Q&A for How to Clean a Guitar

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Question

Does glass cleaner really work?

Community Answer

It depends on what kind of guitar you have, but I would not recommend using it. It may damage your guitar.

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Question

Can I clean the pickups with water?

Community Answer

Just dampen a cloth and wring it out and be very gentle while cleaning. You may want to use a polish after you're done.

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Question

How can I get a very sticky sticker off of my guitar, a Tacoma Thunderchief CB10C?

Sylghouls

Top Answerer

Peel it off your guitar carefully, then clean off the remaining residue with Goo Gone or a similar product. Since the Tacoma Thunderchief CB10C has a body made of wood, make sure the product you use says specifically on their packaging that their solvent won't damage wood finish, and you should be fine.

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Question

I have a koa wood guitar can i still clean my guitar with polish ir will it ruin the wood?

Community Answer

Polishes are usually made to be used on a variety of wood. Just make sure your polish can be used with koa (it must be written on the bottle). Also, you can use oils while cleaning your guitar to prevent the wood from drying. It will also make a huge difference in the way it looks.

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Question

What do I need to clean an acoustic guitar?

Community Answer

Use a slightly dampened cloth with half a teaspoon of soap. Do not use a soaking wet cloth, as this will damage the instrument's sound and may rot the wood, which could lead to the wood getting softer and eventually breaking.

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Question

I got a Fender Squier Strat electric that had a lot of stickers on the body. I peeled them all off, but there's gunk left. What is the best and safest way to remove the gunk and polish the body?

Community Answer

Use Goo Gone on a soft cloth such as an old T-shirt. Rub the adhesive using a light circular motion.

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Question

Cleaning under the strings, especially the head stock... is there a trick to make it easier?

Rudy Toth

Community Answer

Try using a single brand new toothbrush without using toothpaste. No water, just a dry brushing.

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Question

Can I use water for cleaning matte or satin finishes as well?

Community Answer

Yes but don't soak them. Instead, use a slightly damp cloth. If your guitar is in relatively good shape, this works miracles.

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