Are baby wipes safe for guitars?

Author: Dr. Patience Haley III  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Is it OK to clean a guitar with wet wipes? It is not safe to use wet wipes to clean your guitar.

Can I use baby wipes on my guitar?

No, never use wipes or bleach on a guitar. Don't use anything that contains alcohol or silicone either. Don't use sandpaper, scouring powder or abrasive pads. And don't try to burn off the dirt with a flamethrower.

What can I wipe my guitar with?

To properly sanitize, you can use 70% isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizer, or disinfecting wipes to wipe down the guitar. Apply the solution to a rag and wipe down the guitar. Then immediately wipe dry with another cloth. Don't saturate or scrub an area or you will damage the finish. If wiping down the fr.

What is a good substitute for guitar cleaner?

Dab vinegar onto a cotton ball.

I use rice vinegar, but any neutral vinegar will do (don't use balsamic) because it is a wonderful cleaning agent. Rub the vinegar over the fret board carefully as you replace each string.

Can you wipe a guitar with Clorox wipes?

Can I use wipes or bleach to clean up my acoustic guitar? No, never use wipes or bleach on a guitar. Don't use anything that contains alcohol or silicone either. Don't use sandpaper, scouring powder or abrasive pads. And don't try to burn off the dirt with a flamethrower. Use guitar polish.

Guitar Cleaning Myths

Is it OK to use alcohol wipes on guitar?

Delicate finishes will damage with the caustic chemicals found in some alcohol-based cleaners, but water-based solutions are safe to use. Just be sure not to use too much on any open-grain guitar, which will absorb moisture.

Is Windex safe for guitar?

In general, you want to stay away from household cleaners, things like PineSol or Windex or furniture polish, these things generally don't do well on a guitar finish.

What household cleaners are safe to use on guitars?

Household furniture polish and all-purpose cleaners—such as Pine Sol, Windex, and 409—will also damage your finish. The only household product that's safe to use to clean your guitar is white distilled vinegar.

What household items can you use to clean guitar strings?

How to clean guitar strings with household products?
  • White vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply the solution to a clean cloth. ...
  • Baking soda: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste.

Can I use olive oil to clean my guitar?

I don't think I'd use olive oil, linseed oil, waxy furniture polish, and WD-40 contains some solvents that could interact with some glues and finishes. Before going any further, why put anything on a fretboard? Several reasons; bring out the beauty of the wood, darken the wood, and to preserve the wood.

Can I clean my guitar with a wet paper towel?

Avoid all-purpose cleaners and furniture polish. Don't use paper towels, which can scratch the finish on guitars.

Is it OK to wipe guitar strings?

The big thing is to wipe the strings, neck and pickups down with your microfiber cloth before and after you play. You should also wipe off the fretboard and body post-practice. Before playing, wash your hands with soap and water to remove oils, food debris or anything else that may be lingering.

What do I wipe my guitar with?

Most luthiers (the people who build and repair guitars) will tell you that the best cleaner is simply a soft, damp—wrung out, not dripping wet—cotton cloth, such as an old tee shirt. Use it to wipe skin oil, grime, and smudges from your guitar and then use a soft, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture and buff.

What are the best wipes to clean a guitar with?

The only wet wipes we recommend are guitar-specific ones, like the Ernie Ball Wonder Wipes, which contain safe oils for your guitar.

Can you use baby wipes on metal?

Baby wipes are also great for polishing your car's interior surfaces like the dashboard, steering wheel, and even the windows. And don't forget about jewelry; baby wipes are perfect for giving your precious stones and metals a shine.

How often should you clean your guitar?

How Often Should You Clean Your Guitar? We recommend getting in the habit of wiping down your guitar after you are done playing it for the day and doing this every time you play it. This is very easy and only takes a few minutes.

Do boiling guitar strings work?

Boiling cheap strings (with their inherently low tensile strength) will make the strings much more brittle, and thus more susceptible to breakage. Also, it is recommended that you boil your guitar strings no more than twice. If you continue to boil strings (expensive or otherwise) the tensile strength will be reduced.

Why does my guitar smell?

But over the years, due to our own bodies – the sweat and grime that get onto the body of the guitar and the areas that we constantly touch, stay there and get layered by more sweat and grime – guitars can start smelling bad.

What are the disadvantages of a maple fretboard?

Maple Fretboards

Cons: Some users also mentioned that they can be too bright or harsh, especially on electric guitars. Bending strings are less controlled on a finished maple fretboard.

What can I use around the house to clean my guitar?

Nothing more extreme than guitar polish or lukewarm soapy water should ever really be necessary to clean a fretboard, and even those should be used sparingly. In general, unless you are a professional, avoid using any kind of solvent on your guitar.

Are Clorox wipes safe for guitars?

Clorox wipes are safe to use on guitars, but you should take a few precautions. First, make sure you're using a lint-free cloth. Second, avoid getting the cloth too wet. Third, avoid using too much pressure.

Is it okay to clean guitar with water?

Yes , you can use water to clean your fretboard. I use a DAMP cloth , dampened with warm water. Don't wet the fretboard , and dry thoroughly with a dry soft cloth. I have been doing it for years to get rid of the dead skin that gets into where the fret meets the fretboard.

How to clean a guitar fretboard with household items?

Use a soft cloth dampened - not wet, just damp - with water and rub the fretboard. A little elbow grease is all that's needed. After you've cleaned it, apply a little bit of mineral oil (available at any drug store) to another cloth and rub it all over the fingerboard.

Can I use pine sol on my guitar?

Household furniture polish and all-purpose cleaners—such as Pine Sol, Windex, and 409—will also damage your finish.”

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