However frequently you play the guitar, whether you’re a session musician or a casual guitarist, it’s important to keep your instrument clean. You can’t get the clearest possible sound out of grimy strings, nor can you move smoothly across a fretboard that’s covered in sweat and dust; these things need to be maintained to ensure your guitar stays performing at its best.
But where do you start? You don’t want to risk tarnishing the delicate wood of your guitar or spoiling its finish, so it’s important to use proper cleaning tools. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to clean a guitar safely, effectively, and efficiently – meaning you can easily repeat the process every time your guitar needs sprucing up.
We’ll give you our top tips for acoustic and electric guitars – as the cleaning solutions can differ per wood finish.
In a hurry?
At a glance, here are the steps to cleaning a guitar:
- Prepare the guitar by laying it down on a workbench or table, washing your hands, and making sure the room is well-lit
- Wipe the strings (or take off the strings if you’re replacing these at the same time as cleaning)
- Clean the fretboard using a gentle cloth and the right cleaner for your tonewood
- Wipe the guitar body with, again, the right cleaner for your tonewood
- Polish the hardware
Why should you keep your guitar clean?
A clean guitar doesn’t just look nice, it also plays and sounds nice. Keeping your guitar clean is crucial for several reasons.
Firstly, it helps extend the life of your instrument and its strings. Dirt, sweat, and oil from your hands can cause wear on the finish, fretboard, and hardware over time. Regular cleaning prevents this damage, allowing your guitar to stay in top condition for longer. It’s best to change your strings regularly but maintaining them will ensure they perform at their best for longer.
A clean guitar also sounds better. Dirt build-up on the strings or fretboard can dull the instrument’s tone – no guitarist wants this! Cleaning your guitar is an easy fix to give your guitar’s sound a new lease of life. When your guitar is pristine, its sound is clear and vibrant.
Lastly, a clean guitar is simply more enjoyable to play. Without grime getting in the way, the strings remain responsive and the fretboard is easy to slide across. The guitar’s playability is smoother, more comfortable, and like it was when you first bought the instrument.
Prepare your guitar
If you’re planning to change the strings, now is the perfect time as removing them makes accessing the fretboard and body much easier. Removing the strings also allows for a thorough clean of areas you might otherwise have missed.
Find a stable surface like a table or workbench to lay the guitar down, ideally with a soft cloth or mat underneath the guitar to protect its finish. Make sure the space is well-lit so you can easily see any dirt or marks that need attention. And it goes without saying, but make sure your hands are clean – wash them before you start cleaning to prevent transferring any oils or dirt onto your guitar.
How to clean a guitar
1. Wipe the strings
It’s good practice to wipe your guitar strings after each playing session.
Over time, oils, dirt, and sweat from your hands build up on the strings, which not only affects the sound quality but also reduces the lifespan of the strings.
Regularly wiping them down helps to maintain their clear tone and ensures you get the most out of each set.
To clean the strings, use a dry microfibre cloth or a string-specific cleaner (we recommend the Ernie Ball 4277 Wonder Wipes).
Gently wrap the cloth around each string and run it along the length from the bridge to the nut.
You can also use products like Fast Fret or other string lubricants to both clean and maintain a smooth playing feel.
2. Clean the fretboard
Cleaning the fretboard is one of the most essential parts of guitar maintenance, and the cleaner you use will depend on the wood used for the fretboard.
The important thing to remember is to only use products that are specifically designed for fretboard cleaning and conditioning. Never use household cleaners as they can contain harsh chemicals that can severely damage the wood and finish of your guitar.
Electric guitar fretboards
For rosewood, ebony, and pau ferro fretboards use fine steel wool (grade 0000) to gently remove grime. These types of fretboards are usually unfinished, meaning dirt can get into the fine grain of the wood, but a fine steel wool or a slightly damp or dry cloth will do the trick.
Use steel wool cautiously, particularly around the pickups as the fibres are magnetic and can stick to the electronics. Cover the pickups with masking tape to prevent this from happening.
Once you’ve wiped the fretboard, the next step is to rehydrate the wood. Use a small amount of lemon oil or a dedicated fretboard conditioner – just a few drops should suffice. Massage the oil into the wood using a soft cloth, letting it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping away any excess.
For an even easier option, the Ernie Ball 4276 Wonder Wipe Fret Conditioner is ideal; the pack comes with six wipes, with each wipe enriched in orange, linseed, and jojoba oils.
Conditioning the fretboard wood is super important as it keeps the wood nourished, preventing it from drying out or cracking over time.
Maple fretboards on electric guitars generally have a lacquered finish, making them easier to clean. For these, you should not use steel wool as this can damage the finish. Instead, just use a dry or slightly damp cloth. For particularly dirty areas, use a cleaner like the Fender Custom Shop Fingerboard Remedy, but always make sure it’s suitable for the wood and finish.
Acoustic guitar fretboards
Acoustic guitars often feature rosewood or ebony fretboards, similar to electric guitars. The cleaning process is pretty much the same – use steel wool or a cloth followed by a fretboard conditioner to keep the wood hydrated.
Be careful with acoustic guitars that have a more porous finish, as they can easily absorb too much moisture. When using lemon oil, make sure to apply it sparingly – about two drops per four to five frets should be enough. Use a cloth to massage it gently into the fretboard, ensuring you don’t over-saturate the wood.
3. Clean the guitar body
Cleaning the body of your guitar is important not only for maintaining its appearance but also for preserving its finish. Dirt, sweat, and oils can wear down the finish over time, affecting the guitar’s sound and durability.
The cleaning method will vary based on the type of guitar and its specific finish, but again, remember to only use guitar-specific cleaning products, never household cleaners!
Electric guitar bodies
Electric guitars typically have finishes like polyurethane, polyester, or nitrocellulose. For poly-finished guitars, use a microfibre cloth. Dab a small amount of guitar polish, such as Dunlop Formula 65, on the cloth and gently rub it in using circular motions.
Avoid spraying polish directly onto the guitar as it could cause uneven coverage and leave streaks.
If your electric guitar has a matte or satin finish, refrain from using polish or wax – these can create spots on the finish and clog the pores of the wood. Instead, stick to a dry cloth, gently wiping down the surface.
Nitrocellulose finishes are more delicate and should only be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth; avoid strong polishes, as these can damage the porous surface.
Acoustic guitar bodies
Most acoustic guitars come with either a satin, matte, or gloss finish. If yours has a natural or satin finish, you’re best off using a dry cloth as liquids can get absorbed into the wood and potentially impact its resonance.
There might be areas of your guitar body, however, that are particularly grimy, so if it’s absolutely necessary, use a very lightly dampened cloth to remove stubborn marks. For gloss finishes, similar to electric guitars, apply a specialist guitar polish sparingly.
4. Polish the hardware
Polishing your guitar’s hardware is an important step. Sweat, oils, and grime from your hands can cause metal parts like tuning pegs, bridges, and frets to corrode over time.
To clean the hardware, use a soft microfibre cloth with a very small amount of guitar polish. Gently rub the polish onto the metal surfaces in circular motions.
For tougher grime, such as rust, you can use a polish applied with a toothbrush. However, if the hardware is particularly worn, you might find it easier and more beneficial to replace it.
For hard-to-reach areas, like the spaces between bridge saddles, try using a cotton bud. This ensures that you remove all dust and residue without risking scratches.
How do guitars get dirty?
Guitars get dirty when they’re played a lot or are left on a stand to gather dust. Every time you play your guitar, sweat and oils from your fingers will transfer to the strings, fretboard, body, and hardware of your guitar. That’s why it’s good to regularly clean these components.
Dust will also gather on your guitar, especially if you store it on a guitar stand. We recommend keeping your guitar in its case – it might be annoying to not have it out on show, but it will keep it in good condition for longer, without an excess of dust build-up.
When to clean your guitar
If you gig regularly or play in particularly hot and sweaty venues, your guitar will need more frequent cleaning, ideally after each session to remove sweat and grime. If you mainly practise at home, you’ll probably find that a thorough cleaning once a month does the job.
A good routine is to clean your guitar each time you change the strings as this makes it easier to reach the fretboard and body.
Electric vs. acoustic guitar cleaning
In general, acoustic and electric guitars can be cleaned with similar products, but you do need to make a note of the type of wood and finish of your guitar to know which cleaning solutions and cloths to use.
Electric guitars tend to have polyurethane or polyester finishes, which create a protective, glossy layer. This makes them easier to clean with guitar-specific polishes.
Both electric and acoustic guitars often use similar fretboard woods like rosewood, ebony, or pau ferro, which require conditioning to prevent dryness. However, the lacquered maple fretboards often found on electric guitars should only be cleaned with a dry or lightly dampened cloth to avoid damaging the finish.
If you’re cleaning an acoustic guitar, pay attention to the finish as this differs quite a lot from that of an electric.
Acoustic guitars often have satin or matte finishes, which are more porous, allowing the wood to breathe and affecting the tone. As a result, they need gentler cleaning methods, typically using a dry or very slightly dampened cloth. Avoid polishes on these finishes, as they can clog the pores of the wood and damage the guitar’s tone.
Dos and don’ts
DO wash your hands before you clean your guitar
There’s no point in cleaning your guitar with sweaty or grimy hands! Always wash your hands before cleaning your guitar. This prevents oils, sweat, and dirt from transferring to the strings, fretboard, and body, which can cause damage over time.
Clean hands will help maintain the guitar’s finish and prolong the life of the strings, keeping your instrument sounding its best and ensuring it stays in great condition for as long as possible.
DON’T use household cleaning products
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: never use household cleaning products on your guitar. These often contain harsh chemicals which can damage the guitar’s wood, dull the finish, and affect the tone. Instead, use products specifically designed for guitars as these are formulated to clean effectively without harming the instrument.
DO store your guitar in its case
Storing your guitar in its case when it’s not in use helps protect it from dust, humidity, and accidental damage. A hard case or padded gig bag also provides a safe environment for temperature control, preventing warping and cracking that can occur due to sudden changes in climate.
DON’T leave your guitar in a damp room, somewhere too cold or hot, or in direct sunlight
Extreme conditions can severely damage your guitar. Excess moisture in a damp room can lead to warping, while excessive cold or heat can cause cracks or changes in the wood. Direct sunlight can fade the finish and make the wood brittle. So, is there anywhere you can safely store your guitar?! As long as it’s in a stable, climate-controlled environment, it will be protected from these risks.
DO wipe your guitar with a microfibre cloth after every use
After each session, wipe down your guitar with a microfibre cloth to remove sweat, oils, and dust. This simple habit helps maintain the finish and prolongs the life of the strings and hardware. Microfibre cloths are ideal because they are gentle and non-abrasive, ensuring that your guitar stays clean without risking scratches or damage to the surface.
FAQs
What can I use to clean my guitar?
The best thing to clean your guitar with is a microfibre cloth – this is soft and non-abrasive, perfect for maintaining the finish of your instrument. It can be used with a specialist guitar cleaning solution, slightly damp, or dry to remove oil, sweat, and dust from your guitar.
Is it OK to clean a guitar with water?
It is OK to use water to clean your guitar – just as long as the cloth isn’t absolutely drenched. Dampen the microfibre cloth slightly, this will be enough to wipe any grime from the wood. Make sure to then go over it with a dry cloth.
Is it OK to clean a guitar with wet wipes?
It is not safe to use wet wipes to clean your guitar. Depending on the type of wet wipe, it might have harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the guitar. Plus, many are fragranced, which you won’t want to transfer to your instrument. The only wet wipes we recommend are guitar-specific ones, like the Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes, which contain safe oils for your guitar.
Final thoughts
So, there we have it – that’s how to clean a guitar in four simple steps. The most important thing to remember is to always check the wood and finish of your guitar and match it with an appropriate cleaning solution. When in doubt, a dry or slightly damp microfibre cloth will do the trick.
And to keep your guitar in the best condition for as long as possible, try to get into the habit of cleaning your guitar regularly – at least once a month depending on how often you play.
For an easier cleaning process, some brands offer cleaning kits, giving you everything you need for thorough maintenance. Before you purchase one, check the cleaning solution included and make sure it’s suitable for your guitar’s tonewood and finish.
Do you have more tips? Leave them in the comments below. And for further reading, take a look at some of our other guitar guides:
The 11 Best Acoustic Guitar Strings
How to Tune a Guitar in Four Simple Methods
Fanned Frets Explained – What Are These Weird Guitars?
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