How To Clean Your Guitar - Beginner's Guide To Cleaning Fingerboard, Frets, Body & Hardware

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  • čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
  • Sam gives us a crash course on how to give your guitar a deep clean, so it looks and feels like new again!
    Skip to sections...
    Intro: 00:00
    Cleaning Products & Preparation: 00:45
    Fingerboard & Frets: 01:57
    Body: 04:44
    Hardware: 07:10
    Keeping Your Guitar Clean: 09:23
    In this beginner's guide on how to clean a guitar, we take an in-depth look at how to give your guitar a complete deep clean to bring it back to looking it's best. We show you how to clean the neck, fingerboard and frets, offering advice on what products (such as lem-oil) are safe to use on various types of woods and finishes.
    We offer advice on the best polishes to use and the best methods for cleaning polyurethane, nitrocellulose, satin and matte finishes, and show you the easiest ways to rejuvenate your guitars hardware. Plus, once you've cleaned your guitar, we'll give you a few tips on how to keep it that way!
    View all guitar care accessories: bit.ly/2NFsnpl
    Read more on how to clean a guitar: bit.ly/2NFvvkV
    Check out all of the products featured in this video at www.pmtonline.co.uk or at your nearest Professional Music Technology store...
    Find us on social media:
    / pmthouseofrock
    / pmthouseofrock
    / pmthouseofrock
    Subscribe: czcams.com/users/PMTVUK?sub_...
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Komentáře • 188

  • @jaredgijoza1906
    @jaredgijoza1906 Před 2 lety +90

    As someone who’s recently purchased their first guitar, and a dirty guitar at that, this video was a complete lifesaver man. I appreciate it, keep on the good work.

  • @cmoxe4555
    @cmoxe4555 Před 3 lety +63

    *GUITAR MAINTENANCE*
    What we need
    - Microfiber Cleaning Cloths
    - Soft Paintbrush
    - Steel Wool
    - Guitar Polish
    - Fretboard Conditioner
    - New strings
    - Winder/Cutter aka Tools
    To start make sure to put guitar on a firm surface
    Put mat, and neck holder.
    Take out strings
    Make sure to wash hands
    Cleaning fingerboard and frets
    Can use steel wool to take out guck on fretboard, slight pressure. Polish frets. Wipe off any dirt with cloth and water
    Dark fingerboard use lemon oil, rub it in fingerboard. Let it soak in and take off excess oil.
    Maple fingerboard can use steel wool ligjt pressure or wet cloth
    Lacquered fingerboard use a dry or slightly wet cloth.
    Cleaning body of guitar
    Plyurethane.
    Dust off with paintbrush
    Use guitar polish. Put a couple squirts and rub body. Use dry side to buff polish in guitar.
    Nitrocellulose lacquer use little polish and use light pressure
    Satin and matte finish use a clean dry cloth, you may use damp cloth and rub it.
    Cleaning hardware
    Bridge most important area. Brush off dust. Use guitar polish abd wipe off afterwards. For rusted area can use wd40

  • @CR-zh8xj
    @CR-zh8xj Před 4 lety +28

    This is the most concise, informative video I've seen for cleaning my acoustic guitar. I wasn't too sure about tackling this project, until I watched your video. Thank you so much!

  • @lastgrungestand
    @lastgrungestand Před 4 lety +7

    I remember the first time I went to England... I was more excited to see PMT and other guitar shops rather than the tower of london or any other tourist attractions haha. At that time it was very rare to see in my country any top line guitar as Custom Shop or Gibson custom, so I was in heaven haha

  • @RollingPunches2012
    @RollingPunches2012 Před 4 lety +7

    GREAT instruction. Everything I was looking for. Thank you!

  • @SammyBones
    @SammyBones Před rokem +10

    Conditioning fretboard is the one thing that many people miss. As a guitar tech, I condition fretboards pretty regularly.

    • @isaiahburridgemusic
      @isaiahburridgemusic Před rokem +4

      I condition my rosewood boards anytime I change strings. Never had any problems. Far worse to let one stay ultra dry for too long. An old guitar tech showed me his habits. All of his guitars were 30 years older than me and still looked and felt new and clean.
      Obviously, I paid attention. It pays to take care of your gear.

  • @xaviervansteen290
    @xaviervansteen290 Před 3 lety +14

    Now that`s quite the "workbench" you`ve got there!

  • @kryptic9056
    @kryptic9056 Před 2 lety

    thank you for this. many people focus on a single type of guitar and do a simple job on the video. you covered almost, if not all finishes. great video

  • @jonathanmw4216
    @jonathanmw4216 Před 4 lety +1

    Great video, the best I’ve seen on CZcams. Thank you for sharing

  • @Chaseki
    @Chaseki Před 2 lety +1

    Probably the best video when it comes to cleaning your guitar. Good job!

  • @percythrower9193
    @percythrower9193 Před 2 lety +3

    Fantastic vid! Really helpful. I'm so inspired I'm off to my local PMT first thing tomorrow!

  • @john564holloway
    @john564holloway Před 5 lety +4

    Howdy from Texas!...Great tips, Sam! We could all use this!

  • @andydove7563
    @andydove7563 Před 3 lety +2

    Top tips,mate .... will certainly use the methods shown :-)

  • @donlessnau3983
    @donlessnau3983 Před 4 lety +53

    Sam is really superior to most everyone else out there. Regardless of the topic, he presents great info in a clear, concise presentation without all the idiotic bullshit and yelling from so many other assholes on the CZcams. Great job. Well done. Thanks Sam.

    • @scrimpmster
      @scrimpmster Před 2 lety

      You can put making or painters tape over the pickups. But unless the frets are really filthy you shouldn't need to. The little and often cleaning process should actually eliminate the need to use steel wool imo

  • @jamesruta5418
    @jamesruta5418 Před 3 lety +3

    That was really helpful guys, thanks a lot

  • @grahamscannell4409
    @grahamscannell4409 Před 4 lety +1

    Brilliant informative video....thanks

  • @gedwalls7660
    @gedwalls7660 Před 3 lety +6

    Invest in graded abrasive cloths to polish the frets. When bending notes you'll notice a huge difference to playability. It's time consuming but worth it.

  • @jimleffler7976
    @jimleffler7976 Před 4 lety +1

    Great info, great for future reference, thanks

  • @yigit_okyay
    @yigit_okyay Před 3 lety +1

    You are perfect as always. Thanks

  • @liorauf
    @liorauf Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you for sharing 🤘🏻

  • @conorfurlong
    @conorfurlong Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for the tip about the gold hardware.

  • @xxcxpl
    @xxcxpl Před 4 lety +8

    One of those days I'll also be casually refering to an Orange amp as a workbench ... One of those days 🤘Good vid, thx

  • @sudan47
    @sudan47 Před rokem

    Best guitar cleaning video on CZcams!!

  • @SynysterGates70
    @SynysterGates70 Před 4 lety +1

    Brilliant, thank you!

  • @judimsky
    @judimsky Před rokem

    Man i love you!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

  • @TheRetronator
    @TheRetronator Před 5 lety +45

    I would suggest avoiding steel wool. I've heard many reputable sources say that fine steel wool particles can potentially destroy pickups.

    • @teo11300
      @teo11300 Před 3 lety +1

      He doesn’t say use it on the pickups. Just the frets

    • @adiiqbal8010
      @adiiqbal8010 Před 3 lety +7

      @@teo11300 it gets attracted from the bench and fretboard because the steel wool shavings are magnetic. So they stick onto the pickups really easy and its almost impossible to remove it fully. So he should've removed the neck or at least taped up the pickups.

    • @ryang3225
      @ryang3225 Před 3 lety +3

      @@teo11300 you can’t just wipe the fretboard and trust that you wiped off every single microscopic steel wool particle. You’re kidding yourself, don’t ruin your guitar man.

    • @isaiahburridgemusic
      @isaiahburridgemusic Před rokem

      I agree. Steel Wool is not worth the headache. Naptha and a toothbrush is what I use. Drys quick and cleans well.

  • @pawanagarwal4513
    @pawanagarwal4513 Před 3 lety +1

    The video i s very informational and I like it, thanks ...

  • @sakashisensei7918
    @sakashisensei7918 Před 2 lety

    Thank you sir for the guide. 🙏

  • @yareyaredaze8712
    @yareyaredaze8712 Před 2 lety

    this helps me a lot thankk u man

  • @rosewurkz
    @rosewurkz Před rokem

    Thanks very helpful ☺️

  • @eemilkaipio9818
    @eemilkaipio9818 Před 2 lety

    Thank´s this information. My Fender is just like, new and shine.

  • @user-ps4bk5fs8i
    @user-ps4bk5fs8i Před 5 měsíci

    Little emphasis to a really important point--your HANDS. Just ate, especially greasy, messy foods--wash your hands. Just woke up, wash your hands. Extended playing/practice, wash. Be careful to not over wash your fingers, fretting & pick. Care for those callouses!
    This one of the most comprehensive tutorials. Thank you!

  • @garethwynstory7652
    @garethwynstory7652 Před rokem

    Very helpful.

  • @amarok9097
    @amarok9097 Před 4 lety

    I have an early 80s Vantage VS695 with a woodgrain finish. What do you recommend to bring the body back to life?
    Thanks for the Vid

  • @gokhanayvazoglu6295
    @gokhanayvazoglu6295 Před rokem

    Hello, that video is of of the best guitar care video but you forgot to mention how to clean pickguard can we use same product as we clean body?

  • @gillwatcham6421
    @gillwatcham6421 Před 4 lety

    great thanks!!

  • @dave_the_guitar_nerd
    @dave_the_guitar_nerd Před 5 lety

    What do you recommend for cleaning a guitar body finished in tung oil?

  • @e-man2081
    @e-man2081 Před 2 lety +3

    I have heard that wd-40 can be used in place of Fast Fret. Keep in mind the cautions given in this video about getting wd-40 on your finish. Anyway, my Fast Fret would dry out even with the lid on, and we know it's very expensive. So I spray a little wd-40 on my used Fast Fret applicator, let it soak in, and then apply to strings. It has worked great for lubrication and preventing rust, and I haven't had any problems with the finish on the fret boards. Remember to only use a little to keep it off the finished parts of the guitar.

  • @tomm9871
    @tomm9871 Před 2 lety +1

    Did not expect Leon trotsky to be teaching me how to take care of my guitar

  • @vizzo7
    @vizzo7 Před 3 lety

    Hi nice video. What about the neck. If the neck feels dry and it is out of maple what can i use? I mean the neck not fretboard

  • @ed.4540
    @ed.4540 Před 4 lety

    thank you!

  • @xavierg5523
    @xavierg5523 Před 8 měsíci +1

    Recommend covering the pickups with masking tape when using steel wool. Particles of the metal can stick to the pickups and the magnetic properties can screw up the pickups

  • @willyfriedrich7868
    @willyfriedrich7868 Před 3 lety

    If you got a natural wooden body how do you clean it? The same way as the matte one?

  • @giancarlosrosales6728
    @giancarlosrosales6728 Před 3 lety

    A proper job

  • @jantzencase7524
    @jantzencase7524 Před 8 měsíci

    Any tips for cleaning an evertune bridge

  • @labhanshchaurasia9980
    @labhanshchaurasia9980 Před 4 lety

    Can i use lemon oil on treated new Zealand pine fretboard?

  • @SteveStrummerUK
    @SteveStrummerUK Před 5 lety +31

    Looks like you need to wash your hands *after* using that sink :-)

  • @MauricioGarcia-mk5bz
    @MauricioGarcia-mk5bz Před 4 lety

    Question: lemon oil ruins mother pearl inlays? Ty.

  • @55Ignis
    @55Ignis Před 2 lety

    can you use never dull on your frets?

  • @joebrandon2871
    @joebrandon2871 Před 3 lety +9

    5:06 What's that thing between the bridge pickup and the trem?

  • @mustfakara
    @mustfakara Před 3 měsíci

    hi, is it okay to just using metal wool for freatboard? not frets, the freatboard?

  • @thetoadisreal1645
    @thetoadisreal1645 Před rokem

    I don’t really know about washing my hands beforehand because it makes my hands softer.. would hand sanitizer work as an effective alternative?

  • @arabellaturner2893
    @arabellaturner2893 Před 4 lety

    How often should you do this

  • @salintium
    @salintium Před 5 lety +208

    you sound just like Korg. don't start a revolution because you won't print enough pamphlets. cya later new doug

    • @brez1093
      @brez1093 Před 5 lety +4

      I honestly was thinking that😂

    • @mattl2k6
      @mattl2k6 Před 4 lety +19

      Korg has a NZ accent, this guy is English

    • @alistairmaclachlan5924
      @alistairmaclachlan5924 Před 4 lety +5

      The Ghost of Jimi Hendrix lol literally so far from being Korg

    • @yungcharg7292
      @yungcharg7292 Před 2 lety

      Once heard, canNOT be unheard. 😂👌🏻

  • @tinapippiditlevsen4796
    @tinapippiditlevsen4796 Před 10 měsíci

    Hold on... What about how you clean the strings?
    And what about high shine acoustic guitar bodies like the epiphone dove pro?

  • @willberdon4592
    @willberdon4592 Před 3 lety +1

    I snaped the tiny E sting when i was unwinding the string to clean the neck. Only cost me 5 bucks to get it replaced

    • @hugomartinez6519
      @hugomartinez6519 Před 3 lety

      5 bucks for one string? Or did you replace the whole set?

    • @willberdon4592
      @willberdon4592 Před 3 lety

      @@hugomartinez6519 i had a e string but diddent know how to tie it at the head. So it was 5 bucks for that lol

  • @scottphillips7368
    @scottphillips7368 Před 5 lety +1

    For my 2000 Mexico Fender Strat with lacquered maple fretboard I used Murphys wood soap, it seems to be very natural then a toothbrush at the fretboard. I haven't cleaned it since for 15 years lol. then used some boiled linseed oil after cleaning and polishing frets and it worked very well. kind of an investment though

  • @gm836
    @gm836 Před 3 lety

    How do I clean my maple neck fretboard after playing everyday? Specifically, what do I use to clean it?

    • @stripedpants1668
      @stripedpants1668 Před 3 lety

      If it is finished just use a damp cloth or something with low abrasion.

  • @TheAdamExperience
    @TheAdamExperience Před 10 měsíci

    good video...) you might need the washroom cleaned as well xD

  • @KungFuCooter
    @KungFuCooter Před 5 lety

    My 86 strat had been put away for almost 30 years in its case. I pulled it out and cleaned it up and the coil covers and knobs have all yellowed. I cleaned them but they're still yellow. Is this normal?

    • @cosmicbilly
      @cosmicbilly Před 4 lety

      Has it by chance been around smokers? Smoke can yellow white knobs and pick gaurds.

  • @jamesluther3506
    @jamesluther3506 Před 3 lety

    Will rubbing alcohol hurt the finish?

  • @abhiroopism
    @abhiroopism Před 6 měsíci

    can we use WD 40 for guitars?

  • @Cream_Machine
    @Cream_Machine Před 10 měsíci

    PMT best guitar shop in the UK

  • @ninjesus4079
    @ninjesus4079 Před 2 lety

    is it fine to use wd40 on the pickups?

  • @russschuett2652
    @russschuett2652 Před 5 lety +8

    Where do I buy a light up toothbrush?

    • @calebd4669
      @calebd4669 Před 4 lety

      Russ Schuett amazon lol

    • @elninorocksatx
      @elninorocksatx Před 4 lety +2

      It's a Kilo Ren Toothbrush. We bought one for our 10 year old a while back. I started laughing when I saw him use it in the video, haha.

  • @stephaniepartridge1036
    @stephaniepartridge1036 Před 11 měsíci

    Can I use lemon oil on a finished maple fretboard?

  • @Deuxplume
    @Deuxplume Před 3 lety

    So how do you clean the gold finish?!?

    • @hugomartinez6519
      @hugomartinez6519 Před 3 lety

      He says you should just stick to dry cloth or very slightly damp

  • @bjrnjohannessen1862
    @bjrnjohannessen1862 Před 2 lety

    SUPER

  • @lewishuggett9281
    @lewishuggett9281 Před 5 lety

    HA! FIRST! btw helpful video!

  • @raymondowenlabuan8215
    @raymondowenlabuan8215 Před 4 lety +1

    after i use the cloth to clean the frets , can i reuse it or someother time again?

  • @caster7376
    @caster7376 Před rokem

    hey guys anyone who have an idea how to clean a roasted maple neck? will it be fine to just use a fine steel wool?

  • @martynaskerdokas8438
    @martynaskerdokas8438 Před 5 lety +115

    I think i will just start to play my guitar after showers so i don't get it dirty

  • @airbus737guitarcovers3

    What can I use on a mahogany fretboard

    • @Ch4pp13
      @Ch4pp13 Před 3 lety

      From what I can gather, mahogany fretboards just require some lemon oil. Probably a quick wipe down in circular motions, then wipe away excess oil (and removal of any excess grime with thin steel wool, as stated).
      I've just googled it. Never done it before. Really should, because the Epi SG of mine is... not looking too good, lately.

  • @allennelson6806
    @allennelson6806 Před 4 lety +1

    Hi
    I need help I am using an esp ltd 256
    And need to know how can I maintain my fretboard?Can I apply lemon oil on roasted jatoba fretboard?
    Please help
    Finding the answer from 10days...

    • @nguyenduc3708
      @nguyenduc3708 Před 4 lety +1

      Try Gorgomyte . they clean up the board as well as the frets simultaneously.

    • @allennelson6806
      @allennelson6806 Před 4 lety +1

      @@nguyenduc3708 So there is no problem on using on roasted jatoba fretboard?

    • @nguyenduc3708
      @nguyenduc3708 Před 4 lety +1

      @@allennelson6806 The only difference is whether it is finished or unfinished. Unfinished or bare wood will dry out overtime so treat it as a regular rosewood board. The reason why we don't put anything on finished board is the potential damage to the finish itself, not the wood. The wood is well sealed in the finish.

    • @allennelson6806
      @allennelson6806 Před 4 lety

      @@nguyenduc3708 ok thank you so much sir...☺️

    • @nguyenduc3708
      @nguyenduc3708 Před 4 lety +1

      @@allennelson6806 you're welcome Allen! Fretboard maintenance is quite simple, actually. Unfinished: lighter fluid to clean the gunk and grime, then conditioner is a must as the lighter fluid will dry out the wood. Finished or coated: a cloth barely dampened with warm water and some patience to go 5-6 times. If you are in doubt: Gorgomyte works for both. That's how I do it here in my humble shop.

  • @Circaman8
    @Circaman8 Před 5 lety +20

    A guitar store that cleans the guitars? What timeline is this? The guitars at my guitar store were absolutely disgusting.

  • @ewandavies5911
    @ewandavies5911 Před 2 lety

    Do I have to restring my guitar every time I want to clean it?

  • @joaocunha7595
    @joaocunha7595 Před 4 lety

    Can I treat Indian laurel as rosewood conditioning it?

    • @honeyfrost3355
      @honeyfrost3355 Před 4 lety

      I'd assume cause it's a darker wood

    • @joaocunha7595
      @joaocunha7595 Před 4 lety

      @@honeyfrost3355 I was also thinkin' that, thanks for your reply

  • @enriqueosorio3731
    @enriqueosorio3731 Před 4 lety +1

    What guitar is the one at 0:18?

  • @a.b.t.animation8158
    @a.b.t.animation8158 Před 4 lety +1

    damn mines already getting rusy. im too late now i guess

  • @mr.l4461
    @mr.l4461 Před rokem

    Just bought an Epiphone Casino. Gonna make sure this baby is clean lol

  • @mc495150
    @mc495150 Před 3 lety +1

    And clean the sink

  • @Alfredo78666
    @Alfredo78666 Před 3 lety

    Oh, hei deeee. Rikenbeka!

  • @AbeLoreto
    @AbeLoreto Před rokem

    I do for me going guitar Center for you

  • @hasselriestra1082
    @hasselriestra1082 Před rokem

    Why no subtitles or closed captions, some of us are hearing impaired my dude, electric helps hearing but sad not to be able to read what you are saying too. TY for at least showing the product

  • @ScatZacc
    @ScatZacc Před 3 lety

    Be real carefull with the contact cleaner I got some on the back of my les paul and the nitro was eatin up like acid

  • @whitelabelproduction
    @whitelabelproduction Před 2 lety +1

    Sink needs clean too gentlemen.

  • @tedtheturbot
    @tedtheturbot Před 4 měsíci

    @1:48 I'd clean the toilet first as well mate if were you ;)

  • @skintslots
    @skintslots Před 4 lety +2

    I hope you clean the guitars better than that bathroom sink!

  • @terrydactylspontaneous2596
    @terrydactylspontaneous2596 Před 5 lety +99

    ... but before cleaning your guitar, sack the cleaner who does the toilet sink.

  • @alanhepple8856
    @alanhepple8856 Před rokem

    steel wool ? no never , the last thing anybody should use on frets , my way , a nail buffing block , there cheap they do a great job , a soft toothbrush , to clean each side of the frets , the nail buffer blocks top of the frets with a drop, of carnauba cream [ i use dunlop,, micro fibre cloth you can buy packs of them for not a lot of money , , fretboard , rosewood etc , lemon oil, maple , slightly damp microfibre cloth , sorted

  • @WarrenBey
    @WarrenBey Před 3 lety

    Don't ever take all the strings off you don't ever want to release all the pressure on the neck. Just take the middle strings off and leave the low E and high E on. It's enough to get the fingerboard cleaned and oiled.

    • @hugomartinez6519
      @hugomartinez6519 Před 3 lety

      but the strings will only be off for a while

    • @WarrenBey
      @WarrenBey Před 3 lety

      @@hugomartinez6519 go ahead and try it. I don't like adjusting the relief every string change.

  • @tonymelendez9295
    @tonymelendez9295 Před 3 lety

    Looks like the pisser needs some maintenance too.

  • @l3si0rek
    @l3si0rek Před 3 lety

    Never put wd40 at switch or pots!

  • @potatoracer6137
    @potatoracer6137 Před rokem

    I watched this video and continue to clean freight board on my acoustic guitar with a tissue and water 😢

  • @Guccimustard
    @Guccimustard Před 7 měsíci +1

    Hard to imagine that there’s actually people that pay to have their guitar restrung 😂 takes about 15 minutes or less

  • @riot7521
    @riot7521 Před 2 lety

    Hold up....2 faucet sink 🤔

    • @qasimmir7117
      @qasimmir7117 Před rokem

      Yes, one tap is hot and the other tap is cold. A lot of UK sinks have this.

  • @ThePurpleHarpoon
    @ThePurpleHarpoon Před 3 lety

    Can't I just use a wetwipe?

  • @TheTurbinator
    @TheTurbinator Před rokem

    WTF? When he washes his hands -- why did that sink in the washroom have two faucets in it?

  • @Exigne_Corner
    @Exigne_Corner Před rokem

    As soon as Steel Wool was brought up, I lost all attempts to take this video seriously, do not bother risking it on electric guitars.

  • @smolpp5316
    @smolpp5316 Před rokem

    Guys DO NOT use steel wool!! That shit can stick to your pickups and permanently fuck up the sound.