The Easiest Way To Clean An Electric Guitar

Electric guitars are a bit complicated to clean and maintain because of the electric components attached to them. However, proper guides in cleaning your electric guitar will do the trick. Electric guitars might differ in their parts, but this post will teach you the basic parts to clean on your guitars.

How to clean an electric guitar? First, organize your material and cleaning tools, then remove all strings. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the guitar body. Afterward, apply guitar polish, then spray some automotive detailing spray to lubricate your guitar parts. Also, use detailing clay, lighter fluid, wax, clean the remaining parts, then reinstall or replace guitar strings.

To thoroughly follow the steps, continue reading the rest of this guide.

Step-By-Step Guide To Properly Clean Your Electric Guitars

 

To maintain your electric guitar in shape and good condition, you need proper and regular cleaning. Thorough cleaning for your electric guitar must be done every six to 12 months to restore and preserve its form.

Deep cleansing your electric guitar might take you some time and effort. Here is a simple guide on the proper way to properly clean your electric guitar.

 

Organize Your Material And Cleaning Tools

 

For thorough cleaning, prepare all tools and materials and your electric guitar for cleaning. Common cleaning materials are pieces of cloth, lighter fluid, wax, guitar polish, and cotton swabs.

 

Remove All Strings

 

If you want a deep cleaning for your electric guitar, you should start by removing all guitar strings. Removing the strings will make the work easier to clean the fretboard and body of the guitar.

Also, this will prevent damage. Loosen all strings at the head of the guitars. Carefully lift the strings out through the back of the electric guitar.

 

How to clean an electric guitar banner

 

Use A Microfiber Cloth To Wipe The Guitar Body

 

Using a piece of microfiber cloth makes all the wonders of cleaning your electric guitars. This type of cloth is made of a smaller loop that traps the dirt in its fibers. However, if you do not have any microfiber cloth at home, use a soft and dry cloth instead. 

Put the cloth in warm water, then press to remove the excess water. Wipe the damp cloth in the guitar body, including the saddle. It will help to remove dirt and residues easily.

Do not use a wet cloth to wipe the wooden parts of the electric guitar. Use a new one or a dry cloth instead.

 

Apply Guitar Polish

 

If you have a vintage electric guitar, you may use a non-abrasive polish to wipe down the guitar body. Put a small amount of polish and wipe around the base of the fretboard, bridge, and knots. Avoid using heavy chemicals if you use a vintage electric guitar to retain its original form and color.

If you have a satin finish electric guitar, use a damp cloth instead. Work around the bridge, fretboard, and knobs. 

 

A person wiping an electric guitar with a cloth

 

Spray Some Automotive Detailing 

 

You can use your automotive detailing spray to lubricate your guitar parts, such as the bridge and fretboard. Spray 1 to 2 times to remove dirt and wipe off the excess liquid. There is no need to soak the guitar body with much liquid to clean; you only need a few sprays to dampen the surface. 

 

Get Some Detailing Clays

 

Use detailing clay to absorb some stocked dirt and contaminants in your electric guitar. You can shape and mold it like the usual modeling clays.

Roll it over at the back of the guitar body. Repeat the process twice. Using a dry and soft cloth, wipe the excess residue of the detailing clay.

 

Wipe Some Lighter Fluid

 

Lighter fluids might be a harsh chemical, but it is one of guitars’ most popular cleaning agents. Get a clean cloth, pour a small amount of lighter fluid, gently scrub, and wipe it in the guitar body. 

 

Wax The Guitar Body

 

Using guitar waxes, rub it into the body of the guitar with a soft and dry cloth. Do this in a circular motion and repeat the process 2 to 3 times until wax is spread nicely. Let it dry for six to 12 hours.

 

Clean The Remaining Part Of The Electric Guitar

 

Using Q-tips or cotton buds, dampen it with water and wipe it around the knobs, bridges, and buttons. You can utilize a dry cloth to wipe off the remaining dirt of the electric guitar.

 

Reassemble Or Replace The Guitar Strings

 

After cleaning the whole guitar body, attaché the guitar strings to its place. You can reuse your guitar strings by taking proper care of them by wiping them with guitar oil or water. If guitar strings are dirty and broken, replace them with a new set.

 

How To Keep Your Electric Guitar Clean?

 

Electric guitar maintenance is important to give you the best performance possible. Whatever brand your electric guitar is, and regardless if it is expensive or cheap, proper cleaning will expand its life.

Here are some basic tips to follow on how to keep an electric guitar clean and to improve its performance as well.

  • Keep your electric guitar away from high temperature – High humidity will destroy your guitar instruments. Heat can damage the wooden parts of the electric guitar, break electronics and melt glue.
  • Invest in a quality guitar case – Having a hard case can save your electric guitar for a longer time. Make sure that the case is softly padded to prevent scratches and dents.
  • Guitar string replacements – If guitar strings are old and dirty, you need to replace them with a new string set to prolong their lives. However, you can save your guitar strings by washing your hands before playing the guitar and wiping it off after using. This will help to prevent rust and dirt build up around the strings.
  • Keep away from moisture – Do not leave your electric guitar in an open window or area to keep them from moisture. Too much exposure to moisture will cause severe breakage.
  • Always do deep cleaning – Deep cleaning can be done once or twice a year for proper maintenance. 

 

Importance Of Cleaning Your Electric Guitars

 

Proper cleaning of your electric guitar can leave a big impact on the instrument itself and on the sound it produces. Neglecting to clean and maintain your electric guitar can lead to poor performance and even cause severe damage to the instrument.

Keeping track with regular cleaning of your electric guitar can save you from spending much time, effort, and money replacing them. Being guided with the basic steps to clean your electric guitar will result in a better sound and performance.

 

Cleaning an electric guitar

 

Some Final Words

 

To summarize, maintenance and proper care are essential for your electric guitars. There are two things that are certain when you regularly clean your electric guitars; first, it will last you for a longer time, and second, it will continuously produce quality sounds and tones.

Ensure to carefully choose your cleaning materials and tools to prevent you from leaving any damages to your electric guitars.

About the author

Darren