Thank you all for both types of bathing advice. Point re preventative maintenance duly noted.

I've ordered an adapter which can be attached to the hose for a shower head and that is just the right size for the tube of the trumpet into which the mouthpiece normally goes. It doesn't cost the earth and it should arrive this week, so I'll wait until I've gotten it. All of my faucets are so close to the wall of the sink or bathtub that it would be awkward to use them. Besides, I greased the slides and oiled the valves the other day, so it would be wasteful to wash them now, anyway.

I bought a cleaning set with sponges on wires and a mouthpiece brush and even the special soap, so I think I have everything.

Thanks again for the good advice (one of the reasons I like to come here).