How to clean a maple fretboard?

bcjim · October 2020

Can anyone advise a ‘newby’ on how to best clean a grubby maple fretboard?

I’m going to change strings shortly so am wondering if I might do a bit of a cleanup job at the same time. The fretboard has accumulated finger grime, and also something seems to have been spilled over it at some point, up near the second fret.

Thinking I’d start with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Is this a good idea? Will the frets go rusty?

It’s not a high value guitar. It’s a G & L Asat Tribute.

All advice gratefully received.

Jim.

munckee · October 2020

I use dr ducks axe wax whenever I change strings to clean and polish the whole guitar. You can use it on metal parts plastic parts and the wood.

Deadman · October 2020

Wet wipes have always worked for me.

skunkwerx · October 2020

Mm depends! Is it a gloss finished fingerboard?
If so you can just use regular guitar polish. I use Gibsons pump polish.

If its a satin finished or raw (raw would be rare) then I just use a slightly damp cloth. Not very wet at all.

If the crud is quite stubborn, try some
spit (seriously) then a damp cloth, or naphtha/lighter fluid is often recommended.

Sassafras · October 2020

If it's really grimy you can use naphtha.

Handsome_Chris · October 2020

MusicNomad F-One Fretboard Conditioner. I also use a cheap rag too. It does not fk with untreated maple in the same way that lemon oil does.

March · October 2020

I am one with the scuz.

sixwheeltyrrel · October 2020

Warm water and a damp cloth will most probably be fine but you might need something spirit based (as suggested above) if the dirt is stubborn and set in.

This will absolutely do the job if you had in mind to buy an off the shelf product:

https://www.stringsdirect.co.uk/accessories-c2/guitar-care-c56/cloths-c337/gorgomyte-guitar-fret-fingerboard-cleaner-with-conditioning-cloth-p9868