Cleaning Fretboard

DiminisheD-7th

DiminisheD-7th

New member
hey guys

i got an Ibanez guitar with tree of life inlay on it, that has abalone and mother of pearl.
to clean the fretboard, i regularly use a Dunlop Prep 01 to clean the grime of it and then wipe.
however since this guitar is new, i didnt have to clean it up until now (im going to change the strings tomorrow and that will be only the second time. i change strings every week and a half).

my question is, can i apply any regular fretboard cleaning materials to my guitars fretboard without risk of damaging the inlay? that dunlop prep is potent like dense cogniac :laugh2:
this guitar means the world to me, its a one time limited edition run made for the NAMM show, and its one of the best guitars i seen... so i cant be too careful now can i :22:

also any tips and suggestions on how to clean a fretboard effectivley are welcome.

thanks alot
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

I use what Dan Erlwine recommends in his books....hot breath and if necessary some saliva. Neither of these will damage your fretboard or inlays. Dan will also use some Napthla in small amounts if necessary. I don't like commercial fretboard cleaners for my guitars because of the chemicals in them.
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

I use naptha. Or in laymens terms lighter fluid. I highly recomend it. It will not hurt inlays, binding, or frets. It will just clean them.
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

theodie said:
It will not hurt inlays, binding, or frets. It will just clean them.
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unless you light it :laugh2:
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

A lot of people I know recommend Lemon oil to clean the fretboard... it shouldn't damage or stain the fretboard/inlay...
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

I always treat my fretboard with a high quality wood polish(dont know the brand off hand), keeps the wood protected from the oils in your fingers, and doesnt really hurt the sound either.
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

wait so you can spit on your fretboard then wipe it off to clean it? This will be handy because sometimes when I'm just jamming in my room I will drool on my guitar :laugh2:
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

Naphta works well for cleaning anything on a guitar and lemon oil works well for treating ebony and rosewood.


Panzer said:
I always treat my fretboard with a high quality wood polish(dont know the brand off hand), keeps the wood protected from the oils in your fingers, and doesnt really hurt the sound either.
Click to expand...

Make sure the polish doesn't have silicone. It might make refinishing/repairs that require glue more difficult in the future.
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

3 cent hero said:
unless you light it :laugh2:
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Yeah!!! Thats a great idea. We are talking about cleaning, not burning!!!!!
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

I use a special oil from stew-mac to condition the fretboard. I dont know what is in it though.
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

Naphtha for cleaning, Lemon oil afterwards to restore the wood´s natural moisture.

Don´t worry about the inlays, Naphtha and lemon oil won´t damage shell or epoxy within your lifetime ;)
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

good thread! wanted to ask myself but always forgot..

so i can use the zippo lighter fluid without a problem or should i use the petroleum for normal lighters?
how about alcohol?
where can i get the lemon oil

i never since i got the guitar cleaned it except scrape it off sometimes and now that i want to sell the guitar i dont think it will show good when the fingerboard is as dirty as my mind ;)
 
Re: Cleaning Fretboard

I would actually buy napthla at a hardware store or specialty woodworking store to make sure you're getting pure napthla and not a blend. It's not too expensive, and you'll get a bottle that will probably last your entire life for what you're using it for. Lemon oil can be found at nicer hardware, wood refinishing stores ect as well. You can also buy it online. I think stewmac has it, but I'd have to check.
 
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