Best cleaning technique

[bdubbs]

I always leave sweat on my guiar. I play long enough sets that I can't just wipe it off. So it basically drys on the guitar, where your arm meets the body. Also a little love gets left on the neck.

What is the best way to get this off and not feck with the finish? With my studio I just use a damp towel. Is that the best way?

 

[442 SLASH]

Virtuoso premium guitar cleaner and polish.

 

[Dark Helmet]

it adds character... ????

 

[bdubbs]

it adds character... ????

I wanna keep it smooth. I'll check out the cleaner. Is that something that can be used regularly? Is water fine?

 

[HRC]

Gibson Pump Polish and a microfiber rag...

 

[AxeBuilder]

Virtuoso premium guitar cleaner and polish.

+1 Highly recommended.

 

[AngryHatter]

Lemon Pledge

 

[foxtrot]

I have been using Gibson's pump polish named "Restorative Finish Cream" or something like that.

 

[cheetah77]

Ronsonol or Zippo lighter fluid. Don't waste your money on hype polishes for cleaning.

 

[bdubbs]

Ronsonol or Zippo lighter fluid. Don't waste your money on hype polishes for cleaning.

Hmmm, I'll have to look into that. I don't mind spending some money, but i also don't want cleaner residue. At that point I'd rather have my salt on there.

 

[cheetah77]

Hmmm, I'll have to look into that. I don't mind spending some money, but i also don't want cleaner residue. At that point I'd rather have my salt on there.

Google naptha and nitrocellulose. A quick wipe with a damp cloth after the naptha and you're all set.

 

[Thunder Dump]

Gibson Pump Polish and a microfiber rag...

+1. Heck, I've got a pump and a rag for each guitar in the case compartment. A quick wipedown after each gig keeps 'em looking new.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Hmmm, I'll have to look into that. I don't mind spending some money, but i also don't want cleaner residue. At that point I'd rather have my salt on there.

It won't leave residue. Lighter fluid is volatile; it evaporates. It's nitro-safe.

Having said that, there's nothing wrong with a damp cloth, either. I save the lighter fluid for tough jobs.

 

[thexmadxtopxhatter]

If you want a good complete kit check out the dunlop 65 kit.... comes with two cleaning cloths, a reaaaaaaaaally useful fret cleaning cloth (you just rub it on them) that completely brought my 11 year old frets back to full shine, a bottle of cleaner which does its job, cream of carnauba polish which i feel is both a great polish and protectant, fretboard cleaner which again simply cleans the board, fretboard conditioner, NOT FOR MAPLE, which is absolutely incredible (brings your board back to that deep brown smooth color), and string conditioner which ruins new strings but is good for cleaning month old ones. However, the cleaners and polishes are very bad for checked finishes or any wood-deep chips. Musicians friend has em for 24.99. For everything it gives you this thing is a fantastic deal. I'd ask around about it.

 

[Centris]

Fender used to do the Instrument care kit, three bottles, one "Mist and Wipe" was basically a cleaner, a bottle of "Swirl remover" and last "Polish and conditioner". Some stores may still have stock available.

Problem with dried in sweat is that any polish would simply seal in rather than remove the acids from your hands. Zippo lighter fluid would remove it followed by a damp cloth then polish. The Fender kit was formulated by Meguiars and they do have equivalents available if you email and ask for current product advice.

 

[BuzzHaze]

Virtuoso is the best I've used. Long and McQuades carries it (Canada)...and the lighter fluid works great for oily grime

Gibson's website also mentions that "in a crunch" you can use Murphy's oil soap (I was surprised to see that) but I would stick with Virtuoso. It's amazing and safe on your Gibson, old or new. Between cleanings, a soft damp microfiber cloth is perfect.

 

[V Man]

The coffee splashes generally wash the sweat off mine.

 

[butlerana]

Gibson Pump Polish and a microfiber rag.