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Excellent results using Sodium Percarbonate (NapiSan cleaner) on bass strings

A

Ajsweet

Feb 16, 2024
108
167
#1
I've used this method for cleaning nickel coated rounds for ~6 times now (on the same set of strings) with amazing results.

1. Get LARGE pot, put a small amount of hot water in the pot- up to 15% full. (Just enough water to cover strings) Leave HEAPS of empty room (~85% volume of pot) in the pot for foam.

2, mix in to the hot water 1 scoop of napisan (Sodium Percarbonate)

3. put the string in pot, and put the pot on the stove/ element at 25% power.

4. try to gently boil the strings in the hot water/ NappiSan solution without it foaming over and messing the stove. This can be tricky to do.

5. try to simmer for 5-10 min.

6 . rinse thoroughly with boiling water then cold water.

7. enjoy clean ( like 98% new) strings


I do this every 2/3 weeks.
 
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#3
jeff62 said:
This is a new option. I find it easier to just slap on a set of new strings when needed.
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And I consider what my time is worth as I go through the process outlined above.

For me, it works out about the same as the time and cost of new strings. But that’s just me.

Also, I have to consider, I still practice my slap-playing technique a good bit, even though I hardly use slap playing these days. By the time the strings lose their edge, there’s lots of little divots up and down the strings from where the strings have contacted the frets from slap playing. They definitely need replacing by then.

I don’t mean to oppose the above idea and it’s certainly worth trying if one isn’t too hard on their strings.
 
#4
For people in the US: You can find sodium percarbonate cleaners (usually with some fragrance) branded as OxyClean or similar. Most non-chlorine laundry detergents also have sodium percarbonate as their main active ingredient.
 
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#5
Just something to think about... I've been doing this over 10 years.

I use stainless rounds and have 2 sets for each bass.

I have a regular schedule getting of swapping strings when I get the basses on the bench every few weeks to check setup and clean/polish.

get a 2" diameter pvc tube long enough for the strings, cap and seal one end.
Fill with good denatured ethyl alcohol. (190 proof)
toss 'em in, slide on the other ends cap and soak for a day or 2.

pull the strings out and wipe them down with a cloth. Coil them up and set them aside until the next maintenance day.

Alcohol is a hell of a solvent that really cleans everything off the strings. finger funk, etc. keep the tube capped when not in use. keep reusing the alcohol.

I'm able to keep sets of strings sounding fresh for so long that I have to keep an eye on how much the frets have ground notches into them.

This is also why I almost exclusively use quick load bridges now. Straightening where the strings were on the tuners when you pull it through the hole in the bridge or through the body will stress the core and eventually will lead to breakage.

The 2 takeaways from this is 1: it does work well 2: I'm a tightwad
Before this, I was putting on new strings as often as every 4 days.

Just give it a shot and see what you think. it not like it costs that much to try and doesn't hurt the strings. The alcohol lasts a long time.
 
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#9
While keeping your strings clean certainly makes them feel better, none of the cleaning regimens affect the metallurgical damage to the string core at the bridge saddle bend. That damage has a far more profound influence on the vibrational character of the strings than the accumulated chicken grease; is progressive, and ultimately can make the string unable to be intonated.

Just sayin’.
 
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#11
bucephylus said:
While keeping your strings clean certainly makes them feel better, none of the cleaning regimens affect the metallurgical damage to the string core at the bridge saddle bend. That damage has a far more profound influence on the vibrational character of the strings than the accumulated chicken grease; is progressive, and ultimately can make the string unable to be intonated.

Just sayin’.
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The alcohol method I mentioned is not a feel thing. They do sound new as long as a new set sounds new.

I think it's harsher on the core at the tuner end if you have to straighten them to get them trough the bridge. Hence my use of fastload bridges.

I also verify intonation when I have instruments on the bench. There have been no discernible changes in these strings.

I brought this up because it does work well..... and the wear you mention would be caused even without cleaning them. Strings wear if you play them.

They still do eventually need thrown out either way.
 
#12
Ajsweet said:
I've used this method for cleaning nickel coated rounds for ~6 times now (on the same set of strings) with amazing results.

1. Get LARGE pot, put a small amount of hot water in the pot- up to 15% full. (Just enough water to cover strings) Leave HEAPS of empty room (~85% volume of pot) in the pot for foam.

2, mix in to the hot water 1 scoop of napisan (Sodium Percarbonate)

3. put the string in pot, and put the pot on the stove/ element at 25% power.

4. try to gently boil the strings in the hot water/ NappiSan solution without it foaming over and messing the stove. This can be tricky to do.

5. try to simmer for 5-10 min.

6 . rinse thoroughly with boiling water then cold water.

7. enjoy clean ( like 98% new) strings


I do this every 2/3 weeks.
Click to expand...
Thanks for sharing. Seem great method.
 

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