Is it safe to use mouthwash to clean you ligature, and barrel on your Clarinet?

Question:Becaus, I hate using viniger to clean my Clarinet is ther a better way?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Becaus, I hate using viniger to clean my Clarinet is ther a better way?

They make disinfecting solution for mouthpieces; go to the music store and buy some of it.

If you need to clean gunk out of the mouthpiece or ligature, use clean water and an old toothbrush.

You shouldn't need to clean the barrel of the clarinet if you're doing right by it. You should swab it out after EVERY rehearsal or performance--and if it's a wooden clarinet, you should apply bore oil twice a year (following bore oil directions impeccably).

I would not use vinegar, mouthwash, or any other liquid that had anything other than water and disinfectant in it. The tiny sugar molecules in the vinegar or the coloring/flavoring/aroma agents in the mouthwash could penetrate the wood of the clarinet, or coat the plastic, and cause small deterioration of the tone.

The way I clean my saxophone mouthpiece is by puting it into hot water for thirty seconds, it will kill alot of the bacteria, and then there is no smell at all.

The mouthpiece can be cleaned any way you want, because it's only plastic. The rest of it needs to be cleaned by a swab or something like that. Never put it in water or submerge it in any way because the cork will fall off and it's expensive to get fixed. I never had a problem with my clarinet barrel being dirty...just remember to swab it as soon as your done before you put it back in the case!

No.
Where did you learn to use vinegar on your clarinet?!

Vinegar is *acidic,* which can erode it. I also agree with TR--there are sugars and flavoring agents in mouthwash, which again with erode the clarinet and cause pads to deteriorate and stick.
If you're looking to just disinfect the clarinet, the sani-spray you purchase at the music store will work fine. If you want to actually clean it--remove the dirt and buildup--you need to brush and clean it daily with a swab/mouthpiece brush after every use. This will prevent buildup. You can also use Q-tips to remove cork grease buildup around the joints when swabbing isn't enough.

Lastly, mouthpieces can be hard rubber or plastic--but chemical cleaners/food products can still penetrate it.

I always used a toothbrush (an extra one--I never used mine!) and toothpaste on the mouthpiece. You get in the little corners, AND it smells nice afterwards!

As for the barrel, if you clean it after every use, it shouldn't get too dirty. Using a q-tip below the cork (in the little corner where the inside joint meets the body of the instrument) helps keep that area clean on all parts of your instrument.