Q&A for How to Clean an Acoustic Guitar

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What household items can I use to clean my acoustic guitar?

Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA
Professional Guitarist
Carlos Alonzo Rivera is a guitarist, composer, and educator based in San Francisco, California. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from California State University, Chico, as well as a Master of Music degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Carlos specializes in the following genres: classical, jazz. rock, metal and blues.

Carlos Alonzo Rivera, MA

Professional Guitarist

Expert Answer

You can use lemon juice and olive oil to clean the fretboard, but avoid using abrasive or corrosive cleaners on the body of your guitar. There are also guitar cleaning kits you can buy online or at a music shop.

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Question

Can I clean my guitar when it is still strung?

Community Answer

You can. Get a duster or a rag and just run it under the strings, taking care not to put any upward force on the strings. It may be easier to loosen the strings before cleaning.

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Question

Can I use anything else besides lemon oil?

Community Answer

Baby oil and olive oil are alternatives that work well. Vaseline is not recommended as it can damage the fretboard with constant use.

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Question

How do I set the tuning pegs correctly? I think I have wrongly adjusted mine and I can't get the actual sounds I used to get while playing.

Community Answer

You just need to tune the guitar properly. There are how-tos online and many tuners available commercially and even as free smartphone apps.

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Question

How do I clean 10 years worth of sweat/dirt from Martin natural finish acoustic?

Luk3D155

Community Answer

Polish with wood polish. Take off the strings and replace them, and clean the head stock and bridge.

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Can this article be applicable for a classical Spanish type guitar?

Community Answer

Yes. This tutorial can apply to all kinds of acoustic guitars.

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