Guitar Cleaner that Maintains your Instrument Appearance
There is a lot of dirt and sweat that we transfer to the guitar when playing it. All this pile of dirt, dust, and sweat is dangerous in that it begins to destroy the protective lacquer on the guitar. Finally, it gets into the wood and destroys it slowly.
Cleaning the guitar is crucial in that it helps protect the instrument and the wood. Sweat and dirt can get into the wood and electronics pores and start to ruin the pickups and working of the overall instrument. That is why regular cleaning is essential.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the best guitar cleaners and polishes.
Planet Waves Lemon Oil Natural Cleaner and Conditioner
USP
“This cleaner protects the guitar from wearing out.” Fast clean up
The Planet Waves guitar cleaner removes dirt, grease, and wax build-up hence protecting your guitar. The guitar cleaner helps condition your guitar, preventing it from getting dry.
This guitar cleaner helps increase the life of guitars and is recommended for unfinished woods.
Music Nomand MN 100 4oz Premium Guitar Cleaner
USP
“The guitar cleaner has gloss enhancers and uv protectants that gives your guitar its original look.” Anti-static formulation
This product has whatever you need for your guitar in one spray. It works great on matte and gloss finishes.
The Music Nomand guitar cleaner is ideal for all acoustic, electric and bass guitars. The guitar cleaner contains no wax, and it helps remove fingerprints from the guitar.
This cleaner has an anti-static formulation that helps repel dust. It is also biodegradable; therefore, it causes no harm while using it.
Planet Waves PW-XLR8-01 String Cleaner
USP
“The guitar cleaner ensures frictionless cleaning.” Easy to use
This product comes in an airtight metal, preventing the guitar cleaner from drying. This cleaner cleans your guitar strings for faster playing and removes friction to improve string’s life.
The cleaner is easy to use since you only need to wipe your strings up and down to enjoy a frictionless feel. This guitar cleaner also cleans the strings to reduce the finger noise allowing you to play faster and improve the tone.
Jim Dunlop 65 Guitar Polish and Cleaner
USP
“The polish bottle holds up to 118ml and you only need four ounces at a go.” Thin protective layer
This product cleans your guitar thoroughly, restoring its original look. It leaves a thin protective layer and is ideal for daily use.
The guitar polish comes in a bottle that holds 118ml of this polish. It lasts long since you only need a four-ounce pump of spray per day in case you usually clean your guitar daily.
Alice Guitar Polish
USP
“The guitar polish can clean and remove thumb prints left after performance.” 100ml capacity
This polish comes in a pack made of plastic and measures 15x11x5cm. The package contains one piece of guitar polish.
The guitar polish has a capacity of 100ml and has a cleaning cloth and string winder. The polish is perfect for cleaning dust and dirt. It also cleans up thumbprints from the guitar.
The string winder helps to speed up re-stringing hence preventing aching wrists. This polish makes your guitar shine underneath the stage lights.
Buying Guide
Matching polish with your wood type
Different types of woods are suited for various polish. There is polish designed for lacquer, some with fine wood guitars, and some will suit any wood type. It is, therefore, essential that you know the kind of polish you are purchasing.
Some polishes may also contain harmful products that may damage certain woods. Some may even dampen the guitar’s sound over time.
Silicone or silicone-free
Most polishes that enhance shine and revive glossiness have silicone. If you are looking for a shining surface, go for silicone polishes.
However, silicone can also leave a residue that is very hard to remove in certain woods and can cause problems if your guitar needs repair. Silicone, in some cases, can prevent the glue from working.
Therefore, if you are using a polish with silicone, make sure you use it on places that won’t affect your guitar.
You can also opt for cleaners that are silicone-free. They will not shine on your instrument, but you are assured your guitar will be free of corrosion.
Finishes
When purchasing a guitar cleaner, consider your instruments finishing. You need to identify the right cleaner for a gloss or matte finish.
Usually, most polishes are suited for gloss finishes unless the bottle is stated otherwise. Polish meant for guitars with a matte finish are explicitly stated. Using a cleaner not meant for matte guitar on a matte guitar will only give the guitar glossiness.
Application
There are different application methods when it comes to cleaning your instrument. Some cleaners come with a cloth or a microfiber cloth; others come with spray dispensers.
You have to choose what works best for you, either a spray that pours directly or pours on a cloth first.
Purpose
You must identify the reason why you need guitar cleaners. You could be needing the cleaner for all-purpose cleaning or reviving shine.
Some polishes work as scratch remover; some may have wax or UV protection. Considering the specifications you want, you may choose what works best for you.