Reed Problems - Cleaning

[DolceJazz]

I read all the threads relating to reeds but none answered the specific question I had, so be kind! :D

Everytime I play, I pick up my 2 and a half Vandoren reed and look at it. It's dirty. I'm not talking about weird dis-colouration or mould (yuck!), I'm talking about actual dirt from touching the reed, adjusting it in the mouthpiece, taking it out of the mouthpiece, and securing it safely back into it's reed case. I know it doesn't interfere with my playing but frankly, it's really gross to play on a dirty reed. I do all the "soaking up the moisture" and "keep it in its reed case to prevent further dirty-ness" but it still occurs! I also rotate my reeds... but it still happens.

Do any of you have similar problems?
Have you got any cleaning solutions for reeds to actually get it clean?
Am I right to be concerned or is the cleaning perfectionist coming out in me? :D

Thanks!

[jazzbluescat]

Maybe you should take a shower before you practice; at least wash your hands. When you finish practicing, wash it in luke warm water with your thumb and forefinger. Be careful not to break/split it. :twisted:

Sounds like the oil in/on your skin might be getting into the reed from your handling it. If you wash it after practicing, and your sound isn't effected, I wouldn't worry about it. Around here the humidity and the water will often turn my reed black. It doesn't effect the sound, so I don't worry about it.

[Gandalfe]

And if you are still concerned, I've heard soaking the reed in mouthwash works for some people. I've personally never had problems with my reeds getting dirty--worn out yes, dirty no.

[Alto Saxy]

hydrogen peroxide and a tooth brush

[Joe Linux]

Try soaking it in some denture cleaner for a short time.

[Vortex]

Alto saxy and Joe Linux both give sound advice. Also make sure your mouth is clean before you play. I have no problem sipping a coffee while I play, but that's just me, and I practice good oral hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands too, before and after.

[AuntSaxophone]

I like to sip on Pepsi or a Monster energy drink before or while I play, but that's just me... As for it being visibly dirty, It's time wash your hands and any other body part that touches the reed. If that still doesn't work, then I don't know what to say... The only time I've had trouble with a reed that dirty is after I've had a candy and when I've gone to play, the color from the candy soaks into the reed... But never actual DIRT! You could try brushing your teeth right before playing...

[AuntSaxophone]

And if you are still concerned, I've heard soaking the reed in mouthwash works for some people. I've personally never had problems with my reeds getting dirty--worn out yes, dirty no.
When I get my sax... I really am tempted to keep my reeds soaked in mouthwash.

[Face Ache Mike]

In my reed soaking water I sometimes put one drop of liquid soap, the type used for hand washing. It breaks the surface tension of the water and allows it to soak in quicker. Also, the disinfectant and detergent keeps the reeds clean from mould etc. Dirt though? Were you digging the garden before you started to play?

[BertieB]

For about the last 6 months I use mouthwash to soak my reeds in before playing - they are now a blue/green colour and last for ages!! Seriously I find it an excellent way to keep them clean and fresh tasting, usually soaking for up to 10 minutes before playing.
Hence, big recommendation from me!

[DXCamp]

Time for a new reed if you're uncomfortable with it. :) That "dirt" accumulation could be due to many things such as humidity and storage between use rather than personal hygiene.

[mjfox]

this is an easy question to answer..baby toothbrush dabbed onto a bar of soap then brush in the direction of grain..rinse and dry with tissue paper. then put it into the reed holder to dry flat..

most causes of dirty reeds is soft or fizzy drinks.. if this is the case the i would advise cleaning your crook too..

[jdventer]

I have had the same problem for years. I've tried various holders and soaking in mouthwash. Before playing I soak my reeds in plain water in for 15 + minutes. After a couple of uses the reeds would start accumulating the black stuff you described.

Solution: After I'm through playing I put the reeds back in the water and add white vinegar so that I end up with about 4 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. I swish the reads around in the solution to mix in the vinegar; let them sit in the solutions for about 15 minutes; rinse with tap water; wipe the reeds to remove excess water and put them in La Voz reed holders to keep them flat. Since I started doing this none of my new reeds show any signs of the black stuff.