If you are the lucky owner of a shofar, you should also know the proper technique for cleaning a shofar. Here are some tips to help you do this easily.
Shofars are made of ram’s horns and are curved in shape. These are instruments that Jews use to sound like wake-up calls during repentance. Since it is made from animal horn, it can accumulate residue and result in a bad smell, so regular cleaning of the shofar is essential. In fact, the bad smell emanating from the shofar can make it difficult to perform the ritual correctly.
Using baking soda
One of the most powerful combinations, which is very effective in clearing a shofar, is vinegar mixed with baking soda. Both baking soda and vinegar have odor-eliminating properties. Therefore, you can use undiluted vinegar or baking soda diluted in water and fill the shofar with it overnight. If the residue is stubborn, try using the vinegar and baking soda combination for an easy cleaning technique. Once you leave the shofar horns in this solution overnight, all you have to do is rinse them the next morning. You can repeat the procedure if you wish.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another very powerful yet safe cleaner when it comes to clearing the shofar. All you need to do is fill the shofar with hydrogen peroxide until it is half full. Then cover the end of the rosh hashanah shofar and shake it until the internal residue begins to emanate from the shofar horns. Then simply empty the liquid from the shofar and repeat this procedure until all the dirt comes out. Once all the residue has been cleaned from the inside, you can use a soft cloth attached to a wire to clean the inside of the shofar thoroughly one last time.
Gravel method
A popular method of clearing the rosh hashanah shofar is to use gravel. You should cover one end of the shofar horns with an ear plug and then fill the other end with gravel. You should only fill enough gravel to be able to wave the shofar with ease. Then cover the larger end with a soft cloth or nerf ball. After this, to perform a complete cleaning of the shofar, you need to shake it for almost fifteen minutes. Next, scoop out the nerf ball and remove all the gravel. Replace the nerf ball and fill the rosh hashanah shofar with rubbing alcohol halfway. Wave the shofar for a minute or so. Remove both plugs and pour out all the alcohol and let the shofar dry.
Grease
Once the shofar cleaning process is complete, you need to properly grease it. Proper use of anointing oils containing myrrh is necessary, which helps as a natural preservative. Pour a very small amount of this oil into the bell part of the horn and keep turning the shofar. There are special valve brushes that are used specifically for trumpets, which can also be used for this purpose.