Quick Overview: How to clean guitar strings
Over time, oils from your fingers, sweat, and dirt can build up on the strings, which can negatively impact the sound and playability of your instrument. Here are some fast & easy steps you can take to clean your guitar strings:
- Remove any debris: Before cleaning your strings, use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the strings. This will prevent the dirt from being rubbed into the strings during the cleaning process.
- Apply cleaning solution: There are many commercial cleaning solutions available for guitar strings, or you can make your own using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Apply the solution to a clean cloth, and then rub it onto the strings. Be sure to get every part of each string.
- Wipe the strings clean: After applying the cleaning solution, use a separate clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess solution and debris. You may need to repeat this step a few times to get all the dirt and oil off the strings.
- Oil the strings (optional): Some guitarists like to apply a light coat of oil to their strings after cleaning them. This can help to protect the strings and prolong their life. You can use commercial guitar string oil or mineral oil or lemon oil. Apply a small amount of oil to a clean cloth, then wipe it onto each string. Be sure to wipe away any excess oil when you are finished.
- Play your guitar: Once your strings are clean, it’s time to play! You may notice that the sound and playability of your guitar have improved after cleaning the strings.
With these steps, you can keep your guitar strings sounding great for years to come. For further insights, tips, and recommendations, read on…
Let’s get into it!
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How to clean guitar strings
Your guitar strings are one of the most important parts of your instrument. Without them, you cannot play anything and the guitar is essentially useless. They are in contact with your fingers constantly which means that they can get very dirty.
There are many different oils on your fingers that can transfer to the strings of your guitar and cause damage to them. As well as this, dead skin cells and other general dirt can be transferred onto the strings.
Related Article: How often should you change your guitar strings
While you may not be able to see the dirt on the strings with the naked eye, you will be shocked by how it impacts their playing ability and lifespan.
Read on as we take you through how often you should clean your guitar strings and what to use to do it.
How often should you clean your guitar strings?
It is advised that you clean your guitar strings after every playing session. This will prevent grime from sitting on the strings and prolong their lifespan.
Before you start cleaning your guitar strings, you should lay it on a flat surface on its back. This gives you the ability to use both hands to clean the strings without damaging your guitar.
You should take care to ensure that the head is not touching the work surface, as this can nudge the tuning pegs. This will then change the tuning of the guitar.
We advise using a microfiber cloth to clean your strings. These are soft and relatively lint-free. This means that you will be much less likely to leave small fibers on the strings which can be irritating.
How to clean nylon guitar strings
To properly clean nylon guitar strings you should use a spray bottle filled with water and a microfiber cloth. Spray the water onto the cloth allowing it to become damp.
If you spray directly onto your guitar it can potentially cause damage. This is because the wood fibers can absorb water and may swell. It can also cause watermarks to appear on your guitar, which can be unsightly.
What do you use to clean your steel guitar strings?
For steel guitar strings, you will need a stronger cleaning solution. We recommend a specially formulated string cleanings solution, such as Dunlop UltraGlide and Fast-Fret String Cleaner.
Alternatively, you can use standard rubbing alcohol. The alcohol percentage should be between 70 and 90% for optimal results.
How do you clean your guitar strings?
Grab your dampened cloth and hold it so the damp side is facing upwards. Thread one-half of the cloth underneath all of the strings at the top of the guitar neck. Fold the other half of the cloth over the top, ensuring that both sides of the strings are covered with the cloth.
Apply some gentle pressure to the cloth as you drag it down the strings of the guitar. You should ensure you move the cloth all of the way from the top of the neck to the bridge.
We recommend taking some extra care when cleaning the strings over the fretboard. This is where your fingers are in contact with the strings the most, and the area that is likely to be most heavily soiled.
Related Article: How to clean your fretboard
It is vital that you clean both sides of the guitar strings. Do not worry too much if your tuning pegs get shifted around, as you can always re-tune your guitar later.
You are likely to notice some grey streaks on the surface of your cleaning cloth after you have cleaned your strings. You may also see your strings changing color. Do not be concerned if this happens, it just means that your guitar strings were overdue for a cleaning.
How do you lubricate your guitar strings?
You do not need to lubricate your guitar strings if they are made of nylon. These are already corrosion-resistant. If you have nylon strings they will be tied onto the bridge, whereas steel strings will have pegs holding them in place.
Steel strings need to be lubricated as they will become sticky and corroded if you do not. Good products to use include Dunlop Lemon Oil, GHS Fast Fret, and Tone Finger-Ease String Lubricant.
For a more budget alternative, baby oil, Vaseline, or olive oil will work well too. It is important to ensure the lubricating agent is free from petroleum. This can penetrate into the strings of your guitar and cause lasting damage.
Grab a microfiber cloth and apply the lubricant of your choice. You can use the same rag that you cleaned your strings with, but be sure to flip it to use the clean side.
Use the same folding method to wrap up the strings in your lubricant-covered cloth. Run it up and down the length of the strings until they appear shiny and smooth.
How often should you change your guitar strings?
As a general rule, you should change your guitar strings once every 3 months, or after 100 hours of playing time. This is variable though. Many people may find that their strings last a significantly longer or shorter time than this.
Professional musicians on tour are likely to be playing daily, meaning that their strings will need to change much more frequently. They may even need to replace them every day while on tour!
Through use, your strings will eventually begin to wear down and can snap. The frequency at which you need to change and replace your strings depends on how often you play. The type of music that you play can also influence this.
Regular cleaning and maintenance of your guitar strings can help to prolong their lifespan. It can reduce the effects of corrosion, particularly if you regularly condition your strings.
It is important to change your strings periodically as this will keep the tone of your guitar sounding good. Any corrosion that develops on the strings can make them feel gritty and nasty underneath your fingers, which makes the playing experience unpleasant.
More FAQs on how to clean guitar strings
How to clean rusty guitar strings?
Rusty guitar strings are a common problem for guitar players. If left untreated, rust can cause permanent damage to your strings and even affect the sound of your instrument. Here are the steps you can take to clean rusty guitar strings:
- Remove any debris: Use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the strings.
- Apply a rust remover: There are many commercial rust removers available for guitar strings. Apply the rust remover to a clean cloth, and then rub it onto the strings. Be sure to get every part of each string.
- Wipe the strings clean: After applying the rust remover, use a separate clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess solution and debris. Repeat this step a few times to get all the rust and oil off the strings.
- Oil the strings: After cleaning, you should apply a light coat of oil to your strings to protect them from rusting again.
How to clean guitar strings with household products?
If you don’t have any commercial guitar string cleaning solutions, there are household products that you can use to clean your guitar strings. Here are some household items that you can use:
- White vinegar: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water, and apply the solution to a clean cloth. Rub the solution onto the strings and wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
- Baking soda: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to a cloth and rub it onto the strings. Wipe the strings clean with a dry cloth.
- Lemon juice: Apply a small amount of lemon juice to a clean cloth and rub it onto the strings. Wipe the strings clean with a dry cloth.
How to clean acoustic guitar strings?
Cleaning acoustic guitar strings is similar to cleaning electric guitar strings. Here are the steps you can take to clean your acoustic guitar strings:
- Remove any debris: Use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the strings.
- Apply a cleaning solution: Apply a commercial guitar string cleaning solution or make your own using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Rub the solution onto the strings and wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
- Oil the strings (optional): Apply a light coat of oil to your strings to protect them and prolong their life.
How to clean electric guitar strings?
Cleaning electric guitar strings is essential to keep them sounding great and prolonging their life. Here are the steps you can take to clean your electric guitar strings:
- Remove any debris: Use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the strings.
- Apply a cleaning solution: Apply a commercial guitar string cleaning solution or make your own using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Rub the solution onto the strings and wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
- Oil the strings (optional): Apply a light coat of oil to your strings to protect them and prolong their life.
How to clean bass guitar strings?
Bass guitar strings are similar to electric guitar strings and can be cleaned using the same steps. Here are the steps you can take to clean your bass guitar strings:
- Remove any debris: Use a dry cloth to remove any debris or dirt from the strings.
- Apply a cleaning solution: Apply a commercial guitar string cleaning solution or make your own using a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Rub the solution onto the strings and wipe them clean with a dry cloth.
- Oil the strings (optional): Apply a light coat of oil to your strings to protect them and prolong their life.
YouTube Video Guide: How to clean guitar strings
Happy Playing!
