Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

[jacksontrader]

A friend of mine's house caught fire today and ruined the house but, his guitars are fine, well sort of. They have some soot on them and was wondering if anybody has had good luck removing it. It's just a little bit up on the headstock of an RR3 and an Ibby. Nothing burnt just want to clean it up. I have to clean up an AVT50 and matching cab and some pedals also. Any ideas would be great. Thanks guys.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

If they are poly finished guitars take them all the way down and use simple green and a lot of rags...once all the fire soot is gone you'll likely have to use something else to get rid of the Simple Green smell but it'll work.

As for what else use windex is an idea...even soap and warm water...

Also remember to oil any exposed wood like the fingerboards and 3 in 1 oil any open gears, screws, etc...the head, smoke then water will be VERY hard on that stuff.

This is all first hand info as my family suffered a house fire some years back and my dad and I were able to same almost all the musical gear.

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

Damn,sorry to hear...

All the best with it,tho,sounds like good advice above me!

 

[Bludave]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

I would just wipe them down with a damp cloth then polish them up. Of course you have to take the down first. As far as the amp use WD40 then armorall

 

[Phantasmagoria]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

I use a rag with slightly diluted white vinegar on my (poly finished) guitars...works for stuff like crud/some sticker residue..

 

[Dr. Vegetable]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

Murphy's Oil Soap will not damage the exposed wood. I use it to clean all my "pawn shop" finds.

Or just douse it in Ronsonol and finish the job right.

 

[jacksontrader]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

Thankfully all of his guitars are finished in poly. Thanks for all the help.

 

[jacksontrader]

Re: Cleaning a guitar after a fire, question.

As far as the pedals, a couple got wet and I'm only guessing here but, put them in some rice for a bit and then take after them with some QD Electronics cleaner. The amp head wiring with the cleaner also? Thanks guys.