With the strings off, wipe the board with a dry or barely damp cloth and remove the build-up at the frets with a soft cloth. What to use beyond that depends on the wood and the finish, and the manufacturer’s guidance takes precedence.
Do it at a string change
Everything about the job is easier without strings in the way, and you are already there.
What comes off easily
Skin and sweat build-up along the frets, which is what makes a board feel sticky. A soft dry cloth removes most of it.
What to be careful with
Different woods and finishes want different treatment, and a maple board with a gloss finish is not a rosewood board. Follow what your instrument’s maker recommends rather than a general rule from the internet.
Check your own manual before you plug anything in. Voltage, polarity and current draw differ from model to model, and the manufacturer’s figures take precedence over anything written here. A supply of the wrong polarity can damage a pedal in seconds, phantom power is safe for most microphones but not for every one, and the required voltage is printed next to the socket or stated in the manual — not inferred from a connector that happens to fit.
The questions players ask
How often?
At each string change is convenient, because the board is accessible and the work is already half done.
Can I use household cleaners?
No. Solvents and detergents can damage finishes and dry out unfinished wood, and the damage is not reversible.
Last reviewed 2026-08-18