I am sometimes asked about the best way to clean a mouthpiece. People wonder if they should soak their mouthpiece in alcohol, boil it, or use specific chemicals or bleach on it.

As a medical doctor and trumpet player, I know there are risks associated with not cleaning mouthpieces and musical instruments. It is possible to get certain lung diseases, especially fungal infections, or to have allergic reactions as a result of fungal or bacterial growth inside mouthpieces and lead pipes of instruments. It is also possible to transmit diseases through contact with the mouthpiece rim if the mouthpiece is shared between individuals without cleaning. So the question is a valid one.

There are commercial mouthpiece sterilizers available, however, I don’t recommend these, since the usual formulations are not effective against some viruses, including COVID-19.

Bleach is an effective disinfectant, but will damage silver plating.

Alcohol can be used, but over time can damage some plastic mouthpieces.

Boiling is an effective way of disinfecting mouthpieces, however, there is the risk of damaging the silver plating if it is in direct contact with the bottom of the pot, and Wedge Hybrid mouthpieces can be damaged by the excessive heat from boiling. Anyway, boiling is overkill.

I take the approach that your mouthpiece should be as clean as your eating utensils. The most simple and effective solution is to wash your mouthpiece with warm soap and water inside and out periodically. Warm soap and water is a very effective disinfectant.

However, this includes using a mouthpiece brush to get all the crud out of the inside of the mouthpiece. You should also clean the lead pipe of your instrument on a regular basis in order to remove any debris that finds its way into your horn. These two steps are more important than trying to "sterilize" a mouthpiece rim.

Sometimes the most simple solution is the best one.

Dr Dave