How To Clean Your Guitar - Beginner's Guide To Cleaning Fingerboard, Frets, Body & Hardware

[@jaredgijoza1906]

As someone who’s recently purchased their first guitar, and a dirty guitar at that, this video was a complete lifesaver man. I appreciate it, keep on the good work.

[@yeahyeahyeah-7674]

How’s it going a year later man?

[@JBjohnnyboy]

Yeah how is it?

[@muzzer6362]

Yeah like how is it?

[@heimopeball3878]

Bro how is it?

[@ICee712]

Bruh, but like, how is it?

[@cmoxe4555]

*GUITAR MAINTENANCE* What we need - Microfiber Cleaning Cloths - Soft Paintbrush - Steel Wool - Guitar Polish - Fretboard Conditioner - New strings - Winder/Cutter aka Tools To start make sure to put guitar on a firm surface Put mat, and neck holder. Take out strings Make sure to wash hands Cleaning fingerboard and frets Can use steel wool to take out guck on fretboard, slight pressure. Polish frets. Wipe off any dirt with cloth and water Dark fingerboard use lemon oil, rub it in fingerboard. Let it soak in and take off excess oil. Maple fingerboard can use steel wool ligjt pressure or wet cloth Lacquered fingerboard use a dry or slightly wet cloth. Cleaning body of guitar Plyurethane. Dust off with paintbrush Use guitar polish. Put a couple squirts and rub body. Use dry side to buff polish in guitar. Nitrocellulose lacquer use little polish and use light pressure Satin and matte finish use a clean dry cloth, you may use damp cloth and rub it. Cleaning hardware Bridge most important area. Brush off dust. Use guitar polish abd wipe off afterwards. For rusted area can use wd40

[@jamesweber5616]

Nice summary, thanks!

[@rosewurkz]

Thaaanks, GOD bless ☺️

[@CR-zh8xj]

This is the most concise, informative video I've seen for cleaning my acoustic guitar. I wasn't too sure about tackling this project, until I watched your video. Thank you so much!

[@SammyBones]

Conditioning fretboard is the one thing that many people miss. As a guitar tech, I condition fretboards pretty regularly.

[@isaiahburridgemusic]

I condition my rosewood boards anytime I change strings. Never had any problems. Far worse to let one stay ultra dry for too long. An old guitar tech showed me his habits. All of his guitars were 30 years older than me and still looked and felt new and clean. Obviously, I paid attention. It pays to take care of your gear.

[@xaviervansteen290]

Now that`s quite the "workbench" you`ve got there!

[@donlessnau3983]

Sam is really superior to most everyone else out there. Regardless of the topic, he presents great info in a clear, concise presentation without all the idiotic bullshit and yelling from so many other assholes on the KZbin. Great job. Well done. Thanks Sam.

[@scrimpmster]

You can put making or painters tape over the pickups. But unless the frets are really filthy you shouldn't need to. The little and often cleaning process should actually eliminate the need to use steel wool imo

[@lastgrungestand]

I remember the first time I went to England... I was more excited to see PMT and other guitar shops rather than the tower of london or any other tourist attractions haha. At that time it was very rare to see in my country any top line guitar as Custom Shop or Gibson custom, so I was in heaven haha

[@TheRetronator]

I would suggest avoiding steel wool. I've heard many reputable sources say that fine steel wool particles can potentially destroy pickups.

[@teo11300]

He doesn’t say use it on the pickups. Just the frets

[@adiiqbal8010]

@@teo11300 it gets attracted from the bench and fretboard because the steel wool shavings are magnetic. So they stick onto the pickups really easy and its almost impossible to remove it fully. So he should've removed the neck or at least taped up the pickups.

[@ryang3225]

@@teo11300 you can’t just wipe the fretboard and trust that you wiped off every single microscopic steel wool particle. You’re kidding yourself, don’t ruin your guitar man.

[@isaiahburridgemusic]

I agree. Steel Wool is not worth the headache. Naptha and a toothbrush is what I use. Drys quick and cleans well.

[@xxcxpl]

One of those days I'll also be casually refering to an Orange amp as a workbench ... One of those days 🤘Good vid, thx

[@gedwalls7660]

Invest in graded abrasive cloths to polish the frets. When bending notes you'll notice a huge difference to playability. It's time consuming but worth it.

[@RollingPunches2012]

GREAT instruction. Everything I was looking for. Thank you!

[@percythrower9193]

Fantastic vid! Really helpful. I'm so inspired I'm off to my local PMT first thing tomorrow!

[@user-ps4bk5fs8i]

Little emphasis to a really important point--your HANDS. Just ate, especially greasy, messy foods--wash your hands. Just woke up, wash your hands. Extended playing/practice, wash. Be careful to not over wash your fingers, fretting & pick. Care for those callouses! This one of the most comprehensive tutorials. Thank you!

[@john564holloway]

Howdy from Texas!...Great tips, Sam! We could all use this!

[@Chaseki]

Probably the best video when it comes to cleaning your guitar. Good job!

[@xavierg5523]

Recommend covering the pickups with masking tape when using steel wool. Particles of the metal can stick to the pickups and the magnetic properties can screw up the pickups

[@tomm9871]

Did not expect Leon trotsky to be teaching me how to take care of my guitar

[@sudan47]

Best guitar cleaning video on KZbin!!

[@kryptic9056]

thank you for this. many people focus on a single type of guitar and do a simple job on the video. you covered almost, if not all finishes. great video

[@andydove7563]

Top tips,mate .... will certainly use the methods shown :-)

[@e-man2081]

I have heard that wd-40 can be used in place of Fast Fret. Keep in mind the cautions given in this video about getting wd-40 on your finish. Anyway, my Fast Fret would dry out even with the lid on, and we know it's very expensive. So I spray a little wd-40 on my used Fast Fret applicator, let it soak in, and then apply to strings. It has worked great for lubrication and preventing rust, and I haven't had any problems with the finish on the fret boards. Remember to only use a little to keep it off the finished parts of the guitar.

[@jamesruta5418]

That was really helpful guys, thanks a lot

[@conorfurlong]

Thanks for the tip about the gold hardware.

[@jonathanmw4216]

Great video, the best I’ve seen on KZbin. Thank you for sharing

[@eemilkaipio9818]

Thank´s this information. My Fender is just like, new and shine.

[@pawanagarwal4513]

The video i s very informational and I like it, thanks ...

[@judimsky]

Man i love you!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[@yigit_okyay]

You are perfect as always. Thanks

[@joebrandon2871]

5:06 What's that thing between the bridge pickup and the trem?

[@seetherbridge3]

Looks like a type of piezo pickup :)

[@grahamscannell4409]

Brilliant informative video....thanks

[@jimleffler7976]

Great info, great for future reference, thanks

[@liorauf]

Thank you for sharing 🤘🏻

[@Cream_Machine]

PMT best guitar shop in the UK

[@sakashisensei7918]

Thank you sir for the guide. 🙏

[@joestqrr]

this helps me a lot thankk u man

[@SynysterGates70]

Brilliant, thank you!

[@rosewurkz]

Thanks very helpful ☺️

[@SteveStrummerUK]

Looks like you need to wash your hands *after* using that sink :-)

[@garethwynstory7652]

Very helpful.

[@willberdon4592]

I snaped the tiny E sting when i was unwinding the string to clean the neck. Only cost me 5 bucks to get it replaced

[@hugomartinez6519]

5 bucks for one string? Or did you replace the whole set?

[@willberdon4592]

@@hugomartinez6519 i had a e string but diddent know how to tie it at the head. So it was 5 bucks for that lol

[@tinapippiditlevsen4796]

Hold on... What about how you clean the strings? And what about high shine acoustic guitar bodies like the epiphone dove pro?

[@gokhanayvazoglu6295]

Hello, that video is of of the best guitar care video but you forgot to mention how to clean pickguard can we use same product as we clean body?

[@TheAdamExperience]

good video...) you might need the washroom cleaned as well xD

[@giancarlosrosales6728]

A proper job

[@jantzencase7524]

Any tips for cleaning an evertune bridge

[@russschuett2652]

Where do I buy a light up toothbrush?

[@calebd4669]

Russ Schuett amazon lol

[@elninorocksatx]

It's a Kilo Ren Toothbrush. We bought one for our 10 year old a while back. I started laughing when I saw him use it in the video, haha.

[@salintium]

you sound just like Korg. don't start a revolution because you won't print enough pamphlets. cya later new doug

[@brez1093]

I honestly was thinking that😂

[@mattl2k6]

Korg has a NZ accent, this guy is English

[@alistairmaclachlan5924]

The Ghost of Jimi Hendrix lol literally so far from being Korg

[@yungcharg7292]

Once heard, canNOT be unheard. 😂👌🏻

[@ed.4540]

thank you!

[@gillwatcham6421]

great thanks!!

[@mustfakara]

hi, is it okay to just using metal wool for freatboard? not frets, the freatboard?

[@scottphillips7368]

For my 2000 Mexico Fender Strat with lacquered maple fretboard I used Murphys wood soap, it seems to be very natural then a toothbrush at the fretboard. I haven't cleaned it since for 15 years lol. then used some boiled linseed oil after cleaning and polishing frets and it worked very well. kind of an investment though

[@thetoadisreal1645]

I don’t really know about washing my hands beforehand because it makes my hands softer.. would hand sanitizer work as an effective alternative?

[@swoozulo2386]

Is there a way to clean grime from under the pickups i use humbuckers and I can see grime on the sides

[@nguyenduc3708]

If the pickups come with metal covers, any kind of metal polisher will work. I personally use music nomad guitar polish for those. With uncovered pickups, on the other hand, a piece of cloth, barely dampened with warm water + the patience to give it 5-6 times. Cheers, my fellow guitarist!

[@LunaticTheCat]

I scrap it away with a pick lol

[@yoshigod3633]

Yes, get a new guitar

[@amarok9097]

I have an early 80s Vantage VS695 with a woodgrain finish. What do you recommend to bring the body back to life? Thanks for the Vid

[@vizzo7]

Hi nice video. What about the neck. If the neck feels dry and it is out of maple what can i use? I mean the neck not fretboard

[@mc495150]

And clean the sink

[@Circaman8]

A guitar store that cleans the guitars? What timeline is this? The guitars at my guitar store were absolutely disgusting.

[@abhiroopism]

can we use WD 40 for guitars?

[@willyfriedrich7868]

If you got a natural wooden body how do you clean it? The same way as the matte one?

[@55Ignis]

can you use never dull on your frets?

[@dave_the_guitar_nerd]

What do you recommend for cleaning a guitar body finished in tung oil?

[@MauricioGarcia-mk5bz]

Question: lemon oil ruins mother pearl inlays? Ty.

[@tedtheturbot]

@1:48 I'd clean the toilet first as well mate if were you ;)

[@arabellaturner2893]

How often should you do this

[@labhanshchaurasia9980]

Can i use lemon oil on treated new Zealand pine fretboard?

[@mr.l4461]

Just bought an Epiphone Casino. Gonna make sure this baby is clean lol

[@jamesluther3506]

Will rubbing alcohol hurt the finish?

[@martynaskerdokas8438]

I think i will just start to play my guitar after showers so i don't get it dirty

[@martynaskerdokas8438]

@Arlo Finn why did you relay this information specifically to me ?

[@pero13258]

@@martynaskerdokas8438 is a bot probably

[@martynaskerdokas8438]

@@pero13258 Yeah, seems like it.

[@martynaskerdokas8438]

@@danaeverhart6487 RIP pickups... and pots

[@hasselriestra1082]

Why no subtitles or closed captions, some of us are hearing impaired my dude, electric helps hearing but sad not to be able to read what you are saying too. TY for at least showing the product

[@stephaniepartridge1036]

Can I use lemon oil on a finished maple fretboard?

[@VVG_covers]

No

[@bjrnjohannessen1862]

SUPER

[@ninjesus4079]

is it fine to use wd40 on the pickups?

[@gm836]

How do I clean my maple neck fretboard after playing everyday? Specifically, what do I use to clean it?

[@stripedpants1668]

If it is finished just use a damp cloth or something with low abrasion.

[@airbus737guitarcovers3]

What can I use on a mahogany fretboard

[@Ch4pp13]

From what I can gather, mahogany fretboards just require some lemon oil. Probably a quick wipe down in circular motions, then wipe away excess oil (and removal of any excess grime with thin steel wool, as stated). I've just googled it. Never done it before. Really should, because the Epi SG of mine is... not looking too good, lately.

[@AbeLoreto]

I do for me going guitar Center for you

[@Deuxplume]

So how do you clean the gold finish?!?

[@hugomartinez6519]

He says you should just stick to dry cloth or very slightly damp

[@ewandavies5911]

Do I have to restring my guitar every time I want to clean it?

[@captainjaish]

I wanna know that too

[@allennelson6806]

Hi I need help I am using an esp ltd 256 And need to know how can I maintain my fretboard?Can I apply lemon oil on roasted jatoba fretboard? Please help Finding the answer from 10days...

[@nguyenduc3708]

Try Gorgomyte . they clean up the board as well as the frets simultaneously.

[@allennelson6806]

@@nguyenduc3708 So there is no problem on using on roasted jatoba fretboard?

[@nguyenduc3708]

@@allennelson6806 The only difference is whether it is finished or unfinished. Unfinished or bare wood will dry out overtime so treat it as a regular rosewood board. The reason why we don't put anything on finished board is the potential damage to the finish itself, not the wood. The wood is well sealed in the finish.

[@allennelson6806]

@@nguyenduc3708 ok thank you so much sir...☺️

[@nguyenduc3708]

@@allennelson6806 you're welcome Allen! Fretboard maintenance is quite simple, actually. Unfinished: lighter fluid to clean the gunk and grime, then conditioner is a must as the lighter fluid will dry out the wood. Finished or coated: a cloth barely dampened with warm water and some patience to go 5-6 times. If you are in doubt: Gorgomyte works for both. That's how I do it here in my humble shop.

[@raymondowenlabuan8215]

after i use the cloth to clean the frets , can i reuse it or someother time again?

[@caster7376]

hey guys anyone who have an idea how to clean a roasted maple neck? will it be fine to just use a fine steel wool?

[@joaocunha7595]

Can I treat Indian laurel as rosewood conditioning it?

[@honeyfrost3355]

I'd assume cause it's a darker wood

[@joaocunha7595]

@@honeyfrost3355 I was also thinkin' that, thanks for your reply

[@enriqueosorio3731]

What guitar is the one at 0:18?

[@duanewelsh5611]

Guild s 200 t bird

[@enriqueosorio3731]

@@duanewelsh5611 thank you

[@duanewelsh5611]

@@enriqueosorio3731 no problem I have 1 alot of fun & resonable

[@a.b.t.animation8158]

damn mines already getting rusy. im too late now i guess

[@KungFuCooter]

My 86 strat had been put away for almost 30 years in its case. I pulled it out and cleaned it up and the coil covers and knobs have all yellowed. I cleaned them but they're still yellow. Is this normal?

[@cosmicbilly]

Has it by chance been around smokers? Smoke can yellow white knobs and pick gaurds.

[@whitelabelproduction]

Sink needs clean too gentlemen.

[@ScatZacc]

Be real carefull with the contact cleaner I got some on the back of my les paul and the nitro was eatin up like acid

[@lewishuggett9281]

HA! FIRST! btw helpful video!

[@Alfredo78666]

Oh, hei deeee. Rikenbeka!

[@skintslots]

I hope you clean the guitars better than that bathroom sink!

[@WarrenBey]

Don't ever take all the strings off you don't ever want to release all the pressure on the neck. Just take the middle strings off and leave the low E and high E on. It's enough to get the fingerboard cleaned and oiled.

[@hugomartinez6519]

but the strings will only be off for a while

[@WarrenBey]

@@hugomartinez6519 go ahead and try it. I don't like adjusting the relief every string change.

[@alanhepple8856]

steel wool ? no never , the last thing anybody should use on frets , my way , a nail buffing block , there cheap they do a great job , a soft toothbrush , to clean each side of the frets , the nail buffer blocks top of the frets with a drop, of carnauba cream [ i use dunlop,, micro fibre cloth you can buy packs of them for not a lot of money , , fretboard , rosewood etc , lemon oil, maple , slightly damp microfibre cloth , sorted

[@terrydactylspontaneous2596]

... but before cleaning your guitar, sack the cleaner who does the toilet sink.

[@tonymelendez9295]

Looks like the pisser needs some maintenance too.

[@riot7521]

Hold up....2 faucet sink 🤔

[@qasimmir7117]

Yes, one tap is hot and the other tap is cold. A lot of UK sinks have this.

[@l3si0rek]

Never put wd40 at switch or pots!

[@potatoracer6137]

I watched this video and continue to clean freight board on my acoustic guitar with a tissue and water 😢

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

Can't I just use a wetwipe?

[@Guccimustard]

Hard to imagine that there’s actually people that pay to have their guitar restrung 😂 takes about 15 minutes or less

[@TheTurbinator]

WTF? When he washes his hands -- why did that sink in the washroom have two faucets in it?

[@smolpp5316]

Guys DO NOT use steel wool!! That shit can stick to your pickups and permanently fuck up the sound.