How to Clean a Guitar

Cleaning the guitar is an extremely important thing that a guitar player has to do for keeping the instrument in good condition. When and how to wipe a guitar depends on how much you use it and what all you clean. You can do a thorough cleaning once in a month; or generally clean apparent parts like strings, headstock, keys, body, after every playing session. In order to keep the guitar tone sounding the best, famous guitar players get their guitars cleaned and serviced by professionals known as 'guitar technicians' or simply 'guitar techs'.

While cleaning the guitar, you may need to take out certain parts of the musical instrument. The way you clean also depends on whether it is an acoustic guitar or an electric one. If you are wondering what to use to clean a guitar; there are a variety of products offered by musical instrument brands such as Gibson, Fender, Planet Waves, C.F. Martin & Company and many others.

Tips on Cleaning a Guitar

Cleaning Guitar Strings
If you are thinking about cleaning the strings, you will have to use a clean and soft cotton cloth, or do it using string cleaners such as 'The String Cleaner' or 'The Swipe'. Keep the guitar on its back, and take the cloth and put it in between the strings and fretboard. Now, the remaining cloth on both sides will need to be put over the strings, covering the strings from above and below. Slide the cloth up and down the fingerboard several times.

You will surely see the strings clean, and the dirt gathered on the cloth. You can even use a guitar string cleaning solution or WD40 cleaner on the cloth. Products like 'The String Cleaner' or 'The Swipe' have to be used the same way as the cotton cloth. You also have the option of using a paper towel instead of a cloth. This cleaning method can be used on acoustic as well as electric guitars. If it is a bass guitar, it is recommended that you clean the strings one by one due to string thickness.

Cleaning Guitar Fretboard
Guitar fretboard cleaning can be carried out best after removing all strings. The procedure for removing the strings would be different in case of acoustic and electric guitars. After you take out the strings, take a cloth and clean the fingerboard to remove dirt. Now, take another clean cloth, spray some guitar cleaning liquid, and rub the fretboard exhaustively. Make sure you clean the dirt that is stuck in both corners of the frets.

Use a toothpick or toothbrush for dirt that cannot be removed using a cloth. After you are done, use a dry cloth to polish the fretboard. You can now restring the guitar using old strings or more preferably new ones. In case you clean the guitar this way every three months, it is suggested you use a new set of good guitar strings. Generally, the body and headstock is to be cleaned with just a soft cotton cloth. Wiping the body after every playing session, keeps the shine of the body intact.

This is a simple guide on how to clean a guitar. Cleaning the guitar at regular intervals is very beneficial for retaining the original tone of the guitar, preventing serious guitar repair, and also increasing the instrument's durability. It is a good idea to keep a guitar care kit in the cover. If you own an electric guitar but do not play very often, it is suggested to keep it with detuned strings.