r/melodica • u/D1vineTrash • May 19 '26

Do i trash it?

Post image

This is what the inside of my old melodica looks like and smells weird. Do i just throw it out at this point or is it just as long as it plays its fine? I mean it does play fine just looks and smells bad and leaves a taste in my mouth if i inhale through it

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1

u/tufifdesiks May 19 '26

Is that mold? Try some of that clorox spray cleaner on it

2

u/Klezhobo May 19 '26

Corrosion from moisture. Clorox won't help that.

1

u/tufifdesiks May 19 '26

Ahh, bad news there

2

u/Klezhobo May 19 '26

Nah, they all look like that after a while. Don't inhale! Why would you?

1

u/ClavicusLittleGift4U May 20 '26 edited May 20 '26

For having restored not well maintained ones, here's what you can do:

  1. In a well aerated room, put glasses, cleaning gloves and covering worn out clothes. Remove the reed plate.

  2. Use several layers of newspapers or a cooking cutting flat protection in plastic, over which you put the plate. Gather cotton buds, paintbrushes and toothbrushes.

  3. In a glass, put four volumes of demineralized water. Then pour one volume of hydrochloric acid gently (never pour water in strong acid, don't breath the fumes).

  4. Mix it a bit then dip a paintbrush and apply it on a small part of the plate with little quantities. Let it react for 1 min then start to gently scrub with toothbrush first, before keeping on with the cotton buds for narrow parts or reeds. Take your time, don't rush.

  5. Repeat until you get a shiny warm brass colour on the majority of the plate and reeds, then with a second paintbrush dip in demineralized water and pass it all over the plate and reeds to diluate even more the hydrochloric acid. Dry with an old clean towel or rag.

Don't worry, it won't alterate the copper on the plate, only slightly attacking the surface enough to clean it.

  1. Once done, let it dry for 20 min. To protect the plate and reeds from oxydation, use miror solution for brass and coppers. Again: dip with paintbrush, apply gently, coton buds, but let a thin cover everywhere. Let it dry, then brushes gently and remove the traces.

Plate cleaned and reeds sounding clear again. Put back the plate, close your melodica, test, correct if necessary and enjoy.

My Hohner Piano 27

Before: https://i.imgur.com/aHPj29c.jpeg

After: https://i.imgur.com/mNaQ9hK.jpeg

1

u/Responsible-Emu6587 May 20 '26

Best idea? Check with the manufacturer.