If you’re like most guitar players, you probably don’t have the time or inclination to take your instrument to a professional cleaning service. And even if you did, there’s a good chance that the cleaning process would involve using harsh chemicals that could damage your guitar’s finish. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to clean your guitar without resorting to harsh chemicals or expensive services. Here are four of the best:

  1. Use a damp cloth and mild soap: This is probably the most common way to clean a guitar. Just wet a cloth with soap and wring it out, then use it to wipe down the instrument. Be sure to avoid getting any water or soap on the strings or wood surface.
  2. Use a vacuum cleaner and dustpan: If your guitar has been sitting in storage for awhile, dust and cobwebs may have built up on its surface. To clean it, first remove all of the excess dust with a vacuum cleaner by using a dustpan. Then use a damp cloth to wipe down the instrument’s finish and any areas that were missed by the vacuum cleaner.
  3. Use vinegar and water: Vinegar is an effective cleaner for both wood surfaces and plastic parts such as guitars’ necks and pickups. To clean your guitar using this method, mix 1 cup of vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle (or use equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl). Spray the solution onto your instrument’s surface, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. Be sure not to get any vinegar on the strings or wood!
  4. Use baking soda and water: Baking soda is another great all-purpose cleaner that can be used on both wood surfaces and plastic parts such as guitars’ necks and pickups. To clean your guitar using this method, mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle (or use equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl). Spray the ..