Mouthpieces in dishwasher

[Stuckond]

I just had a local sax player who said he cleans his MPCs (metal) in his dishwasher. I'm a HR MPC player and have practiced a good number of other techniques on these threads, but would like an answere from the Techs and other assorted experts to tell me if this is lunacy or acceptable for HR MPCs. I can't see myself doing it, but I'd love an education on this!

[Nefertiti]

I would never do that with HR! I think it is way too hot. I only wash it under lukewarm water.

[bandmommy]

hard rubber mouthpieces should come with laundering instructions just like clothing...

Hand wash in leukwarm water using a gentle liquid dish soap. Towel or drip dry.
Run it through a wash and rinse cycle in an automatic dishwasher and it will probably come out ruined just like that really expensive wool sweater that now fits a chimpanzee.

[Chulove]

A sonic toothbrush works nicely. On the outside.

[Woosax]

I don't know about mouthpieces, but I put a grungy Bundy alto body in the dishwasher once with the keys and springs removed. Worked like a charm.

[Sigmund451]

I wouldnt make a habit of it. Dishwashers are abrasive. That is really overkill.

[daigle65]

....tell me if this is lunacy ....

It is.

[empressdiver]

What about a nice low-tech method of washing a mouthpiece with soap and a toothbrush? If that method can't handle the germs you are concerned about, then your next alternative is to send it to the Atlanta Centre for Disease Control and get the full level 5 treatment.

[Agent27]

You can warp a hard rubber mouthpiece washing it by hand in the sink if you get the water too hot. The water in a dishwasher is scalding hot. Will definitely screw up the mouthpiece.

[milandro]

temperature and aggressive detergents are not a good combination, at the very least, even if it wouldn’t warp (but I bet it would), it would turn brown yellow and after some time start smelling funny.
Having said this, there are many methods to clean a mouthpiece and in the early stages, if the mouthpieces is not covered with organic crud and calcium scales, a rinse will do and the occasional internal brushing with toothpaste and soft brush will keep your mouthpiece as good as you teeth . If you have calcium deposits then you need descaling and vinegar (white or red wine or malt will do, something cheap) has shown to be working well. If you don’t have any problems outside threat only the inside by filling the mouthpiece internally with cotton wool and soaking that with vinegar, remove the cotton, brush the inside clean, rinse, play.

Ultrasonic cleaners work fine. I have one that I use occasionally and I am happy with it.

[click]

Would everyone agree that metal mouthpieces are dishwasher safe?

[milandro]

if you don’t mind the possibility that the brass or other metals might be ruined by the heavy detergents.......

[MojoBari]

It is a great idea. BTW, I can reface it for you if it ever gets screwed up...

[click]

I will take that as a "No."

[milandro]

I will take that as a "No."

are you selling or buying?

[Sigmund451]

All that heat really is hard on the biteplate adhesive too.

[Berg-Man]

What's up with the OCD on cleaning mouthpieces ? You probably get more germs from a grocery carriage handle. After I started leaving the reed on the mouthpiece with the cap on when not playing I've found far less issues with reeds. IMO the reed clamped with the lig reduces the reed table warpage. I used to rinse the reed off when I was done practicing and then soak in water a couple of minutes the next time I used the reed. Now I just moisten with saliva and I'm ready to go. Greatly extend your reed life by not obsessing with keeping it clean. Same goes for the mouthpiece.

[click]

"All that heat really is hard on the biteplate adhesive too."

Very good reason. Applies even for stainless steel mpcs, which I suppose would otherwise be unaltered by hot water and dishwashing soap.

[Grimmell73]

I have a set of Calphalon anodized aluminum cooking pans. The manufacturer explicitly states that they should not be washed in a dishwasher, because it will ruin the anodized finish. If a cooking pot is not dishwasher safe, what are the odds that a plated metal mouthpiece is?

[RandyJ]

If you do run them through the dishwasher be sure to use that jet dry stuff....you don't want watermarks or stains on your mouthpiece.