Q&A for How to Clean Guitar Strings

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

Will the guitar be hard to play if its oily?

Community Answer

Not particularly. Some think it's easier to play when the strings are oily due to the fact that it's easier to slide but it all comes done to playing style and personal preference.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 26
Question

My lowest four strings have coiled windings, and the dirt in the coils is not removed with longitudinal wiping. How can those strings be cleaned?

Community Answer

You can also wipe the strings latitudinally. Remember, your strings don't have to be perfect anyway since you should replace them every six months (and more often if you perform frequently).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 18
Question

Is petroleum jelly safe for cleaning an acoustic guitar, especially the strings?

Community Answer

I wouldn't recommend it. I would just use Fast Fret or some other type of cleaner made for the task, you don't want something off-label destroying your neck. I have no idea what repeated exposure to petroleum jelly will do to the wood on your fingerboard and I wouldn't want to take a chance to find out.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
Question

What if my strings have rust on them? What should I use to clean them?

Community Answer

Most rust removers would also damage the finish of the guitar, and even if the rust is removed, the strings' tones will still be affected. You'll be better off buying a new set of strings.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Will a disinfectant such as Dettol damage the guitar strings ifI I use it to clean the part of the strings that is strummed?

Community Answer

You don't want your strings to rust. Dilute the disinfectant in water first and then use paper towels to dab it onto the strings. Then slide the towel through.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 4 Helpful 9
Question

Can I use coconut oil for my fretboard?

Community Answer

No, as it can turn rancid. If you have a dark wood fretboard, use lemon oil or mineral oil. Do not use lemon oil if you have a maple fretboard.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 7 Helpful 12
Question

How can I prevent the rusting of steel strings?

Community Answer

Constant cleaning of your strings can slow the oxidation process. You can also try using rubbing alcohol to remove some dirt, but don’t use it too much. If your strings have rusted already, try using a steel wool pad or something that can scrape the rust off the strings.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 6
Question

Where do I get lemon oil?

Community Answer

You should be able to get lemon oil from an instrument store. If you cannot find it, check online retailers.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
Question

Will the strings get easily rust on them if the guitar is always stored in an air-conditioned room?

Community Answer

It really depends on how the humidity of the room is and how close you are to the coast. No matter where you keep metal, it rusts eventually. However, the AC might slow it down.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

if you put too much pressure on a part of a string, is it possible for it to break?

Community Answer

It is not likely to break from someone just pressing a string, but yes, they can break if you are not careful and use too much force.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
Question

Can you use lemon oil and or mineral oil on a rosewood neck?

Community Answer

It's best not to use chemicals or acidic items like lemons. Simply try water, if not plain cleaning alcohol (for example, rubbing alcohol).

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0