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Germs
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Author:  Kellyoke [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Germs
I know germs can always be a problem when using mics; but this time of year they seem to be more prevalent.   I was curious how everyone handles this.  I use Lysol of course but was wondering the good or bad in using wind screens.  My train of thought being that these could easily be repeatedly washed and reused.

Kelly
Author:  exweedfarmer [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Simply advise your karaoke clients not to put the mic in their mouths and don't worry about it.  Germs don't jump.
Author:  Babs [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
I know some people use wind screens, but I never have. I hate when they get soggy by the end of the night. It grosses me out. I have to many singers who make out with the mic when they sing instead of using it properly.  LMAO

I've tried several things. I used to keep hand sanitizer at my book station, but it seemed I was the only one using it.  LMAO Wipes are good for sanitizing here and there through the night and then I clean the mics at the end of the night.

If I see someone is obviously sick I wipe down the mic after they are done. I don't want to call attention to the fact, so I try to do it on the sly. sometimes I'll simple take the hand sanitizer and get my hands full of it and do a quick swipe on the mic parts.
Author:  twansenne [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 1:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Alcohol in a small spray bottle, and some lint free wipes (swiffer wipes the dry ones).

Works good on tape residue too.
Author:  Lonman [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Babs @ Wed Dec 06, 2006 12:56 pm wrote:
I know some people use wind screens, but I never have. I hate when they get soggy by the end of the night. It grosses me out. I have to many singers who make out with the mic when they sing instead of using it properly.  LMAO

I've tried several things. I used to keep hand sanitizer at my book station, but it seemed I was the only one using it.  LMAO Wipes are good for sanitizing here and there through the night and then I clean the mics at the end of the night.

If I see someone is obviously sick I wipe down the mic after they are done. I don't want to call attention to the fact, so I try to do it on the sly. sometimes I'll simple take the hand sanitizer and get my hands full of it and do a quick swipe on the mic parts.


Those foam wind screens are a joke - especially in karaoke.  Nothing but a germ collector, even if you don't hold the mic close to your mouth, they will collect all the spit projected - they are a sponge, which is why they are soaked at the end of the night.
Just have some Lysol sanitary wipes on hand to at least wipe off the mesh screen & wash the mic balls (they do come off for those who didn't know that) a minimum 1 time per week in a sanitizing soap - make sure to let them dry completely before reinstalling.
Author:  gahmc [ Wed Dec 06, 2006 7:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
I always figured that wind screens were germ collectors, so never used them myself.  I keep a bottle of sanitizing wipes on my table, and will wipe the mics if someone is obviously sick, and I keep the bottle were singers can grab them if they want to wipe the mic before singing. I'll also wipe them after, or before a show, according to how tired I am when I break down for the night.  :D

I also use these wipes to wipe my the cover of my books after a show. I also wipe the pages, if the outside looked dirty, and also when I update my books.
Author:  twansenne [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
THe grocery stores in my area are now putting out the little sanatizing wipe packets so you can wipe down the handle fo your shopping cart.  PErhaps doing the soma thing at karaoke would be a fine iddea.
Author:  Babs [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
twansenne @ Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:55 pm wrote:
THe grocery stores in my area are now putting out the little sanatizing wipe packets so you can wipe down the handle fo your shopping cart.  PErhaps doing the soma thing at karaoke would be a fine iddea.


What a cool idea.

I have one patron, Stinky Steve, that may need to use the whole box though.  LMAO
Author:  Flipper [ Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Heres an interesting gadget...there might be some merit to this. I have been looking at this for some time but have not purchased it.

method.http://singclean.com/singclean.htm

I currently keep Lysol wipes and sanitize the mics several times a night.
Author:  Jian [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
It is very unlikely that one get the bugs from singing INTO a mic. You have more chances from getting infected from HOLDING the mic. The 'best' form of protection is using the mic stand and not holding the mic.
But if the germs in question are airborne..., flu, common cold, the above does not help.
Author:  Lonman [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 2:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Jian @ Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:28 am wrote:
It is very unlikely that one get the bugs from singing INTO a mic. You have more chances from getting infected from HOLDING the mic. The 'best' form of protection is using the mic stand and not holding the mic.
But if the germs in question are airborne..., flu, common cold, the above does not help.


Well generally most people grab or at least hold onto the mic even when in the stand.  How many singers have heard claim "please excuse the way I sound I have a cold - cough cough!"?  I've heard it more than I can count, they cough into the mic, the next singer, the first thing they do is grab the mic & take a breath - you honestly don't think that someone can suck a lingering germ up?
Author:  Jian [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 4:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Like I said, if it is common cold or flu, which are both airborne diseases, chance are, one can get infected by breathing the air in the Bar. The cleaning of the mic with disinfectant are good hygienic practice but in this case it will not help.

Quote:
you honestly don't think that someone can suck a lingering germ up?


If the singer treat the mic like a cigarette, yes, he will suck up the bugs.[/quote]
Author:  Guest [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 7:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Do all you want to the mike head, germs have a hard time entering the body through the alimentary canal......it's where you touch it with your hands, that stands to pass the most germs.....song slips, any thing that is handled by people....you could wear latex gloves, like Howie Mandel....lol.......wipe with disinfecting cloth, handle some more.......theyyyyyyyy're back....lmao......try not to touch your eyes, nose, or face when handling shared equiptment, get a flu shot, and invest in a good immune system....lol.......sorry, but these are the Cold facts....pun intended.....excersise kills germs........but how do you get the little buggers to excersise....... :)
Author:  Tony [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 9:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
I am more concerned about the people that use the bathroom and don't wash their hands, then passionately make love to a mic. How clean do you think the keyboard is you're typing on, or the phone you are using. Sure, if the snot is dripping of a mic, I won't touch it, but otherwise? Naw, I don't really care. Think of the other things that you stick in your mouth, or just kissing your other half ewwwwwwwwww to the germs there.
Author:  Lonman [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 10:29 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
For those that don't clean their mics & ONLY see them at night in a dark bar setting - take them out in the day light once & look at the mic heads, you may change your attitude about what about is on the mic!!!!! :shock:
Author:  Tony [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:47 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
Lonman @ Fri Dec 08, 2006 12:29 pm wrote:
For those that don't clean their mics & ONLY see them at night in a dark bar setting - take them out in the day light once & look at the mic heads, you may change your attitude about what about is on the mic!!!!! :shock:
I do agree with you, it is pretty disgusting. Not just that, it has that typical smell to it.

Do you remember replacing the strings on your guitar and 1/4 pound of crud would be on the frett board? Man, did that take some cleaning everytime after a gig. Amazing how the stuff that builds up.
Author:  Babs [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
I have noticed lip stick in the head of my mic.  LMAO I don't put my mouth on my mic, but obviously I must be bumping up against it when I talk. We probably all have more contact with it than we think. I was very surprised because I really didn't think I ever got that close to it.  :O
Author:  Lonman [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:36 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
And that is just on the surface - really examine the screen in good daylight - better yet take the ball off & pull the foam out - carefully you'll see how much gets into the mic - even not touching it!!!
Author:  Flipper [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
yeah they can get pretty gross sometimes.

I have a separate mic for myself to announce and sing with because of this. I found that by having a separate mic and sanitizing the singers microphones both on the windscreeen and on the handle area several times a night durning cold and flu season has kept me from getting everything that comes along.

Some folks don't think it's necessary but My Wife insists on me doing this as she is a nurse and understands cross contamination quite well. I even offer hand sanitizer for my customers so when some singer says "Sorry for sounding so bad I wish I could get rid of this cold"  they have it there to use.

Am I going a little overboard...maybe but some folks appreciate it.
Author:  twansenne [ Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Germs
So people actualy use the foam windscreens at shows?  EWE GROSS!!!!


BTW...Someone else posted about using Lysol on there mics.  Wouldn't lysol or any other similar spray, leave a resedue and possibly smell on the mic?

Rubbing alchol for me.  I do water it down though.
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