1. Mouthpieces should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly. 

2. Select a small container that will accommodate the mouthpiece vertically and place the mouthpiece, tip down, into the container.  REED & LIGATURE REMOVED

3. Fill the container just past the window of the mouthpiece with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Protect clarinet mouthpiece corked tenons from moisture. 

4. After the mouthpiece has soaked for fifteen minutes, use an appropriately sized mouthpiece brush to remove any calcium deposits or other residue from inside and outside surfaces. This step may need to be repeated if the mouthpiece is excessively dirty. 

5. Rinse the mouthpiece thoroughly and then saturate with disinfectant solution. Place on paper towel and wait one minute. 

6. Wipe dry with paper towel. 

7. Note: Metal saxophone mouthpieces clean up well with hot water, mild dish soap (not dishwasher detergent), and a mouthpiece brush. Disinfectant solution is also safe for metal mouthpieces.

1. Swabs are available to clean the inside of the saxophone neck. However, many saxophonists use a flexible bottlebrush and toothbrush to accomplish the same results. 

2. The saxophone neck should be swabbed after each use and cleaned weekly. 

3. Use the bottlebrush with mild, soapy water to clean the inside of the neck. 

4. Rinse under running water. Careful to avoid cork and pad.

5. Disinfectant solution may be used on the inside of the neck if desired. Place on paper towel for one minute. Careful to avoid cork and pad. A solution made with 50% water and 50% white vinegar or 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.

6. Rinse again under running water, dry, and place in the case. Careful to avoid cork and pad.

1. Mouthpieces should be cleaned monthly. 

2. Use a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water to clean the outside of the mouthpiece. 

3. Use a mouthpiece brush with warm, soapy water to clean the inside. 

4. Rinse the mouthpiece and dry thoroughly. 

5. Disinfectant solution may be used on the mouthpiece at this time. Place on paper towel for one minute. A solution made with 50% water and 50% white vinegar or 50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide can be safely used on plastics, hard rubbers, and metals.

6. Wipe dry with paper towel.

***ALTERNATIVE METHOD WITH ADULT SUPERVISION- Trumpet and Trombone mouthpieces can be boiled to sanitize.  Boil for approximately 10 minutes, making sure the mouthpiece remains underwater the entire time.  Let the water and pieces COOL before you touch them. The brass will be very hot for a while.