How to Clean Guitar Strings
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
Wipe guitar strings with a soft dry cloth after playing to lift sweat and grime from the windings. For a deeper clean, wipe each string with a cloth lightly dampened with warm water and mild soap, then dry it right away. Replace the strings when they look discolored or rough, or when they no longer hold tune.
Wipe the strings after playing
Hold a soft dry cloth under one string at a time and slide it along the full length, top and bottom, to lift sweat and grime from the windings. Work through all six strings, then wipe the fretboard and the body where your hands rest. A quick wipe after each session keeps grime from building up on the windings.
Clean with a damp cloth
For grime a dry cloth will not lift, dampen a soft cloth with warm water and a drop of mild soap, then wipe each string and dry it at once with a second dry cloth. Do not soak the strings or let water sit on the fretboard or the body. If the maker sells its own string cleaner, use that instead and follow the directions on the bottle.
Clean under the strings
Slide the cloth between the strings and the fretboard to reach the underside of each string, where sweat collects out of sight. Lift each string gently away from the fretboard while you wipe, and let it settle back before you move to the next one. Do not pull the strings hard or bend them sideways while you clean.
Know when to change the strings
Cleaning helps, but it cannot bring back a worn set. Change the strings when they look discolored or feel rough under your fingers, when you see rust on the windings, or when they no longer hold tune. How fast that happens depends on how much and where you play, and on whether your hands sweat while you play.
What you need
D'Addario EJ16-3D Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings
A phosphor bronze 12-53 acoustic guitar string set, sold in a 3-pack with corrosion-resistant winding.
- Sets in pack: 3
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
Elixir
A phosphor bronze 12-53 acoustic set with a NANOWEB coating that guards the strings against sweat and corrosion.
- Coated strings
- Material: Phosphor Bronze
- Gauge: Light
Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound 10-46 electric guitar string set in Element Shield packaging that keeps the strings fresh.
- Material: Nickel Wound
Ernie Ball Super Slinky Nickel Wound Electric
A nickel wound 9-42 electric guitar string set in Element Shield packaging that keeps the strings fresh.
- Material: Nickel Wound
These come from our ranked list Best Guitar Strings, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use water to clean guitar strings?
Yes, in small amounts. Wipe each string with a cloth lightly dampened with warm water and mild soap, then dry it right away with a dry cloth. Do not soak the strings or leave water on the fretboard.
Should I clean coated strings differently?
Clean them the same way, with a soft dry cloth after playing.
How often should I clean my guitar strings?
Wipe them after every session, and clean them with a damp cloth when they start to look discolored or feel rough. Change them when they still look discolored or feel rough after cleaning, or when they no longer hold tune.
Can I clean the strings without removing them?
Yes. Wipe each string on the guitar with a soft dry cloth, sliding it along the top and the underside. Loosen the strings only if you need to reach the fretboard underneath them.
Ranked guitar strings lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.