Fithy fretboard cleaning

spev11

I've got an old Ibanez Gio that has the filthiest fretboard I'v e ever encountered. The usual, lemon oil and various cleaners are getting nowhere. Its like caked grime that I'd really like to shift. Its sort of a rosewood of somekind (or a copy of).
Whats the best option for heavy duty cleansing? Shall I just get some very light sang paper (ive got some 800 and 1000 grit here somewhere) or a furniture scraper?

hollywoodrox

Great question , it can be hard to clean , I’ve been recommended lighter fluid before 
  Lemon oil is more useful to condition it after cleaning. Lots use wire will but I would find that too messy with all those metal fibres that drop off . I wonder if a dish scourer is too harsh?

I didn’t find a toothbrush much use either and a credit card you would have to be careful not to dig in too much and mark the board. Interested to hear what people say as dark boards seem the worst to clean . Anyone use a razor blade ?it’s sufficiently thin to not damage the board 
  

maharg101

Wipe the lemon oil on, leave it for 20 minutes to soften the crud before "scrubbing" with a microfibre cloth. Rinse. Repeat.

SteveRobinson

Scrape in the direction of the grain using a Stanley blade.

Kittyfrisk

I have had success using single sided blades as scrapers, similar to these    https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amtech-G0968-Scrapers-Painting-Decorating-Transparent/dp/B077SF4J3S/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=single+sided+blade&qid=1673372230&sr=8-2

Go gently & slowly though 

xGizmo

BBQ lighter fluid + an old toothbrush (wear some safety glasses s#ro a covid spit shield)

spev11

i'll get some blades and try that, if no joy then lighter fluid
ta all

Keefy

I cut an old credit card at 45 degrees and use that as a scraper, you can get the pointy corner right up to the frets with less chance of scratching up the board.

LastMantra

Might be best to take the neck off, if you haven't already?

Bod

I get good results with this - https://www.liberon.co.uk/product/wax-polish-remover/ ;

spev11

Necks off already, one way or another it’s going to get clean 

sev112

Sand blast it ? 

LastMantra

I would probably try and soften it rather than scraping. Don't know how though 

Maybe heat? If not some sort of thinner.

And plenty of elbow. 

spev11

if all else fails i'll scallop the bugger

LastMantra

Genclean used to be handy stuff. Don't know if it's still the same or even still exists?

ICBM

Scrape with a knife blade (parallel to the grain along the neck), then use ‘label remover’ spray - this is a very powerful organic solvent which will shift just about anything.

This will leave the board very dry and slightly rough, so you will need to buff it up with ultra fine wire wool or micro-mesh (across the grain), then re-oil with lemon oil or similar.

Sarge

I cut down the bristles of a stiff toothbrush so they're stiffer still.
I've cleaned some really nasty boards with this and mineral oil. 
a vegetable scrubbing brush also works a treat. 

LastMantra

You could try painting on some neat washing up liquid and leaving it for a while to see if it softens any. 

spev11

its a little better now but bloody hell the previous owner must have been a sweaty filthy mess. Scrubbing brush is next

Corvus

I use panel wipe mainly because I've got loads, it's naptha and other things in and isn't expensive. Not a million miles from lighter fluid probably. Had to clean one where the gack was so heavy half the markers had vanished  wished for a full hazmat suit. Wiped off easily enough though.

BillDL

Have you smelled the board?  Does it stink?  I've had one experience where a guy had read about "oiling" his fretboard but used cooking oil of some kind on the board.  The organic oil eventually goes gummy and sticky, rots, and smells putrid.