Tarnishield to clean mouthpieces?

rooster7 · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:16 pm Post subject: Tarnishield to clean mouthpieces?

Would there be a problem in using Tarnishield to clean the outside of a mouthpiece? My concern is whether after using Tarnishield, there would be a film left that might cause illness. Any thoughts on how to clean the outside of a mouthpiece would be appreciated.
Mark

Jerry · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:24 pm Post subject:

I do it all the time. However, I have no idea if it has affected my health.

cheiden · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:35 pm Post subject:

I'd advise agianst using anything that leaves any kind of protective film. And even with regular silver cleaners it's aways best to rinse very thoroughly.
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ML52K · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 1:36 pm Post subject:

After using Tarnishied, I would give the mouthpiece a good bath with dish detergent, and brush the bore with a mouthpiece brush. I would think it to be safe after that.

cheiden · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 2:36 pm Post subject:

I suppose that begs the question...why use a product that boasts a persistent "shield" if you fully expect to scrub any trace of it off. I advise using another product that just removes tarnish.
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nieuwguyski · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 3:06 pm Post subject:

...Because there's no chance that a lot of the Tarnishield sold is used on sterling flatware, which gets inserted in peoples' mouths.
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Ed Kennedy · Heavyweight Member Joined: 15 Jan 2005 Posts: 1040

I think that the "shield" is something that bonds with the silver molecules, displacing the oxygen. It's a molecular thing. Reminds me of Mose Allison.

cheiden · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 4:11 pm Post subject:

cheiden · Posted: Fri May 11, 2012 9:59 pm Post subject:

nieuwguyski · Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 1:37 am Post subject:

I wouldn't drink Tarnishield from the bottle, but after I've polished my mouthpiece with it, rinsed the mouthpiece off in the sink, and then done a final polish with a clean cloth, I'm not going to worry about the protective layer.

It's like when people obsess over how to "sterilize" a mouthpiece, but they'll eat with a fork that was washed with soap and water.
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hose · Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 10:05 am Post subject:

I've read here in previous threads that Tarnishield and Wrights are two of the least abrasive polishers.
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John Mohan · Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 10:42 am Post subject:

Best and safest way to remove tarnish from mouthpieces is to do it chemically. This way, none of the silver is removed. You are simply reversing the chemical process that created the tarnish (and returning the silver in the silver oxide back into the pure silver plating).

Here's how:

Get a container such as a large (2 quart) glass bowl (one capable of holding hot water). Place aluminum foil in the bottom of the bowl. Fill the bowl with a solution of a box of baking soda mixed with hot water and place the mouthpiece in the solution. Within minutes, your mouthpiece will be bright silver again. (and the aluminum will be oxidized and black).

The best parts of this are, you are not wearing any silver off via rubbing or solutions that dissolve the silver oxide - you are simply reversing the tarnishing process, and, there are no unhealthy, toxic chemicals involved. Just wash the mouthpiece afterward and you're good to go.

This can be done with a trumpet as well, if your container is big enough.

Best wishes,

John Mohan
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monkeymark · Posted: Sun May 13, 2012 10:56 am Post subject:

Now i've got to give that a go!

tvknight415 · Regular Member Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Posts: 88 Location: WI

+1 for the hot water/baking soda. It may leave a faint sulpher odor in the air when you do it, so if that would bother you do it outside or with windows open.

VetPsychWars · Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject:

chuck in ny · Posted: Mon May 14, 2012 5:13 pm Post subject: