After about playing on my reeds for 2 weeks, they have become really bad smelling. Sadly, greenish stuff has begun to appear (eew!). I know what it is...mold. But none of the other students in my band seem to have this problem. After practicing, i close up my reeds immediately. It is also not a new problem. my old reeds also used to have this problem. What can i do about it??

Sincerely,
A very worried oboist

Hmmm that`s disgusting! haha I usually brush my teeth before I play also soaking them in Hydrogen Peroxide for a little bit might help. Also using pipe cleaners through the bottom of the tube and pushing/pulling it through might help clean them out. But I would just highly suggest brushing your teeth fast to avoid the problem. Hope this helps!

CHRIS

I think it might be better to let the reed air dry before closing it in a case.

some craft stores have these pipe cleaners that are wavy instead of straight...they work perfectly. clean out that mold before you get sick!

also, just incase you don`t know (but you probably do, but w/e) don`t drink any sugary drinks while playing, it makes your reeds grow fungus and the like... only drink water if ya thirsty. sugary drinks also can rot away and instrument... unles it`s plastic.

Once that happened to a saxaphonist that I knew. The teacher told them to throw it away(ewww, who would want to play on that thing)and said not to eat anything sugary before class, or to brush thier teeth, because that might ruin the reed and the instrument. EEEEEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWW what if this happens to red burn(oh, my fried VALERIA and I name our reeds)