What is the best way to clean your guitar?

Answer 1

Hello. A few steps can always be taken.

1.) Make sure your guitar is in a controlled environment in terms of humidity. Too dry and the wood will dry out and crack. Too humid and the wood will expand and warp.

2.) Always use a soft cloth when cleaning a guitar and never use anything abrasive. Try to find a "lint free" cloth. Also, an old cotton t-shirt can be used.

3.) Use an approved guitar polish for the body and always apply the cleaner to the rag first, not the guitar. Use a soft circular motion to apply the cleaner and then gently wipe it off.

4.) Don't forget the fretboard! Use a fretboard conditioner whenever you change your strings. Conditioner helps keep the fretboard from cracking and keep the proper moisture in the fretboard.

5.) Whenever done playing a guitar, you should always try to wipe off any fingerprints from the body, tuning pegs, etc. The oils on your fingers can cause corrosion over time. Try to wipe down the strings too. Just a quick swipe of a cloth can keep your stings lasting longer and sound better.

6.) A good can of compressed air is always good too to get into those tight spots. Use short bursts of air to get dust out of small right spots. Be sure to keep the can straight up when pressing the trigger.

7.) Finally, be sure to store your guitar properly. ALWAYS keep tension on the neck by keeping the guitar in tune. I use those wall "hangers" to store my Guitars. Make sure too they are stored out of direct sunlight or not placed a location where the temperatures change often, i.e. by a door or window.