Most guitars don't get cleaned until something is visibly wrong. By then, the fretboard has months of buildup, the hardware is starting to corrode, and the finish has micro-scratches from being wiped down with the wrong cloth. A few minutes after every session prevents most of it.
Why It Matters More Than People Think
Human sweat is mildly acidic and contains salts that corrode metal over time. Fret wire, tuning machines, bridge saddles, and pickup covers all take the hit when sweat sits on them. On unfinished fretboards — rosewood, ebony — the oils and debris bond to the wood grain and build up into a gunk that's harder to remove the longer it sits. We see this on almost every guitar that comes in for a setup that hasn't been cleaned regularly.
After Every Session
Wipe down the strings, neck, and body with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. This takes 30 seconds and removes most of the sweat and oils before they do damage. Don't use paper towels, old t-shirts, or household cleaning products — abrasive materials scratch finishes, and household cleaners can strip them.
Fretboard Cleaning
Unfinished fretboards (rosewood, ebony) need occasional conditioning — not just wiping. When you change strings, clean the fretboard with a proper fretboard cleaner and follow with a conditioner to keep the wood from drying out. We carry D'Addario and Martin maintenance products at the shop in Glens Falls — both make fretboard conditioners that work well and won't damage the wood. We also stock Oasis humidifiers if you're storing an acoustic.
Body and Finish
Use a guitar-specific polish appropriate for your finish. Nitrocellulose finishes (common on vintage and some higher-end guitars) require a different product than polyurethane finishes — using the wrong one can cloud or damage the finish. If you're not sure what finish your guitar has, ask before you polish.
Hardware
Wipe down tuning machines, bridge saddles, and any exposed metal after playing. The salt in sweat accelerates oxidation — hardware that gets wiped down regularly lasts significantly longer than hardware that doesn't.
What to Avoid
- Household cleaners, furniture polish, or anything not made for guitars
- Paper towels or rough cloths on the finish
- Over-conditioning the fretboard — once or twice a year at string changes is enough
- Spraying anything directly onto the guitar — apply to the cloth first
If It's Already Bad
If the fretboard has significant buildup or the hardware is corroded, a cleaning at string change time may not be enough. Bring it in — we can assess what it needs and handle it properly without damaging the finish or wood.
If the guitar also needs action or intonation work, we can do a full setup at the same time. For more serious damage, see our repair services.
Paul's Guitar Hideout is located at The Shirt Factory in Glens Falls, NY. Use the Cooper Street entrance and take the stairs up. If you need assistance, give us a call and we'll come down.
The Shirt Factory
71 Lawrence St., Suite 201B, 2nd Floor
Glens Falls, NY 12801
Wednesday–Sunday, 12–5pm
(518) 217-8695 · info@paulsguitarhideout.com