Q&A for How to Clean a Violin

Soft linen is great for cleaning a violin as it doesn't scratch or leave lint behind. Soft cotton will also work.

Because the water could ruin the finish or even warp the wood.

Yes. Many violin cleaning cloths are microfiber. This will work just fine.

Yes, a clean sock would work as a cloth.

You can touch anywhere on the finger board, but don't mess around too much with the bridge, the inside, or the strings. Be careful around the tail piece, and don't touch the bow hairs.

Yes, cleaning the outside of the case helps the case look nice.

It is not suggested because oil can be absorbed by the wood and affect the sound of a violin. If you're looking to varnish, I suggest buying a varnish for violins or a wood varnish.

That's not entirely plausible. The water may end up warping the wood of the violin or some other part could be damaged. Clean at your own risk.

Yes, you can use a soft, non-abraisive flannel to clean the face and strings of your violin.

Putting on polish or varnish can ruin your violin, so use caution and only polish made for violins. Instead, try just wiping off the rosin with a dry cloth and wash your hands often.

Slip a cloth under the strings and push it carefully in between the finger board and strings. Be sure the cloth is thin. You can also loosen your strings and clean your fingerboard with a cloth.

It depends on your finish and the ingredients of the baby wipes. Generally, this should be okay, but use caution.

Use a dry cloth with a q-tip wrapped in it to scrub out the thin layers, but otherwise, for rosin that has hardened, taking your instrument to a professional luthier is the safest option for the integrity of the wood. Remember to clean off rosin regularly to avoid this situation entirely!

You can get violin polish in a musical store or shop. If you are new to the instrument, then it is better to take it to a professional polisher and see that person do it first.

Do not use wood cleaner. It will warp the wood, damage the finish, and change the sound of the instrument.

Definitely not, rubbing alcohol will severely damage your violin's varnish.

You don't wipe it off the hair. You do use a soft clean cloth to wipe any rosin dust off of the bow stick and the instrument and strings after each use.

It is alright to leave a bit of excess rosin on the bow hair, but you can wipe of any that gets on the bow’s stick with a gentle cloth. A great low dust rosin is Kolstein Rosin.

That is definitely not recommended. Instead, get a cotton swab or a soft rag to clean your violin. If you do not have the supplies, talk to your teacher.

Your violin should be cleaned daily. If you clean your violin daily then you shouldn't have to clean your case more than every month.

It may be residue from fallen rosin. Clean your violin and strings with a rag every now and then, and make sure to not put too much rosin on the bow.

You can wipe your violin more often then usual to keep it clean. Also, keep the inside of your case as clean as possible - that way, your violin will be nice and germ free.

Nothing really because using liquid will ruin the wood and the sound quality. If you are going to clean it, then use polish from a strings store or music store. Or, just use a soft cloth to wipe it down. But don't use any water or anything else liquid.

No, it will not. Just be careful with the strings and after you use alcohol, wait at least 2 minutes before using your violin.

About once a week is sufficient. Do not use too many cleaning supplies at once and be careful with the strings!

Try shaking out the rosin. If you can't, get professional help. Don't risk damaging the instrument.

No, it is not suggested. It can damage the wood. Use commercial violin polish instead.

No to the glass cleaner, as using this risks causing damage to the wood of your violin. As for the second question, the outside of the case can be cleaned whenever you see dirt marks or want to clean it. The inside should be cleaned every 3-4 weeks.

No, because seed oils are more oily than other oils. Thus your violin will become oily.

It depends on how soft they are, but I’d recommend a softer cloth, like flannel or microfiber.