Replace replace replace !!!! Use a box of cheapos for practice and your besties will feel fantastic when you use them !! Hard to tell when a harp is dirty as even new harps seem to play very tight and appear dirty out of the box !its ok to give a quick splash under warm water but i find its best to dry immediately with a hair dryer on lowest setting !!! 43 years of playing and many many harps thrown out and i always give up on cleaning more than that ! Life is too short !!!! Good luck Peace !