What You’ll Need
- Soft microfiber cloth
- Guitar polish
- Lemon oil
- String cleaner/lubricant
- Guitar cleaner
- Cotton swabs
Step 1: Loosen the Tension
Before starting the cleaning process, it’s essential to loosen the guitar strings’ tension. This prevents potential damage while working on the instrument. Turn the tuning pegs counterclockwise to reduce the tension until the strings are slack.
Step 2: Remove Dust and Debris
Take the soft microfiber cloth and gently wipe off any dust or debris on the guitar’s surface. Pay close attention to areas around the pickups, bridge, and neck joint. Avoid using rough materials that can scratch the guitar’s finish.
Step 3: Polish the Body
Apply a small amount of guitar polish to a clean section of the microfiber cloth. Starting from the guitar’s top, gently polish the body using circular motions. Ensure you cover all areas, including the sides and back. Polish helps restore the guitar’s shine and protects its finish.
Step 4: Clean the Fretboard
Dirt and oil can accumulate on the fretboard over time, affecting playability. Dampen a corner of the microfiber cloth with lemon oil and carefully rub it onto the fretboard, following the wood grain. This helps remove grime and moisturizes the wood, enhancing its longevity.
Step 5: Clean the Guitar Strings
Take a clean cloth and apply some string cleaner or lubricant. Gently slide it between each string and move it up and down to remove dirt and sweat residue. Cleaning the strings not only improves their lifespan but also enhances the guitar’s overall sound quality.
Step 6: Clean the Hardware
Using a cloth lightly dampened with guitar cleaner, wipe down the bridge, tuning pegs, pickups, and any metal hardware on the guitar. This removes fingerprints, grime, and sweat, preventing corrosion and keeping your guitar looking its best.
Step 7: Dry and Reassemble
Allow the cleaned areas to air dry for a few minutes. Once dry, restring the guitar carefully, ensuring proper tension and tuning. Make any necessary adjustments to the setup or intonation to restore your guitar’s optimal playability.
Remember, regular guitar cleaning not only helps preserve its appearance but also improves its overall performance. Make it a habit to clean your electric guitar after each playing session or at least every few weeks. By following this step-by-step guide, you can keep your guitar in top condition for years of enjoyable playing.