Best way to get gunk off guitar?

[CRobbins]

I just played a gig yesterday where I was sweating like a hog.
I cleaned my R9 with a warm damp rag, then wiped it dry with a cotton towel.

 

[bobswinea]

I just played a gig yesterday where I was sweating like a hog.
I cleaned my R9 with a warm damp rag, then wiped it dry with a cotton towel.

Me too, sort of. Being a free sweater when playing I always have a clean cotton rag handy for a quick wipe down. Takes the blur right off. At home a clean damp rag does the trick.

 

[2manyGuitars]

Add another vote for Virtuoso.

Not only will or remove the gunk, but it will help resist build-up afterwards. I found that after using it, I didn't get that haze where my arm rests on the top. Yeah, it's a bit pricey but it'll last a helluva long time. I only use it once (maaaaybe twice) a year and then all you need to do is wipe your guitar with a cloth. I gig regularly with my LP Classic, it looks nice and shiny, and I can't remember the last time I used any polish on it.

 

[chasenblues]

Strings,pots,pickups,caps,tech fee's.....NOW you're telling me i have to CLEAN the sumb&tches also?


No wonder i don't need a strap, Dam thing just sticks to my arm.

 

[coldsteal2]

Goo Gone works great

 

[Spoonful]

Well, before it builds up over a long period of time, try your hot breath and a polishing cloth. I had been doing this to clean the metal parts for a while and one day decided to try it on the haze from skin meeting the wood finish. It works and I'm guessing environmentally friendly.

 

[Rocco Crocco]

Buy this at the paint department in Home Depot.

Costs less than any other stuff mentioned ($8 or so and will last you until the Apocalypse) and nothing cleans like it. Camp fuel is pure Naptha, too.

Don't use lighter fluid by Zippo or Ronson, as they do not contain Naptha anymore.

If you want to polish it go with what everyone else is saying. Cleaning and polishing are two different things.

 

[paruwi]

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?

Cheap - and it works great

Harley Benton Guitar Care ​

 

[TheZeppelinKid1991]

i use some automotive cleaner and degreaser and it works wonders but i don't spray it directly on the body or fretboard i spray it on a rag and apply accordingly. i also use a soft toothbrush for the hard parts

 

[michaelinokc]

Like Jimi did it.