Germs?

[chubbychecker]

Perhaps a silly question...what do you do, if anything, to prevent swapping germs when using a tin whistle that was previously owned by someone else? I was surprised/intrigued to read on another post that there is actually an active market for second hand tin whistles.

[Mr.Gumby]

I don't think bacteria survive very long on their own when deposited on a whistle so I wouldn't worry much about it. Alternatively a quick wash with warm soapy water will clear up things.

[Emrys]

Washing a whistle with warm water and soap is really an easy proposition. Or, using alcohol on the mouthpiece would work too. I've bought and played lots of used whistles and it's always been fine.

[Peter Duggan]

Perhaps a silly question...what do you do, if anything, to prevent swapping germs when using a tin whistle that was previously owned by someone else?

Have you ever used cutlery that's been used by others and washed or do you stick strictly to your own? (And you're not even eating off the whistles...)

PS (edited) and how do you think the maker tested the whistles when not simply mass-produced?

[ickabod]

Perhaps a silly question...what do you do, if anything, to prevent swapping germs when using a tin whistle that was previously owned by someone else? I was surprised/intrigued to read on another post that there is actually an active market for second hand tin whistles.

I have pondered the exact same question. I don't think the questions is silly at all. Different viruses spread in different ways. Remember when the Ebola virus hit the US in 2016? Right about that time a purchased a used MK Low D whistle. I was concerned to say the least.

In case your wondering about ebola: Transmission. It is believed that between people, Ebola disease spreads only by direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who has developed symptoms of the disease. Body fluids that may contain Ebola viruses include saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine and semen.

I bought a bunch of alcohol wipes from the drug store. I probably used more than I should, but I didn't care. Wasn't about to risk it. Perhaps I'm a germaphobe? I don't care.. Better safe than sorry I say.

[Mr.Gumby]

Transmission. It is believed that between people, Ebola disease spreads only by direct contact

The underlined parts above explain why the quote isn't relevant when it comes to buying whistles.

More relevant would be :

Ebola on dry surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops, can survive for several hours; however, virus in body fluids (such as blood) can survive up to several days at room temperature.

Which tells you a whistle arriving by post is likely safe, unless it is still wet with spit or blood from an ebola patient. Which, let's face it, isn't highly likely.

[greenspiderweb]

Perhaps a silly question...what do you do, if anything, to prevent swapping germs when using a tin whistle that was previously owned by someone else? I was surprised/intrigued to read on another post that there is actually an active market for second hand tin whistles.

I have pondered the exact same question. I don't think the questions is silly at all. Different viruses spread in different ways. Remember when the Ebola virus hit the US in 2016? Right about that time a purchased a used MK Low D whistle. I was concerned to say the least.

In case your wondering about ebola: Transmission. It is believed that between people, Ebola disease spreads only by direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of a person who has developed symptoms of the disease. Body fluids that may contain Ebola viruses include saliva, mucus, vomit, feces, sweat, tears, breast milk, urine and semen.

I bought a bunch of alcohol wipes from the drug store. I probably used more than I should, but I didn't care. Wasn't about to risk it. Perhaps I'm a germaphobe? I don't care.. Better safe than sorry I say.

Yes, you probably are from your stated concerns, but if that is what it takes for you to be comfortable with a used whistle purchase, so be it. I have purchased may used whistles over the years, and I am still here...breathing, in fact! I only ever washed them out with warm/hot water, and liquid dishsoap, and everything was fine. As was said before, most all germs don't survive when they dry, so if inclined-let them air dry after washing and you should be safe to blow. Just like your plates and utensils, as Mr. Gumby has suggested before, especially if you dine out on occasion.

[Hekim]

A brief soak in a small glass of Irish Whiskey. Not really necessary but seems appropriate.

[Mae]

I'm a germaphobe and get sick easily. That being said, I've gotten sick from eating out before, but I've yet to get sick from a used instrument. I stockpile alcohol wipes like there is no tomorrow, and use them on used instruments before I play them myself. But be careful about soaking anything in isopropyl alcohol, because some plastics do react to the alcohol, and adhesives might dissolve. If using on wood, do quick wipes around mouthpiece and partly inside the opening, wipe dry with a clean cloth immediately to prevent wood from drying out. Once completely dry, treat with a safe, edible oil and wait 10 hours or overnight before playing. If I see any accumulated crud on anything, I do a much more thorough cleaning with a small nylon brush.

[Italian Rover]

Sodium hypochlorite.

[dyersituations]

I've played/owned many used whistles and flutes, and as far as I know, I have had no issues from it. When I purchase a used whistle, I do what others here have recommended, either washing with soap and water or using rubbing alcohol, depending on the material.

[greenspiderweb]

Germs, bleh, I have no taste for them! (double post edited).

[greenspiderweb]

Right, dyersituations, me too-and all the whistles I've sold have been washed out and dried before shipping out, and so far no complaints from my many buyers over the years of any negative effects from purchase. So really, if the buyer and seller follow normal washing procedures, you are very unlikely to come to any negative effect of leftover germs in any used whistle purchased on ChiffandFipple.com, though if no one washes one they are selling or buying, then it is up for grabs what could transpire. If you neglect these simple rules, then you may have problems ahead. But it is entirely your fault, if you are the least bit aware of basic hygienic procedures to follow for disinfection for wind instruments as have been discussed before.

Of course, you could not go by what so many others here have stated about the safety of buying used whistles, and just buy new whistles that have not been allegedly played before by anyone. But I would be rather safe than sorry, and wash any whistle I buy new or used and let dry, for the slight chance of infection-low or high in magnitude. And you would be missing out on some very nice whistles too! It's just common sense-which should be judiciously applied in any situation you are likely to encounter. And adding a liberal use of the search function of both Chiff and the internet to find the most widely accepted solutions to your problems. (within reason of course)

Other than that, do what you want, but enjoy your time with these great and simple instruments, after you have put your mind at rest about probably non-existent lurking germs your imagination is more likely to believe than exists normally. In other words, take precautions, and be happy! And have a blast after all.

[Sirchronique]

I don't do anything when I buy a used whistle.. I just play it.

[chas]

Sodium hypochlorite.

You really do have to be careful with NaOCl (the primary component in chlorine bleach). It attacks many materials, including aluminum.

As to the original question, the vast majority of bacteria and viruses that would be transmitted by mouth die when well dried out. Those that are bandied about as possible germ-warfare agents, such as anthrax, will survive being desiccated. I know there are some that are more common and less lethal, but can't come up with them at the moment. Depending on the size of the desiccated microbes, washing with soap and water may or may not be effective. As IR pointed out above, bleach will most likely be effective.