How to Clean an Acoustic Guitar
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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To clean an acoustic guitar, wipe the body, neck and strings with a soft dry cloth after you play, and use a lightly damp cloth for fingerprints and grime. Work in small sections, dry each area as you go, and keep water away from the soundhole and the bridge. Put the guitar back in its gig bag when you finish.
Wipe the guitar after you play
Wipe the guitar with a soft dry cloth after you play, running the cloth over the body, the neck and the strings. This takes off sweat, dust and fingerprints before they build up. Pay attention to the back of the neck and the strings, where sweat collects. A quick wipe after each session keeps the guitar clean with little effort.
Clean the body and neck
Wipe in small sections and dry each area right away with a soft dry cloth. Keep water away from the soundhole, the bridge and any onboard electronics. On the Enya NEXG 2, keep water away from the speaker and the touch screen.
Clean the fretboard and strings
Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth, running the cloth along each string to take off sweat and dust. Wipe the fretboard with a dry cloth as well. The Washburn has an ebony fretboard and the Guild a rosewood fingerboard; use the maker's own cleaner for grime on the fretboard. Change strings that no longer hold tune or look discolored.
Store the guitar in its bag
Put the guitar back in its gig bag when you finish. Each guitar here comes with a gig bag: the Washburn includes a gig bag, the Guild a deluxe gig bag, and the Enya a custom-made gig bag. Store the bag away from heat and damp, and keep the guitar out of direct sun.
What you need
Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa Travel
A 7/8-size travel guitar with a koa top, back and sides, an ebony fretboard and a gig bag for storage.
- Solid top
- Case or gig bag included
- Body shape: Travel
- Top wood: Koa
- Lifetime warranty stated
Guild Traveler Mini Dreadnought Mahogany w/Gigbag
A mini dreadnought with a mahogany top, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a deluxe gig bag for storage.
- Case or gig bag included
- Body shape: Dreadnought
- Top wood: Mahogany Wood
- Lifetime warranty stated
Enya NEXG 2 Deluxe Carbon Fiber Smart
A carbon fiber acoustic-electric guitar with a 50W wireless speaker, 20 presets and a custom-made gig bag.
- Built-in pickup / EQ
- Case or gig bag included
- Top wood: Carbon Fiber
- 2-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Travel Acoustic Guitar, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use water to clean my acoustic guitar?
A lightly damp cloth is enough for fingerprints and grime on the body and neck. Wring the cloth out well, dry each area as you go, and keep water away from the soundhole and the bridge.
How do I clean the strings?
Wipe the strings with a soft dry cloth after you play, running the cloth along each string. Replace strings that no longer hold tune or look discolored.
How often should I clean my acoustic guitar?
Wipe it with a soft dry cloth after each session, and clean the body and fretboard when you see fingerprints or grime. A guitar kept in its gig bag stays cleaner between sessions.
What should I avoid when cleaning?
Avoid solvents and household cleaners, and never soak the guitar or pour water on it. Keep water away from the soundhole, the bridge and any onboard electronics.
Ranked acoustic guitars lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.