Is rubbing alcohol good for guitar?

Author: Keven Murphy  |  Last update: Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Not just no, but hell no. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent. You will lose the strength of the strings.

Is rubbing alcohol safe on guitar?

You should never put rubbing alcohol anywhere near any part of your guitar. The acids in your hands corrode the string and speed up rusting and degredation. Rubbing alcohol is also acidic and while it may clean the oils it could also speed up string degredation as well.

What is the best thing to clean a guitar with?

Any mainstream guitar cleaning spray and a proper microfiber cloth. Don't cheap out on a microfiber cloth, a shitty cloth can and will scratch the lacquer on your guitars.

Can you use rubbing alcohol on instruments?

For instruments that are metal use alcohol swabs and/or mix a solution of 70% isopropyl alcohol with water in a spray bottle, apply it directly to a cloth to snake through the inside of your brass instrument and wipe down all exterior metal surfaces. Also, use it to spray both the inside and outside of your case.

Can you put rubbing alcohol on wood?

Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol to clean wood, but it should be used with caution. Rubbing alcohol can effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime from wood surfaces. However, it can also dry out the wood and damage the finish if used excessively.

Guitar Cleaning Myths

What surfaces should you not use rubbing alcohol on?

11 Things You Should Never Clean with Rubbing Alcohol
  • Clear Acrylic Containers. Clear organizing containers are more popular than ever, especially in spaces like pantries and refrigerators. ...
  • Granite and Marble. ...
  • Wood Pieces or Furniture. ...
  • Painted Surfaces. ...
  • Flammable Surfaces. ...
  • Rubber. ...
  • Leather. ...
  • Delicate Fabrics.

What does wood do to alcohol?

The use of wooden barrels also promotes the micro-oxidation reactions associated with the diffusion of oxygen through the wood pores. These reactions significantly affect the final sensory and aromatic properties of alcoholic beverages [6,7].

How do you disinfect a used guitar?

Rubbing alcohol is fine to use for disinfecting unfinished woods like rosewood, ebony, and maple. If you have a lacquered board, a cloth very lightly dampened with soap and water will do the trick.

What is the difference between rubbing alcohol and rubbing alcohol?

The main difference between isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol is the concentration. The concentration of isopropyl alcohol is 100%, while the concentration of rubbing alcohol is less because of the addition of water. Otherwise, the two liquids have similar properties.

Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my clarinet?

For any plastic mouthpieces like beginner clarinet and saxophone, we'd recommend using steri-spray, since alcohol can make a plastic brittle or discolor. Spray down the entire mouthpiece and let it air dry. Then rinse it off with water.

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.

Is it OK to clean guitar with wet wipes?

Is it OK to clean a guitar with wet wipes? It is not safe to use wet wipes to clean your guitar. Depending on the type of wet wipe, it might have harsh chemicals that can cause damage to the guitar.

Is it OK 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.

What is the best thing to clean a guitar body 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.

Does rubbing alcohol affect metal?

However, if isopropyl alcohol is left in contact with metal for an extended period of time or is used in excessive amounts, it may cause damage to the metal surface, such as discoloration or loss of shine. Therefore it is recommended to wipe off after using it as a cleaner.

Is 70% isopropyl alcohol safe for electronics?

Isopropyl alcohol removes oils, adhesives, fingerprints, soldering flux and other contaminants, making it ideal for cleaning electronics. However, it is important to note that only alcohol with a grade of 90% or more should be employed on circuit boards and other internal electronics.

Is 70 percent isopropyl alcohol the same as rubbing alcohol?

Isopropyl alcohol and rubbing alcohol are not the same. Rubbing alcohol consists of isopropyl alcohol and some water. Sometimes it contains other additional ingredients. On the other hand, isopropyl alcohol is pure alcohol with little to no water and other ingredients.

Is rubbing alcohol flammable after it dries?

According to the World Health Organization, all alcohol-based products are potentially flammable and therefore they should be stored away from high temperatures and flames.

Should I clean the inside of my guitar?

Cleaning your guitar is essential to its maintenance, as it helps keep it in good condition and sound quality.

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.

Is rubbing alcohol OK on wood?

Wood Pieces or Furniture

Whether you're cleaning a handmade family heirloom or brand new wood coffee table, rubbing alcohol should never be used to clean wood. The substance will strip away the color of the finish and eventually cause the wood to split.

Does alcohol burn wood?

Yes. And this is because of how alcohol interacts with wood and wood finishes.

Does alcohol make wood white?

How to remove alcohol stains from wood. Alcohol stains typically appear as white stains on your furniture. Depending on the type of wood and wood finish, you may need to sand and refinish this surface to get it back to its original state.

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