Cleaning Your Guitar, A Step-by-Step Guide

Your guitar is not only a tool for creating beautiful music but also an investment that deserves proper care and maintenance (especially if you bought one of our recommended guitars!). Regular cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your instrument but also contributes to its longevity and optimal performance. In this blog post, I will guide you through a step-by-step process of effectively cleaning your guitar, ensuring it stays in top shape for years to come. This process is the same for most acoustic, electric, and classical guitars.

Why You Should Regualry Clean Your Guitar

To remove dirt, dust, and grime. Over time, dirt, dust, and grime can build up on your guitar, which can dull the finish and make it look old. It can also attract pests like moths and beetles.

To prevent corrosion. Sweat, moisture, and other environmental factors can cause the metal parts of your guitar to corrode. This can damage the tuning pegs, the bridge, and other parts of the guitar.

To protect the wood. The wood on your guitar is susceptible to damage from moisture, sunlight, and other environmental factors. Cleaning your guitar can help to protect the wood and keep it looking its best.

To improve the sound. A dirty guitar will not sound as good as a clean guitar. The dirt and grime can dull the sound of the strings and make it difficult to play.

When and How Often Should You Clean Your Guitar?

Clean your guitar after every use. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or grime that may have accumulated during your playing session. I make it a habit to give the guitar a good wipe-down before putting it back into my case after practicing or playing.

Clean your guitar more often if you play in dusty or humid environments. The dust and humidity can quickly build up on your guitar and cause damage.

Clean your guitar thoroughly at least once a month. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, or grime that may have built up over time.

Clean your guitar when you change strings. This is an ideal time to clean your instrument. The strings are off and you have access to everything under the strings as well.

Follow These Easy Steps

Step 1: Gather the necessary supplies

Before you begin cleaning your guitar, gather the following supplies:

• A soft, clean cloth. A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning your guitar. It is lint-free and will not scratch the finish.
• A string cleaner or a mild soap and water solution. If you use a string cleaner, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. If you use a mild soap and water solution, mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of warm water.
• A fretboard cleaner. If your guitar has a fretboard, you can use a fretboard cleaner to clean it. Most repair shops recommend lemon oil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
• A polish. If your guitar has a polished finish, you can use a polish to protect the finish and keep it looking its best. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

Step 2: Prepare your workspace

Find a clean, well-lit area where you can comfortably work on your guitar. Lay down a soft cloth or towel to protect the guitar’s finish from scratches or dings. Ensure you have enough space to lay the guitar flat or prop it up safely on a sturdy stand.

Step 3: Removing dust and debris

Using a soft, dry cloth, gently wipe the entire surface of your guitar, including the body, neck, and headstock. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as the bridge and around the pickups if you are cleaning an electric guitar. For stubborn grime or dust buildup, lightly dampen the cloth with water and wring out any excess moisture before wiping.

Step 4: Cleaning the fretboard

If your guitar has a fretboard made of rosewood or similar porous wood, it’s important to condition it periodically with lemon oil to keep it moisturized. Apply a small amount of lemon oil to a clean cloth and rub it into the fretboard, working in the direction of the wood grain. Leave it on for a few minutes to allow the oil to penetrate, then wipe off any excess oil with a dry cloth. For non-porous fretboards, a simple wipe-down with a dry cloth is sufficient.

Once or twice a year is a general consensus on how often you should use lemon oil on a guitar fretboard. However, this may vary depending on the type of wood your fretboard is made of, how often you play your guitar, and the climate you live in.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how often to oil your fretboard:

• Wood type: Rosewood fretboards are more porous than ebony fretboards, so they may need to be oiled more often.
• Playing frequency: If you play your guitar frequently, you may need to oil your fretboard more often to prevent it from drying out.
• Climate: If you live in a dry climate, you may need to oil your fretboard more often to prevent it from drying out.

If you’re not sure how often to oil your fretboard, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and oil it more often than not. Over-oiling your fretboard is not harmful, but under-oiling it can cause the wood to dry out and crack.

Step 5: Polishing the body

To restore the shine of your guitar’s body, apply a small amount of guitar polish or cleaner to a soft cloth. Work the polish onto the surface using gentle, circular motions. Avoid applying polish directly to the guitar, as it can leave residue or damage sensitive parts. Once the polish has been evenly distributed, use a separate clean cloth to buff the surface until it shines.

Polishing an acoustic guitar is not necessary for its functionality, but it can help to keep the finish looking its best. If you choose to polish your guitar, you should do so every 6 months to a year.

Here are some factors to consider when determining how often to polish your guitar:

• The type of finish: Some finishes are more prone to fading and scratching than others. If your guitar has a nitrocellulose finish, you may need to polish it more often than if it has a urethane finish.
• The climate: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to polish your guitar more often to prevent the finish from fading.
• Your personal preference: Some people like to polish their guitars more often than others. If you enjoy the process and like the way it makes your guitar look, there’s no harm in polishing it more often.

If you do decide to polish your guitar, it’s important to use a product that is designed for guitars. There are many different polishes available, so do some research to find one that is reputable. My favorite is Dunlop.

Step 6: Cleaning the hardware

The hardware, such as the tuning pegs, bridge, and pickups, can accumulate dirt and grime over time. Use a small brush or toothbrush to gently scrub these areas, removing any debris or buildup. For stubborn dirt, you can use a mild soap solution and a damp cloth. After cleaning, make sure to dry the hardware thoroughly to prevent any potential corrosion.

1. Unplug your guitar if it has electronics. This will help to prevent water from getting into the electronics.
2. Wipe down the hardware with a soft, clean cloth. This will remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated.
3. If the hardware is dirty, you can use a mild soap and water solution to clean it. Mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Dip a clean cloth in the solution and wipe the hardware. Be sure to dry the hardware thoroughly after cleaning it.
4. If the hardware is rusty, you can use a rust remover to clean it. Be sure to follow the instructions on the rust remover label.
5. Once the hardware is clean, you can polish it with a mild polish. Apply a small amount of polish to a clean cloth and rub it in a circular motion over the hardware. Be sure to buff the polish off with a clean cloth.

Here are some things to avoid when cleaning the hardware on your acoustic guitar:

• Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners. These can damage the hardware.
• Do not use abrasive materials. These can scratch the hardware.
• Do not get water in the electronics. If your guitar has electronics, be careful not to get water in them.

Step 7: String maintenance

Cleaning and lubricating your guitar strings not only prolongs their lifespan but also improves their playability. Wipe down each string individually with a soft cloth, removing any dirt, oil, or sweat. For more thorough cleaning, you can use specialized string cleaners or lubricants. Apply a small amount to a cloth and run it along the length of each string, wiping off any excess product afterward.

Conclusion:

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your guitar is an essential part of being a responsible guitarist. Like mentioned earlier, I like the products Dunlop makes for maintaining your guitar. A great time to do this cleaning is when you are changing the strings. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can ensure that your instrument remains in pristine condition, both aesthetically and functionally. Remember to take your time, use the right tools and products, and always handle your guitar with care. With proper cleaning and maintenance, your guitar will continue to provide you with countless hours of joy and inspiration.

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Chadwick Becks

I have two degrees in guitar performance and was privileged to study under Aaron Shearer, Tom Kikta, David Skantar, Ken Karsh, Tim Bedner, and currently Christopher Berg. Outside my editorial work on this blog, I teach full-time across many genres including classical, jazz, blues, rock, funk, and metal.