What Do You Use to Wipe Your Guitar?

[rudals1281]

Might as well, throw this in the archives 'cus it will be asked more than once. I guarantee it!

I sing and play my guitar standing up and a lot of spit and sweat get on my guitar. I am somewhat of a OCD when it comes to my stuff. I had been using Martin's guitar polish spray. Now I just use diluted water.

How about you?

[Ed422]

If anything special, a (very slightly) damp cloth.  Usually, it is more like the flannel shirt I'm wearing (or nothing).

Ed

[Ted @ LA Guitar Sales]

I have many different brands of guitar polishes on hand, some I purchased, some came in with guitars, and some were sent to me for trail by manufacturers, but more often than not I use Pledge to keep my guitars and guitar cases clean. Works great on the fretboards as well.

[DMBfan41]

I couple years ago I sent my NS34CE back to El Cajon for an oil change.  A couple weeks later I received it back in near mint condition.  Along with it, they complimented the package with a mint candy, a pack of Taylor guitar picks, and super-soft suede cloth.

I tried using the mint for wiping down my rigs but it left everything sticky.  I now use the suede cloth .

[michaelw]

a well-worn , & laundered, clean old 100% cotton t-shirt -
i don't lke to use cleaners/polishes, as i've found them
to attrach dust, lint fingerprints when i've used them

i usually just breathe on the surface & wipe it down -
if it needs a little more than that, a cloth that's been
ever-so-slightly dampened with just plain water

[barefooter]

Up until last year, I used Pledge on my guitars as well as Martin Guitar Polish.  When I received my T5 back in 2006, I was told to use Meguiars Wax.  However, when I got my 814 last year, I just started going the route of a damp cloth on all of my guitars.  I use luke warm water, ring out the cloth and wipe them down.  Everything shines and looks new.

[forhim]

Filtered water from the fridge in a small pump bottle and a nice soft and clean towel (microfiber).

Virtuoso polish and cleaner every once in a while.

[Terry]

This afternoon I cleaned and polished a guitar that I had been using the Martin spray polish on for a number of years. (well, it was a Martin :>) It seemed as if a film was developing on the finish. I gave it a good cleaning with Virtuoso Cleaner and then Polish. Looks a lot better and the fog - film is gone. Don't think I'll be using it anymore... the spray polish.
Virtuoso has done amazing jobs on used guitars I've picked up. Expensive, but it works.
Terry

[Iplay2]

I keep a microfiber cloth in my case to wipe the neck when I'm done playing.  As for cleaning, I use the same microfiber cloth and a bit of warm water.  That and some elbow grease seems to do a very good job.

[DennisG]

I stopped using the Martin polish because it didn't seem to do anything that plain water wasn't already doing.  I use a soft sponge, lightly moistened to wipe down the guitar.  And I use the nubby side of the sponge to clean off the frets and fretboard.  Does a great job.

[Gutch]

I keep a cotton flannel cloth in my kit bag or case that I get from FQMS (www.fqms.com) in Louisville, Ky.  Double thickness, big, soft as a baby's backside, inexpensive and easy to maintain (throw it in the washer and dryer).  They're cheap enough to put one in each case and have it at the ready when you put the guitar away to give it a quick wipedown then toss it over the top of the body before you close the lid.

Polish-wise, a damp rag is easy for a quick clean up of schmutz on the guitar.  If I want more, I use Turtle Wax Express Shine spray.  Meguier's is another option.  Anything without silicone.  I was told years ago never to use Pledge as the silicone in it would make finish repairs very difficult.

[cjd-player]

I use a microfiber cloth and water on the body.

Turtle Wax Express on the body and neck about once a year.  (All mine are the UV finish).

Steel wool on the fret board about twice a year.

[bo1142]

I use an old cotton t-shirt.  When I change my strings I will use ernie ball polish, but for regular maintenance, just a quick wipe down with the cloth.

[roadbiker]

For years I have been using Gibson guitar polish. I recently started using Winzer Reflection Surface Enhancer, which I really like. I apply with a microfiber cloth. To remove scratches I use Guitar Finish Restore Plus. Luckliy I don't get much use of it. I have also tried Meguiar's Auto Ploish and that does a nice job too.

Generally I use the Winzer polish and wipe down the guitar after every time I play it, especially the neck.

Jim

[Steely Glen]

Old cotton T-shirt works great.  I stuff it in the cutaway section of the case.  My guitars get a Virtuoso clean and polish once a year....on their birthdays.