subject: How to Quickly Clean Your Guitar [print this page] One of the biggest secrets to having a great sounding guitar, is to keep it properly cleaned at all times. A guitar is a big investment, as many high quality ones can costs upwards of $1,000 or more. So it only makes sense that you take proper care of your guitar. Here are a few simple tips anyone can follow to keep their guitar strumming along beautifully.
Dust is the common enemy of most guitars. A build-up of too much dust on any guitar can adversely affect how it sounds and its overall performance. So it only makes sense that you regularly dust your guitar as often as possible. I suggest using a soft cloth that won't leave much residue behind. Or better yet, you can buy a speciality guitar dust cloth in your local music shop.
You will also want to pay special attention to keeping your fretboard as squeaky clean as possible. There are many specialty cleaners made for this type of job, which can also be found in any local music shop. You will want to make sure the cleaner isn't abrasive and is water based.
Next you will want to polish up your guitar using a specialized guitar polish. Try to avoid using off the counter polishes such as Pledge or other household polishes. Be sure to polish everything you can, including the neck and bridge.
To keep your strings in good shape, I suggest using something as simple as steel wool. After cleaning the strings, be sure to remove any leftover residue from the steel wool. Many guitarists forget to do this and it can really gunk up your guitar.
Another big enemy of your guitar is actually your hands. The strings and fretboard will pick up the dirt and residue from your hands, and this can build up significantly over time. While it isn't always possible, it is a good idea to clean your hands before playing your guitar.
These are some basic tips for cleaning your guitar, but the most important is obviously where you store it. If your guitar is constantly left out of its case, or in a moldy basement, it is going to require regular maintenance. This is why I suggest always keeping your guitar inside the case when it isn't being played.
This is one of the easiest tips I can offer, and will save you many extra hours of cleaning your guitar over the coming months and years!
