Fretboard Cleaning

M

MattSA

New member
I am putting a Washburn guitar back together and have never cleaned a fret board before. I have done some research and the popular opinion is to sand the fretboard with 0000 steel wool. I worry that this might ruin the finish of the ebony fretboard and the grain? Also, if I avoided this step would it be safe to use mineral spirits and a toothbrush to remove the very gunky mess on my fretboard? I just purchased Fretboard F-One Oil which is a cleaner, but I feel that it might need something stronger for the initial cleaning such as mineral spirits. An experienced opinion would be appreciated - I don't want to do anything to wreck this guitar.

Thanks,
MattSA
 
Re: Fretboard Cleaning

Steel wool is fine for a rosewood or ebony board, just go with the grain. I use the Dunlop fretboard oil, it takes the gunk off too, no need for a toothbrush, just a rag and fingernails does the job.
 
Re: Fretboard Cleaning

Naptha(lighter fluid) rather than mineral spirits.
#0000 steel wool.
Once you've got the gunk off lightly oil the fretboard with mineral oil.
Just enough to give it a sheen.

Also, you might want to consider wiping down the fretboard you play to keep the gunk from building up.
:)
 
Re: Fretboard Cleaning

Credit cards or thin plastic child's school rulers to scrape the bulk of the gunk off dry. Then some sort of cutting fluid to clean the remainder. My favorite stuff is Kyser Dr. Stringfellow String Cleaner and Lubricant applied with an old cotton tee shirt. I like it because I like the smell (like mentholated oil), it lasts a long time (I've had my bottle since 2004, and it is just now getting near the bottom), and it also does a good job on fret and string tarnish (and tough spots on the finish of guitars, and on hardware). This stuff makes my strings last about four times as long as they would without it.

The only thing some might have against it is the smell. It is quite strong...but I like it a lot.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/kyser-dr.-stringfellow-string-cleaner-and-lubricant
 
Re: Fretboard Cleaning

Naptha/toothbrush should work fine. Then light oil of your choice and buff with a soft cloth.
 
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