How to Clean a Guitar Amp
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Clean a guitar amp with the power off and the amp unplugged, using a soft dry cloth over the cabinet, grille and knobs. Let every surface dry before you plug the amp back in.
Switch the amp off and unplug it
Turn the amp off at its power switch and pull the plug from the wall socket. Keep the plug and the socket dry while you clean, and keep the cloth away from the inside of the amp. Work on the outside surfaces only, and leave any work inside the cabinet to a repair shop.
Dust the cabinet and grille
Run a soft dry cloth over the cabinet, the grille cloth and the corners where dust gathers. Use light strokes and let the cloth pick up the dust instead of pressing it into the grille. A soft brush reaches the seams and the edges of the grille frame where a cloth cannot reach.
Wipe the control panel and knobs
Dampen a soft cloth with water and a little mild soap, then wring it out until it is only slightly damp. Wipe the control panel, the knobs and the faceplate, turning each knob as you wipe around it. Follow with a dry cloth so no moisture stays on the panel.
Clean the jacks and connections
Wipe around each jack on the front and back panels with a dry cloth, and clear dust from the openings with a soft brush. Plug a cable into each jack and pull it back out to clear dust from the contact surfaces. If a jack crackles or cuts out, ask a repair shop to look at it.
Check the speaker grille and vents
Look over the grille and the vents on the back of the cabinet for dust that keeps air from passing through. Brush the dust away from the vents with a soft brush, and wipe the grille with a dry cloth. Leave the back panel in place and do not open the cabinet.
Let it dry before you play
Leave the amp unplugged until every surface you wiped feels dry to the touch. Plug the amp back in, switch it on, and play to confirm the knobs and jacks work as before. If anything sounds wrong, switch the amp off and ask a repair shop.
What you need
Positive Grid Spark 2 50W Smart Guitar
A 50W amp with a 12-inch speaker, built-in effects and amp models, Bluetooth, and a built-in looper, with an app that presents tones from a description.
- Power: 50 W, the most here
- Speaker size: 12 in, the largest here
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Bluetooth
Positive Grid Spark GO 5W Ultra-Portable Smart
A 5W ultra-portable amp with 33 amps and 43 effects, Bluetooth, and a USB-C rechargeable battery that lasts up to 8 hours.
- Power: 5 W
- Speaker size: 6 in
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Bluetooth
Fender Champion II 25 Watt Electric Guitar
A 25-watt combo amp with an 8-inch speaker, built-in reverb, delay and chorus effects, a headphone output, and a 2-year warranty.
- Power: 25 W
- Speaker size: 8 in
- Built-in effects / amp models
- Headphone output
- 2 year warranty stated
CXLWZ Electric Guitar Amp 20 Watt Amplifier Portable
A 20-watt portable amp with a 6.5-inch speaker, a headphone input, gain, bass, treble and volume knobs, and an AUX input.
- Power: 20 W
- Speaker size: 6.5 in
- Headphone output
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Amp, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use water to clean my guitar amp?
Never pour water on the amp, and keep water away from the jacks, vents and power socket.
How do I clean the knobs on a guitar amp?
Dry the panel with a soft dry cloth so no moisture stays behind the knobs.
What should I do if my amp crackles after cleaning?
Switch the amp off and unplug it, then let it dry fully before you plug it back in. If the crackle stays, ask a repair shop to look at the jacks and the wiring inside the cabinet.
Ranked guitar amps lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.