Best way to get gunk off guitar?

[Vin27]

Hey guys, new here. I have a Gibson "The Paul" that needs a cleaning, but it's really hard to get this guitar clean. I don't believe it has a regular finish, more of a stain. I was wondering if anybody has any ideas on the best way to clean this bad boy...home remedies and what not.

I play guitar and sing in my band, so after a gig there's sweat and build up all over the guitar. The thing is, regular brand name cleaners really don't work. All they really do is smear the dirt and grime around, making it sort of a mat finish where the grime is.

Now most of the finish where I strum, and where my arm rest is worn down to the wood, but I'd like to get the grime off the rest. It's a hard working guitar, just trying to get a little spiffier.

Thanks.

PS. I did "search", and didn't come up with much.

 

[what-a-cool-username]

An old toothbrush, a lint-free rag & polish plus a little elbow grease has always worked for me.

 

[tzd]

Virtuoso Premium Polish and Cleaner - Home

 

[KenG]

If the finish is more porous or telegraphs the pores through it, I'd buy some naptha. It's safe for nitro and will degrease the finish. Then hand buff with a clean dry cloth to remove any haze, then you can use a polish. The Virtuoso BTW is excellent on Gloss or VOS finishes but I'm not sure how well it would get into a finish that isn't smooth.

 

[Comanche]

bath salts

 

[Kirk2000]

Virtuoso Premium Polish and Cleaner - Home

+1

Get this stuff and have at the guitar. There are plenty of before and after pictures around the forum of how good Virtuoso polish and cleaner works.. KIRK

 

[geezberry]

scratch remover from 3m its at the auto parts store

 

[lpplayer]

If the finish is more porous or telegraphs the pores through it, I'd buy some naptha. It's safe for nitro and will degrease the finish. Then hand buff with a clean dry cloth to remove any haze, then you can use a polish. The Virtuoso BTW is excellent on Gloss or VOS finishes but I'm not sure how well it would get into a finish that isn't smooth.

This.

Lighter Fluid/Naptha/"Camp Fuel"- its the same thing. It will make it clean as a whistle, even the worn unfinished areas- it will eventually evaporate away. Just dont smoke when using it....

Naptha is also excellent for cleaning fretboards.

 

[A Danish Please]

Seeing this as the appropriate place to post my own concerns, I have a question:

I seem to have the same problem getting grime off my Les Paul. I've tried lighter fluid, water and water&soap, but it seems I'm only smeering the dirt around on the guitar. I can't really say that they don't work, though, because for instance I don't know how much lighter fluid should be used - I tried to keep it at a minimal, but maybe that was wrong?

My guitar normally has a shiny black finish (not sure what compounds, I'd have to look into that), but with all the grime on it, it looks mat and 'cloudy'.. Any suggestions?

 

[RichBrew]

... a little elbow grease has always worked for me...

Where can we buy this? I have searched everywhere locally for a tin of the stuff, but with no success. Can you buy it online?

RichBrew

 

[CRobbins]

Quote:
Originally Posted by what-a-cool-username
... a little elbow grease has always worked for me...

Where can we buy this? I have searched everywhere locally for a tin of the stuff, but with no success. Can you buy it online?

RichBrew

You have to make yourself. It takes time, and determination.

 

[A Danish Please]

Where can we buy this? I have searched everywhere locally for a tin of the stuff, but with no success. Can you buy it online?

RichBrew

https://www.facebook.com/knofedt

"Knofedt" - the Danish rendition of 'elbow grease', now available bottled in stores!

 

[dspelman]

Where can we buy this? I have searched everywhere locally for a tin of the stuff, but with no success. Can you buy it online?

Of course. These two brands work pretty well:

But this is a whole 'nother thing:

 

[Frogfur]

Virtuoso Premium Polish and Cleaner - Home

That stuff is expensive.. maybe he don't want to spend $20.00 on something to clean his guitar.

I admit i have it, but i also have a bottle of StewMac's Preservation Polish and truthfully..it seems to work just as good with no sniffing involved. I can here it now..no, it does not have any silicone in it either.

Also, if it is the worst in the world..check into a Micro Mesh kit.

 

[UEF]

When it comes to polishing regular guitars, I just use Mr Sheen spray. Works just as well as any custom "Old Joe's Patented Guitar Wax" bullshit.

 

[edro]

I use this in the shop and on all of my guitars...

Phil's Guitar Clay Detailer | Cleans and Restores to a Smooth Finish

 

[the_lawyer]

....just kiddin'! It's my birthday tomorrow and I'm in a good mood!

 

[Kaicho8888]

Napha... Yep! If it's good enough for Jimi Hendrix.... it's good enough on nitro!

 

[skindley]

"Best way to get gunk off guitar?"

I'm kind of old fashioned but I'll take a shot. Clean it maybe?

 

[HRC]

I use Gibson Pump Polish on all my guitars and it works well.