How Do You Clean Your Guitars?

[OldStrummer]

I saw this question posted on another forum and it got me to thinking: How do you clean your guitar(s)? This site doesn't have a poll option, so it's an open-ended question. I've been spending the weekend re-arranging my guitar room, trying to get the temperature and humidity balanced more evenly, and I noticed some of my guitars have acquired a layer of dust. I have a MusicNomad guitar brush I use to clean off the guitars I'm playing, and it works well for dust and specks, but for dirtier or built-up crud, what do you use? Keeping in mind that I think the answer depends a lot on how the guitar is finished...

1. Nothing. Wipe it down with microfiber
2. Damp Sponge.
3. Guitar cleaner.
4. Window/WD-40. Or something.

[jrgtr42]

Mine don't usually sit still long enough to accumulate dust.
I'll occasionally wipe it down with microfiber / chamois / whatever cloths I have handy.
I'll do a deeper clean using an insrument cleaner, |Dunlop 65, or Virtuoso, or whatever I have, when I do a string change. Depending on the guitar, and how it's looking, I may oil the fretboard if it really needs it, but that's usually only every second or third change.
NEVER, EVER, EVER use window cleaner or WD40 on a guitar's finish.

[Cogs]

Usually I use a lint-free microfiber cloth. If it's really bad I'll use the same but damp with just a little dish soap & water

[OldStrummer]

NEVER, EVER, EVER use window cleaner or WD40 on a guitar's finish.

That was meant to be sarcasm. However, I do know there are guitar cleaning solutions available.

[DanTheBluesMan]

clean ... my guitars?

oh, crap. You mean I was supposed to clean them, too? Why didn't somebody tell me this 50 years ago when I started?



Got a bottle of that Dunlop 65 and a micro cloth on my desk beside me. Now how often do I use it? Eh, when I actually focus on the guitar and see how dusty it is? I go through phases of cleaning it after every time I play or when I go to put the guitar down and it sticks to my hand. Slight exaggeration

[S. Cane]

I wipe them with a dry cloth after gigging. I’ll condition a RW fretboard with lemon oil but only if it’s real dry. I think I did it two or three times only.

Other than that, a splash of WD40 on the saddle screws and screw heads if they show rust or tarnish, applied very carefully so the product never reaches wood or plastic.

[Offshore Angler]

I'm like Sergio, wipe it off after a show and into the case.

They only get dusty if you leave them out so that cures that problem.

Chuck

[Jim Nowacki]

Looks like someone found a way to extract money from people who already had a cheaper source for these supplies- a cheap plastic-handled paint brush and a microfiber cloth are all anyone needs. If the paint brush bristles are too soft, they can be cut back to make them stiffer.

[OldStrummer]

I usually give my guitars a light cleaning when I change the strings. I prefer using a drying oil (one that won't leave a gummy residue or build up over time) such as mineral oil or linseed oil. A good article on this can be found here. And then, only when the neck/fingerboard appears overly dry. Most of the time, I simply wipe down a guitar with a microfiber cloth, and sometimes I'll apply a little Stringjoy String Conditioner (I don't know if it actually extends the life of strings, but it's all-natural, non-corrosive, and hasn't caused any negative effects).

I do keep handy a nifty combination microfiber swab and soft brush (the MusicNomad "Nomad Tool") for times when I notice dust or grime building up under the strings.