Why do spots appear on my singing bowl?
The different metals from which a singing bowl is made can create electrical tension. This creates galvanic elements and corrosion occurs. However, contact with salty or acidic liquids can also promote the corrosion process. This causes more copper to reach the surface, which causes reddish-brown spots. The surface of singing bowls is usually impregnated after production, so that it is at least temporarily protected. However, this is sometimes done carelessly or neglected, especially with very cheap singing bowls. As a result, contamination can occur during overseas transport or through contact with sweat (on the hands).
Peter Hess® Therapy Singing Bowls with permanent coating
If you buy a singing bowl in our online shop or showroom, you can be sure that it has been impregnated after production. We also offer a permanent coating for our singing bowls. The extremely thin, crystal-clear surface finish protects your singing bowl from oxidation, unsightly fingerprints and darkening for many years. Elaborate cleaning is a thing of the past.
We particularly recommend this option for singing bowls that are used directly on the skin (possible contact allergies), that often need to be disinfected (for example in the medical field) or in connection with (salt) water. The vibration properties of the singing bowl remain absolutely unaffected by the treatment.
In our article “Production of Peter Hess® Therapy Singing Bowls” you can find out more about the advantages and areas of application of a singing bowl with a permanent coating. You can also explore the complex manufacturing process and learn more about the different quality levels.
How can I clean my singing bowl?
Biowunder cleaning stone with sponge
Except for our Zen and Assam Singing Bowls, we primarily recommend our cleaning stone for cleaning, polishing and maintaining singing bowls. We have had very good experiences with this. The cleaning stone is biodegradable and is also suitable for other materials such as stainless steel, chrome, glass, enamel, etc. It is manufactured in Germany and comes with a sponge.
Cleaning singing bowls with light dirt
For light dirt, you can also clean your singing bowl with normal dish soap. A gentle brass polish can also be used. However, cleaning sponges should be avoided as they often create scratches.
You can clean your singing bowl with these products:
- With a cleaning stone
- With dish soap
- With a brass polish
Important note
We are not liable for damage to singing bowls resulting from improper cleaning.
How are singing bowls traditionally cleaned?
In Nepal, traditional cleaning is done with a mixture of rice straw ash and mustard oil. The bowl is polished with this for several minutes. Since these materials are usually not available to us here, we can fall back on some alternative cleaning methods.
How often should I clean my singing bowl and does this affect the sound?
Depending on how often a singing bowl is cleaned, its color may change over time. Which patina you prefer is, of course, a matter of taste. If you want to maintain the golden shine, you should clean your singing bowl approximately every two months. We recommend regular cleaning and care, especially for frequently used Therapy Singing Bowls.
Cleaning generally has no audible effect on the frequency response of the singing bowl. Minor frequency changes could only occur if the singing bowl were constantly cleaned for a period of 20–30 years, removing some of the surface. But even that would not really be noticeable in everyday use.