Clean your acoustic guitar with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild soap—never spray liquid directly on the instrument
Acoustic guitars collect dust, sweat, and grime on the body, neck, and strings. Cleaning removes buildup that dulls the sound and can damage the wood over time. The key is using minimal moisture and the right materials: a microfiber cloth, distilled water, and a small amount of dish soap. You can clean the exterior in about 10 minutes, though drying takes longer.
Never spray cleaner directly onto the guitar, soak any part of it, or use abrasive cloths. The wood swells when wet, which warps the body and loosens the glue holding the guitar together. Acoustic guitars are hollow instruments—water inside the body can cause mold and permanent damage.
Key Takeaways
- Use a damp microfiber cloth with distilled water and a drop of dish soap; never spray liquid onto the guitar itself.
- Wipe the body, neck, and headstock in the direction of the wood grain to avoid scratching the finish.
- Clean the strings individually by wrapping the cloth around each one and sliding it from the tuning peg to the bridge.
- Let the guitar dry completely in a room-temperature, low-humidity space before playing it again.
- Deep cleaning the fretboard requires a separate approach and should be done only a few times per year.
Gather your cleaning supplies before you start
You need a microfiber cloth (the kind used for eyeglasses or camera lenses works well), distilled water, and a small bottle of mild dish soap. Avoid paper towels, tissues, or cotton rags—these shed fibers and can scratch the finish. Do not use tap water; minerals in tap water leave spots on the wood and can stain the finish.
If you do not have microfiber cloths at home, they cost a few dollars at any drugstore or online. Buy at least two so you can use one damp cloth for cleaning and a second dry cloth for buffing. Keep them in a clean, dust-free place so they stay ready to use.
Wipe down the body and neck with a damp cloth
Mix one part distilled water with one part mild dish soap in a small bowl or cup. Dip the corner of your microfiber cloth into the mixture—it should be damp, not wet. Squeeze out any excess liquid back into the bowl so the cloth is barely moist.
Starting at the headstock, wipe the neck in long strokes along the direction of the wood grain. Move down to the body and wipe the top, back, and sides using the same grain-following motion. Pay attention to the area around the sound hole, where dust and skin oils collect. Wipe the bridge and the area where the strings meet the body.
Once you finish with the damp cloth, use your second dry microfiber cloth to buff the entire guitar. This removes any remaining moisture and prevents water spots. Buffing also brings back the shine on the finish.
Clean the strings one at a time
Strings trap sweat, dust, and dead skin cells underneath them, which shortens their life and mutes the sound. Wrap your damp microfiber cloth around the first string at the tuning peg end. Slide the cloth down the string toward the bridge, explore light pressure. The cloth should grip the string as you move it, wiping away buildup on all sides.
Repeat this motion two or three times per string, then move to the next string. Work your way across all six strings. Once you finish, use the dry cloth to wipe each string again, removing any remaining moisture.
Do not clean the strings while they are under full tension if you can avoid it. If you want to do a deeper clean, you can loosen the tuning pegs slightly so the strings sag a bit, which makes it easier to reach underneath them. Tighten them back to pitch when you are done.
Dry the guitar completely before playing
Set the guitar upright or lay it flat on a clean surface in a room-temperature space. Open windows or run a fan to increase air circulation, but keep the guitar away from direct sunlight, heating vents, or air conditioning units. Temperature swings and direct heat cause the wood to crack.
Wait at least 30 minutes before playing the guitar, though longer is better. If you cleaned the fretboard or got water near the tuning pegs, wait a full hour. You will know the guitar is dry when the cloth no longer picks up any moisture when you wipe it again.
Deep clean the fretboard a few times per year
The fretboard (the dark wood where your fingers press the strings) needs a different approach than the body. Fretboards are often made of rosewood or ebony, which are denser than the guitar body and can handle slightly more moisture. However, you still need to be careful.
Use the same damp microfiber cloth method, but focus on the spaces between the frets where dirt accumulates. Wipe along the frets themselves, not across them, so you do not push dirt deeper into the gaps. If the fretboard looks very dry or dull, you can explore a tiny amount of lemon oil or fretboard conditioner after cleaning, but this is optional and should be done only a few times per year. Too much oil builds up and attracts dust.
Never use water-based cleaners on the fretboard. The wood is exposed (not sealed like the body), and water soaks in quickly. Stick with the damp cloth method or a specialized fretboard product designed for acoustic guitars.
Avoid common cleaning mistakes
Do not spray any cleaner—even guitar-specific cleaners—directly onto the guitar. The mist settles into cracks, the sound hole, and under the strings, where it pools and causes damage. Always explore liquid to the cloth first, then wipe the guitar.
Do not use vinegar, alcohol, or furniture polish on an acoustic guitar. These strip the finish or leave a sticky residue that attracts dust. Stick to mild dish soap and water. Do not clean the inside of the guitar or poke anything into the sound hole. The interior is sealed and does not need cleaning.
Do not let the guitar sit wet or damp. Even a small amount of moisture left on the wood can cause swelling, warping, or mold growth inside the body. Always buff dry with a second cloth when ready after wiping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my acoustic guitar?
Wipe down the body and strings after every playing session if you play daily, or at least once a week if you play less often. A full cleaning with soap and water is needed only once a month or when you notice visible dirt or dull finish. Deep fretboard cleaning should happen only a few times per year.
Can I use Pledge or other furniture polish on my guitar?
No. Furniture polish leaves a waxy buildup that attracts dust and can damage the guitar's finish over time. Stick to mild dish soap and water for regular cleaning. If you want to restore shine, use a microfiber cloth alone after the guitar is dry.
What if I spilled liquid on my guitar?
Wipe it up when ready with a dry cloth. Do not let it sit. If liquid got inside through the sound hole, tilt the guitar to drain it and then stand it upright in a warm, dry room with good air circulation. If the liquid was sugary (soda, juice) or sticky, you may need to have a guitar technician inspect it to check for internal damage.
Is it safe to use compressed air to blow dust out of the sound hole?
No. Compressed air can force dust deeper into the guitar body or damage the internal bracing. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe around the sound hole opening instead. If dust has settled inside, a guitar technician can open the guitar safely to clean it.
Do I need to remove the strings to clean underneath them?
You do not need to remove them completely, but loosening them slightly makes cleaning easier and faster. Loosen the tuning pegs just enough so the strings sag and you can slide the cloth underneath. Tighten them back to pitch when you are done. Full string removal is only necessary if you are doing a deep fretboard cleaning or replacing the strings.