G'day John P,

I think your friend may have used an "ultrasonic cleaner" - container with water (with or without extra solvents) and a motorised high frequency vibration. It's a good way to clean jewellery - or technical pens - but it does tend to vibrate off bits ... like your valves! If you had leather valves, the Hohner Chromatics were, presumably, fairly old ... I think plastic valves have been standard for several decades, now.

I think any washing on an old wooden-bodied (and, maybe, leather-valved) harmonica has to be kept to a minimum ... and followed by quick removal of all loose water and then a steady drying out. One hopes that should dilute the Old Spice aroma to a more tolerable level.

Regards,

Bob