How to Clean a Guitar Fingerboard
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
Clean a guitar fingerboard by loosening the strings and wiping the wood with a soft dry cloth to lift dust and grime. For dirt the cloth leaves behind, use the maker's own cleaner for that fingerboard wood and wipe it away. Work along the board from the nut to the body, then restring and tune the guitar.
Loosen the strings first
Loosen the strings so you can reach the whole fingerboard, and set the guitar on a flat surface so it stays still while you work. Loose strings let the cloth pass over the wood between the frets and along the edges of the board. Keep the guitar steady and do not pull the strings sideways.
Wipe the board with a soft dry cloth
Wipe the board with a soft dry cloth, working from the nut toward the body so dust and grime move off the wood. Wipe around each fret and along the edges where dirt gathers. Turn the cloth to a clean part as it picks up dirt, and keep wiping until the wood looks clean.
Use the maker's cleaner for stubborn dirt
If the dry cloth leaves dirt behind, use the cleaner the maker states for that fingerboard wood and follow the directions on the cleaner. Put a small amount on a clean cloth, wipe the dirt from the board, then wipe the board again with a dry cloth. Do not leave cleaner sitting on the wood, and do not use solvents.
Check the board and restring the guitar
Look over the board for dirt left around the frets and wipe it again with the cloth. Bring the strings back to tension and tune the guitar to standard tuning E A D G B E. Check that each string sits in place and the board looks clean.
Ask a repair shop about worn frets
If a fret feels loose, or the wood has a deep groove, leave it alone and ask a repair shop. Fret work and wood repair need a technician, so do not file or sand the board yourself. A repair shop can tell you what the board needs and fix it without harming the guitar.
What you need
Washburn Comfort G-Mini 55 Koa Travel
A travel-size acoustic guitar with an ebony fretboard, so the cloth and cleaner steps here apply to its board.
- 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 rosewood fingerboard and bridge, so the same cloth and cleaner steps apply to its board.
- 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 carbon fiber fretboard, so the dry cloth step here applies to its board.
- 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 clean the fingerboard with water?
Wipe the board with a soft dry cloth first, and use only the maker's own cleaner for that fingerboard wood. Use water and mild soap only where the maker allows it, so check the maker's guidance before you use any liquid.
How often should I clean the fingerboard?
Clean the board when you see dust and grime on the wood or around the frets. How much and where you play decides how fast dirt builds up, so check the board each time you change strings.
Should I remove the strings to clean the fingerboard?
Loosening the strings gives you room to wipe the whole board. You can also wipe around the strings while they stay on, and tune the guitar after you finish.
Ranked acoustic guitars lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.