Can you use pledge on an acoustic guitar? Is it safe to use pledge on a guitar? What are some of the cleansers you should avoid using around the guitar at home? In a pinch, what are some safe at-home cleaners?
Can You Use Pledge On An Acoustic Guitar?
If users don’t have much else, they can use it on the fretboard of their guitar. As long as the fretboard isn’t made of maple, it should be fine. Pledge has the ability to cause unusual stains in maple wood. However, if at all possible, do not use it as the primary cleaning agent for the acoustic guitar; instead, use it as a last resort.
Is It Safe to Use Pledge On A Guitar?
While pledge makes the wood resistant to solvents, it should only be used as a last resort. Stick to the lemon variety because there’s no way of knowing how other Pledge scents may affect the instrument. Multiple applications of Pledge result in silicon buildup, which could lead to the guitar’s eventual destruction.
What isn’t safe to use around the guitar?
It all depends on how well-polished the instrument is. If the furniture has a lacquer finish, polishing it will create cracking, discoloration, and an unattractive appearance. Cleaning with furniture polish has shown no defects so far if it has a synthetic finish.
Rubbing alcohol should not be used to clean your guitar; just the strings should be cleaned if necessary. Rubbing alcohol has the ability to eliminate moisture from the guitar’s wood. Faults such as a sharp fret end, a hump on the fret board, and low action can arise when wood dries out. Avoid using rubbing alcohol near the instrument if you want it to last as long as possible.
Cleaning wipes are usually used to clean the strings of the guitar, and they can be used to clean it as needed as long as they are not utilized as the primary cleaner. Cleaning wipes include alcohol, which is why they have such a strong odor. Using cleaning wipes on the strings has been demonstrated to accelerate string degeneration when compared to standard guitar cleansers. Cleaning wipes are a good compromise; they can be used on occasion if necessary, but not as the major guitar cleaner, as previously stated.
Dishwashing detergent is not advised for use. While it claims to eliminate any grease or essential oils from dishes. The natural oils in an acoustic guitar can deplete, causing it to dry up and deteriorate. Don’t use dishwashing liquid at all to maintain the guitar’s longevity.
Vinegar and freshly squeezed lemon juice are acidic and abrasive natural home items. While it is not recommended for use on guitars, it does cause damage to the fretboard. Dishwashing soap and vinegar, diluted, can be used to clean the instrument.
What are some household cleaners that could be used in a pinch, without damaging the guitar?
Wipe away any dust and filth on the fretboard with a soft flannel cloth soaked in warm water or an old t-shirt. Soft flannel cloths or an old t-shirt are preferred since they have a fine texture that prevents scratching from other types of cloths. To eliminate as much surface debris as possible, it is recommended that you work from top to bottom. It won’t remove embedded dirt or oil stains, but it should assist with the surface filth. To avoid streaks, use a dry flannel towel behind the area you just cleaned before the water dries and leaves any marks.
To remove the built-up dust and filth, superfine steel-wool 0000 grade could be utilized. Anything else will result in scratching. If you have a fretboard conditioner on hand, apply it to the wool as you clean to help condition and protect the wood. Cut a little piece of paper that fits over the tip of your finger and gently wipe the filthy places with it. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing; instead, use a gentle paintbrush to remove any remaining steel-wool strands.
If Q-tips with warm water don’t get rid of filth in hard-to-reach places, try using them with warm water. Take a Q-tip and a cup of warm water, add a few drops of vinegar or dishwashing detergent to help dilute it, and apply it to those hard-to-reach regions. After using the diluted water, wipe those areas with a damp cloth to avoid any residue, and then dry with a dry cloth to remove any extra moisture.
If you don’t have any fretboard conditioners, linseed, almond, or mineral oil are excellent options for feeding the wood. If there isn’t any built-up filth, the oil should suffice as a cleaning agent. Allow for a day or two for the oil to absorb into the wood before restoring the strings. To avoid applying too much oil, clean the areas where the oil was wiped down with a dry towel.
Using Pledge or other cleaners on your guitar
Here’s some more info on cleaning and polishing acoustic guitars:
Can you use pledge on an acoustic guitar? Short answer, no. To keep the instrument appearing brand new, avoid using Pledge or any other furniture cleaners with abrasive chemicals. The majority of the cleaners stated in the do not use category are some cleaners guitar owners have suggested to others, but research and time have shown that it is not the best alternative. Cleaning using a damp warm cloth or mineral oil seems to be the best option to cleaning methods in replacement of guitar kits. Use the tips above to make your guitar appear as amazing as it looked the day you got it.
