Soak your entire reed in fresh water as you put together your instrument, about 2-3 minutes. Reeds need to be fully submerged, not run under a water fountain or put in your mouth (saliva actually breaks down the cane!), and you should change your reed water each time you play.
Rinse your mouth or brush your teeth if you’ve eaten or drank beverages other than water before playing. This can prevent the build-up of bacteria and mold on your reed.
Keep the reed damp while playing - if it dries out, dip it back in the water for a few seconds to rehydrate it. This is often a problem in dry climates or in the winter in heated environments.
Once you’re finished playing, blow air through the butt end of the reed and wipe down the blade with fingers or on a cloth (pants work well!) to remove any excess spit/moisture.
Use a well-ventilated reed case with holes in it to allow the reed to fully dry before you soak it again. If time permits, allow the reed to dry fully before closing the reed case.
If build-up occurs on the reed blade over time, you can “wake up” your reed by gently scraping the blade with a fingernail or using a reed knife, moving from collar to tip, putting almost no downward pressure on the reed but removing the gunk.
If your reed is turning black on the inside, that is MOLD and it’s time to buy a new reed (or three!). Reeds will not last forever. The typical lifespan of a reed is about one month, although many factors can affect this. I recommend having at least three working reeds in your reed case so you can rotate which one you play each day, extending the life of all your reeds.