Maple Fretboards
Maple fingerboards are more susceptible to showing dirt and marks than Rosewood or Ebony boards, due to their lighter wood tone. And what adds insult to injury is that conditioner products cannot be used on Maple. So, what is the best way to clean a Maple board?
One of the best methods to clean an unfinished Maple fretboard is to use ultra-fine 0000 steel wool. This removes dirt without causing damage to the frets. A slightly damp cloth can also be used, especially on satin-finished maple, but generally avoid using anything other than this.
A Maple fingerboard that has been lacquered should be cleaned only with a damp (or dry) cloth. Using steel wool will take away the shine and leave a matte-like finish, while lemon oil will dull the finish and similarly take away the sheen. Strictly use a dry or lightly dampened cloth. You could even use a little bit of Jim Dunlop Formula 65 Guitar Polish if the lacquer is very thick.
How To Clean a Guitar Body
It’s unavoidable for the body of your guitar to build-up some marks and grease over time, no matter how careful you are. Luckily for you, the body is easier and less-intimidating to clean than the fretboard. However, the finish of your guitar’s body must be considered too. So make sure to be aware of what type of finish it has before you go ahead and clean it.
For all of the finishes below, make sure to use a soft cloth when wiping down the body. The Jim Dunlop Polish Cloth is a great lightweight cotton cloth that you can easily store in your guitar case or gig bag.
Gloss & Poly-Finished Guitars
The majority of mass-produced guitars are finished in either a polyester or polyurethane finish, which gives a glossy protective layer to your instrument. This makes it the easiest finish to clean as it doesn’t leave the wood porous or absorbent. You can therefore use a variety of polishes or waxes to give your guitar a look worthy of being in a showroom.
The industry-standard Jim Dunlop Formula 65 Guitar Polish is a great cleaner that you can use to wipe away any dried sweat or grease. It’s best to avoid spraying it directly onto the guitar, so just spray a couple of times onto a cloth and then wipe down the guitar. Here is the process:
You can finish it off with some Jim Dunlop Platinum 65 Spray Wax for a professional “good-as-new” aesthetic if you want to. The great thing with the wax is that it provides a grime-resistant protective barrier for some time, meaning that your instrument will stay clean for longer.
Remember to avoid using lemon oil or typical household cleaning products on guitars, as they contain substances that will dull and degrade the finish. It’s almost always best to stick with specialist products when dealing with your pride and joy, so check out our full range of maintenance and cleaning products.
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