Wooden reed care

Due to their natural composition, cane musical reeds may hold bacteria or mold, which can affect one's health and the quality of sound produced. Some of the basic instruments that use reeds include the clarinet, saxophone, oboe and bassoon. Proper care of reeds will extend their longevity and control bacterial growth.
Reed care
Reed preparation
Wooden reeds must be moistened prior to playing. Many musicians place the reed in their mouths to moisten them with saliva. In preparing the reed for playing, water is less corrosive than saliva. Soaking a reed in water for about five minutes is a good alternative to saliva. It also reduces the chance of food particles damaging the reed. However, soaking reeds in already humid weather may cause them to become water-logged; extreme environments can damage reeds. They should not be kept too dry or too wet, or they will become warped.
Dark spots on new reeds are not an indication that the reeds are poor, but if the dark spots have formed after several uses, it may be an indication of mold growth. Therefore, it is also suggested that one soak one's reed in hydrogen peroxide. Five minutes a day is sufficient to keep the reed clean from bacteria and mold. It should also destroy any salivary enzymes that may have collected on the reed while playing. If hydrogen peroxide is not available, musicians need to be sure to rinse the reed in running water and then dry it before storing.
Reed storage
Reed storage affects the reed life and may help or hinder bacterial and mold growth. Putting a dirty reed in a reed case just allows mold and bacteria to grow in the case every time the reed is placed in it. Mold can also grow if reeds are kept in a tightly sealed container in humid environments. Every time the container is opened moisture is caught inside, allowing mold to grow. Light and ultraviolet radiation will not damage the reed structure unless exposure time is excessive or if radiation levels are high. A cool cabinet with a desiccant, such as calcium sulfate, can also serve as a good storage area. Not only do cooler environments discourage bacterial growth, but there are almost no harmful effects on a normal reed.
Heat can have a damaging effect on the chemical authenticity of the reed. Soaking the reed in nearly boiling water is not recommended for cleaning. The hydrogen bonds begin to break down between 60 °C and 80 °C. At 100 °C much of the molecular structure is lost. Heating dry wood can also cause splitting. The mucous membranes found in the nose and throat are primary sites for infection and transmission of group A streptococci.

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