Learn How To Play Guitar & Guitar Accessories

Question: Can you use vinegar to clean guitar fretboard?

(Posted by: Deryck W on 2012-01-24 16:59:30)

For electric guitar.

Posted by: Christine Frydas on 2012-01-24, 17:01:14

I play the classic guitar and I use pure alcohol

Posted by: Frijid Blue on 2012-01-24, 17:03:52

I've heard of people using rubbing alcohol and some use wood cleaner like pledge

Posted by: Wendigo on 2012-01-24, 18:49:10

You could but you risk damaging it with the acids in the vinegar. So I wouldn't recommend using it. Alcohol could dry out any oils in the fretboard, and cause it to crack over a long time period.Another way to clean it, is use a high quality oil soap, but if you do, do not dilute it in water. The oil soap will help put back the oils that are lost over time. Also the vinegar, or alcohol can destroy the finish of the fretboard. The oil soap is also good to use on the body of a finished wood guitar. Then you can use a good quality furniture cleaner to help restore or give it a bit of luster.

Posted by: LucasMan on 2012-01-25, 01:12:02

I wouldn't, as I imagine it would dry out the wood.

Posted by: Tony B on 2012-01-25, 05:08:58

You don't say what your fretboard is made of. Untreated rosewood is very different to lacquered maple!

Posted by: OU812 on 2012-01-25, 05:54:33

If it is maple (not baked maple ala Gibson) just use a damp cloth and then dry the fingerboard well after cleaning. If it is baked maple, ebony or rosewood get the Dunlop fingerboard kit for $12. musiciansfriend.com/ accessories/ dunlop-guitar-fingerboard-conditioning-kit/ 425271000000000