver sticking issues.
Note that all the parts of your metal, ABS plastic or Lexan combed harp are waterproof...so a dunk in WATER ONLY works. Be sure to wiggle in water with slide in and out, as the water must get into all the chambers.
DO NOT do this with a wooden combed harp.
Here's a link to the method of cleaning Mr. Kettlewell actually uses, involving the removal of the mouthpiece assembly, and use of slide oil.... • How To Clean A Chromat...
David's website with many videos and articles is MASTERSOFHARMONICA.COM
His book LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...TECHNIQUES AND ADVICE FROM THE WORLD'S BEST! is available in paperback and Kindle on Amazon.
David's Facebook Groups you'll enjoy are...LOVE OF CHROMATIC HARMONICA...CHROMATIC HARMONICAS...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REPAIR...CHROMATIC HARMONICA CUSTOMIZATIONS...CHROMATIC HARMONICA REVIEWS...JAZZCATS...BEAUTIFUL MUSIC ON CHROMATIC HARMONICA...and MASTERS OF HARMONICA.

[@MattWatsonHarmonica]

Love it! I’ve been known to go into the restroom between sets and rinse the slide with water between sets! With the harmonica assembled. Water is the best solution for cleaning off saliva.

[@Rockyamstel001]

this video has just made my day...thank you a thousand times over...my chromatic needed this...

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

I hope your harmonica days ahead are mouth goop free! You are right, it makes a BIG difference

[@egaga-]

Very instructive, thank you! Also, you have joyful style of speaking.

[@Philharpo]

Yes I followed this procedure with my Sirius S48 with fantastic results...

[@adamjkerby]

Thank you so much! Easy and effective

[@landztranz]

This is great! I'm going to try it on my SCX-48, which I haven't used for years because it doesn't work well.

[@chrisparkinson5672]

Thanks David, you have made me happy! I play a CX-12 so it is easy to remove the cover and then follow this method.

[@prakashmulay225]

I am following this way of cleaning since long back, with my harmonicas Swan 1040 and Easttop 1040

[@jns211952]

Superb! Thank you for sharing this method of cleaning.

[@ClaytonPeak]

Thank you for sharing this, Mr. Kettlewell. Do you know if this technique would work with a Hohner Chrometta chromatic harp? The Chrometta has a plastic comb and brass reeds. Thanks!

[@eamonnocarroll5866]

Thanks - very good video - I watch your videos all the time

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Hi Eamonn, it's great you watch my videos all the time, but be sure to take time to eat, shop for food, and sleep.

[@24611ful]

thank you!

[@peteambriz31]

Super! I need to do this today on my SCX-56. I appreciate the video David and the sharing of your expertise!

[@brendacalligan1486]

Oh, how I thank you for this information, dear sir! I have a Hohner Chromonica 270 that I purchased new in approx 1965....played it seldom, after bringing it with me when relocating to Calif., 1972. Now want to give it to my nephew, it's in mint condition. Thanks for these cleaning instructions. It looks all metal but the bottom and side frames look like veneer or polished wood...is that a problem?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

you cannot clean a wooden combed harp with this method, as the video explains

[@BigBudde]

Thank you!

[@danmaodi3940]

that's the way i like, so easy and thorough, however there're plenty of warning saying that water will damage the harmonica like SCX64 too ...I'm confussed, but still trust your suggestion

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Well Plastic and metal combed harps are designed to deal with humidity from respiratory tract and lungs and mouth, so essentially they are waterproof. Water is a universal solvent. Mouth goop must be removed, and done properly, water washing works well...done it for years. Some say plunking a reed will clean a breathsaver, but that is simply not true. Dried mouth goop must be removed from the underside of the breathsaver and the reedplate without damaging the breathsaver.

[@johnhensley6808]

I use an ultrasonic cleaner and distilled water, cycle once with holes up, and cycle again with holes down, tap shake em out and set to dry.. makes em like new again..works with all combs, metal, abs, and bamboo, but haven't yet tried on wood..the cycles are 15 minutes long..

[@TandelovAlan]

Thank you so much for the video! It's very refreshing (no pun intended!) considering most of the people out there warn not to wash chromatic harmonicas. Is this method is safe for every single chromatic? I have a harmonica without windsavers, so it's 100% safe anyway? Thank you so much again =)

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

the video explains which harps it work on, basically all but wooden combs

[@darrendonor5394]

Can i do that to easstop forerunner chromatic?

[@user-zi5ny3pn9s]

Thank You !😊

[@user-gv1et2eb5y]

Awesome info

[@brianxcunningham]

I'd add a final rinse with distilled water to eliminate mineral deposits so common in many ppls water supply.

[@CathalJohnsonHarmonicas]

Harmonica Hygiene 101: Why Rinsing an All-Metal Harp Under the Tap is a Bad Idea!" Ever wondered about the dos and don'ts of harmonica maintenance? Well, buckle up because we're diving into why rinsing an all-metal harmonica under the tap is a harmoni-can't! 🚫🚿 Air Channels: Your method of running water directly into the holes and using a toothpick might not ensure complete drying of the air channels. Trapped moisture can create an environment conducive to mold growth, affecting the harmonica's hygiene and sound quality. Long-Term Impact: Over time, repeated exposure to water can lead to cumulative damage, even if you haven't experienced problems yet. It might be a good idea to consider alternative cleaning methods to ensure the longevity of your harmonicas. Rust Alert: Metal harmonicas are prone to rust, especially in the nooks and crannies where water loves to linger. Rinsing might introduce your harp to its mortal enemy - rust - leading to a not-so-harmonious relationship between you and your instrument. Internal Dilemmas: The intricate internals of a harmonica, including reeds and valves, aren't the biggest fans of impromptu underwater adventures. Rinsing can disrupt their delicate balance, causing them to malfunction and potentially ruining your playing experience. Speedy Oxidation: Metals + Water = Oxidation party! Rinsing accelerates the oxidation process, turning your shiny harmonica into a lackluster shadow of its former self. We all want our instruments to age like fine wine, not like a forgotten relic at the bottom of the ocean. Not-So-Watertight Construction: Despite their metal exterior, harmonicas aren't submarines. The seams and joints may not be as watertight as you think, leading to water infiltration and causing issues over time.

[@trevorjames5493]

I just want to clean the harmonica I got because it's been sitting in a drawer for probably 10 years or so not sure but it's full of dust it looks like wood on the inside but I'm not sure... I don't know anything about harmonica it just says "Echo M.Hohner" are you familiar with this one can I soak it? cheers

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

NOT if it had a wooden comb, abs or metal comb only

[@anonyfamous1007]

Can I do the same with my easttop eap12 performer? As in, it's water proof like this one too, right?

[@kiritengineer7506]

Ya sir after how many days we have to repeat this

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

every two to three weeks, if you play daily

[@institutespencer]

Does this work for an EastTop Forerunner Chromatic Harmonica?

[@rehaanthefreaken5299]

Hello Sir. Does this method work for Swann SW-1664?

[@severomagiusto4737]

Extremely useful information. Unfortunately, my harmonica has a pearwood comb, so I cannot use this method. Is there an alternative method for wood-comb harmonicas that works just as well? Thank you!

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Not that i am aware of, which is why wooden combed harps are obsolete...they are not easily sanitized, which can have real health consequences

[@severomagiusto4737]

@@mastersofharmonica6200 It is a brand new Hohner Toots Thielemans Mellow Tone harmonica 😞

[@marcdelabastide1947]

@@severomagiusto4737 You can always replace the comb with a plastic one.

[@kennethyeung7418]

How frequent we've to clean the chromatic harmonica

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

when it needs it

[@sanjivsharma5966]

problem here is that reeds oe reed plats get corroded and develop a bluish gree salt that corrodes reeds and reed plate and then harmonica will go for a 6

[@kiritengineer7506]

Sir Hot water Or Normal tap water Do let us know Thanks

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

lukewarm water, never extremely hot or boiling water

[@veshweshtiwari]

Is it going to work with cx12 also?

[@JuanGonzalez-gq8sf]

Would this method work for a saxony chromatic

[@markrouse2281]

Hi David in an area with hard water would de-ionised water be better to avoid limescale build up.

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

I'm guessing type of water inconsequential

[@markrouse2281]

Many thanks for your reply and for your excellent book which I'm wrestling with.

[@swamprocker5776]

Questions: is the water cold, or warm? After you get the water out as you show by taping on your hand, are you then blowing on the harp or blowing and drawing before you set on jar to dry? Thanks!

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

The video says warm but not hot water.

[@swamprocker5776]

Thank you so much!

[@24611ful]

👍👍👍

[@FredericoRobert]

Can I use a foam type mild antibacterial soap while cleaning?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

No, unnecessary, and will leave odor and taste.

[@biblestudynetwork2949]

I just bought a suzuki scx 64. From left to right, the 4th 5th and 6th hole seemed blocked. It doesn’t give a sound properly . Tried a million difffeeent ways to play it but those holes are blocked. Will washing it help?

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

did you try washing ?

[@prakashmulay225]

Whether this cleaning method is also useful for harmonica with valves ?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Yes it will work with plastic or teflon breathsavers, after all, harmonicas are meant to be used in an environment of moisture.

[@prakashmulay225]

Thanks sir

[@garalancia]

My man!

[@prakashmulay225]

The way of cleaning told by your good self, is it technically correct ?

[@Andrea-lr4kh]

Can I use this method with a Suzuki scx 64? Thanks.

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

yes

[@mohammednawaz90]

Dear sir. Can I do the same step for my Hohner CX12? One of harmonica hole is less responsive.

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

yes

[@brandonisaak998]

As soon as you do, your warranty is dead. What does that tell you ?

[@parshuramom47]

Hello David, can I use this method for Suzuki scx48?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

yes

[@capnclawhammer3024]

I use vinegar to clean my diatonics; would that be dangerous for a chromatic using this method?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

I recommend water

[@capnclawhammer3024]

@@mastersofharmonica6200 Thanks!

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

It may Sound Silly..But I am using Hohner Chromonica 64 280 c Plastic Comb, Hohner Meisterklasse 7565 Aluminium alloy Comb & Tombo 797595 uni chromatic also which has Plastic Comb..Can I apply the same method as you have or Ultrasonic Cleaner..Which I use to clean up my Plastic comb Diatonic Harmonica this also include Hohner XB 40.Which have Valves..A reply will be much appreciated.. Thank You..

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

As the video says, this method works for metal and ABS plastic combs, which you have, but does not work on ANY WOOD COMB.

[@inderneilboseroychowdhury]

@@mastersofharmonica6200 Thank You Very Much for your Prompt reply..That I well understand it because I've made some blunders in 1976 on Marine Band & I didn't do that with my Thorens Diatonic back then & later on in 1977 I received my 2 Golden Melody..Which I would clean very Meticulously though they were Plastic..Lessons learned from Blunders..Now that I am using Chromatics..That's why I was just Curious...

[@rajeevelkunchwar]

Will it not damage the windsavers?

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Windsavers are made from plastic, which is waterproof. As long as you do not deform the breathsaver by shooting water on it with undue pressure, or using very very hot water, no problem. Modern harps with ABS or metal combs are designed to deal with moisture from your mouth. It is the ONLY WAY to actually clean the underside of the breathsaver to reedplate, which is the location of the sticking breathsaver problem. Mouthgoop is sticky, it has to go. The idea that plunking a reed or putting moist paper between reedplate and underside of breathsaver will solve it is not accurate. You must actually clean the parts with H20 the universal solvent. No cleaners or soaps...just water.

[@rajeevelkunchwar]

Thank you. Lately the upper octave (scx56) has become unplayable because of sticky valves.. I shall try this method and let you know. Thank you so much.

[@brandonisaak998]

That will void your war entry with any Hohner harmonicas.

[@mastersofharmonica6200]

Think So? Just let them get filthy? Hmmmm. I'd let the warranty go and play them clean, then let them gumm up with mouth goop.