Re: [Harp-L] cleaning custom harps

["Steve Shaw" <moorcot@xxxxxxx>]

Wrong. You're talking about Viruses. Viruses need a living organic system to 
survive.
> There are some germs which can "sleep" for ages on a stone until they find 
> a new "bearer". Perhaps some doctor could tell us more about that: Dennis 
> Alter?
>
> Froggy


We should all go and look this stuff up if it really bothers us.  There is 
plenty of expert info available.  The fact is that there are viruses and 
bacteria thay can survive outside the body for a longer or shorter time 
depending on which type.   I don't think this is ever a really big issue 
with your own harmonicas.  Keep them clean and they'll last longer and play 
better.  The health issue is secondary.  It is different with harps that 
have been played by someone else before you.  You need to clean them up if 
you have any sense, but you don't need to boil them, autoclave them, bleach 
them or soak them x times in alcohol.  It's simple:  dismantle, remove 
visible crud, wash in warm soapy water and rinse.  If valves are a 
complication then G's site will tell you how to clean them.  Goodbye thread.

Steve


http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/trad_irish_harmonica
http://harmonicapics.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk
Hear clips from my CD at http://www.gjk2.com/steveshaw/cd.htm