Re: [Harp-L] disinfecting harps

[David Payne <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dr. Antaki, I'm glad you chimed in on this. How much of Junior Johnson's 80 proof moonshine would be needed to disinfect an unsealed Marine Band? My thoughts have been a covering of all internal surfaces would do. 
Funny you should mention scotch, I spent some time a few years ago experimenting with bourbon and found the old timers might have been on to something with a quick dip of an unsealed pearwood harmonica into bourbon. When it dries, it fills in pores to some degree. If one let's a few drops of barrel aged whiskey dry on a flat, hard surface like a plate, it's a bit easier to see what it does. 

David
www.elkriverharmonicas.com

Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 11, 2012, at 22:52, James Antaki <turbodog@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> I've actually given this a great deal of thought, and conducted research in which I cultured the bugs before and after various modes of disinfection.
> Cutting to the chase, my favorite high-tech solution is ozone.  It gets into all the nooks and crannies, and does not involve any moisture. It kills most everything, and only takes a couple of minutes.  If you're interested, I would refer you to the shameless commerce division of turboharp website. (http://www.turboharp.com/Products.asp?tid=17)
> 
> My favorite low-tech option is a dilute solution of chlorine bleach - approximating the level of a swimming pool. But be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards.  H202 is also a good option. In a pinch, mouthwash like chloraseptic is a backup option, as is ethanol for that matter - preferably in the form of 25-year-old scotch whisky.
> 
> Turbodog