Does anyone have any recommendations for cleaning finger grime on an Ebony fretboard? Can you use denatured alcohol or goof off? Thanks all
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Fretboard grime solvent.
- Thread starter weekend warrior
- Start date
100% pure lemon oil, hard rubbed with a microfiber cloth.
Naphtha should do the job and not have an adverse effect on anything.
2nd naphtha, a razor blade if the DNA is thicc
Skip ALL of the chemical solution suggestions. You don't want to be applying chemicals to ebony or rosewood.
For cleaning an ebony board - use 0000-grade steel wool. It makes the board look clean and beautiful, and also polishes the frets nicely.
Use it along the length of the neck - not from side to side. Just remember to put painters (blue) non-tacky tape over pickups, to protect them from attracting steel wool dust.
Note: this method is not for any 'finished' or coated wood - like most maple fingerboards, especially with a gloss finish.
For cleaning an ebony board - use 0000-grade steel wool. It makes the board look clean and beautiful, and also polishes the frets nicely.
Use it along the length of the neck - not from side to side. Just remember to put painters (blue) non-tacky tape over pickups, to protect them from attracting steel wool dust.
Note: this method is not for any 'finished' or coated wood - like most maple fingerboards, especially with a gloss finish.
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Naphtha should loosen any grime, but it's rapid evaporation precludes any "soaking" action. Not knowing your skill level, the razor blade works well, however a slip can do some damage. As mentioned, the steel wool fragments have a habit of finding their way to the magnets, no matter how careful you are. I realize that "Mineral oil" and several of the potions mentioned previously are the standard "go to" solutions. But none are originally intended to be used on wood. And many things that pass for mineral oil aren't.
I'd suggest trying to use some Howard's Feed and Wax (Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish & Conditioner | Howard Products) first. I use it to condition fingerboards, and it always manages to remove the gunge when I wipe it off. Apply it with a Q tip between frets and work your way down the board. When you get to the 8th or 9th fret, go back and clean the first two with a soft cloth or a Puffs tissue. Keep that distance between application and cleaning until you've got it all done. If you really want to spiff it up, get some Flitz polish and a fret guard. Polish the frets first and do the board after.
I'd suggest trying to use some Howard's Feed and Wax (Feed-N-Wax Wood Polish & Conditioner | Howard Products) first. I use it to condition fingerboards, and it always manages to remove the gunge when I wipe it off. Apply it with a Q tip between frets and work your way down the board. When you get to the 8th or 9th fret, go back and clean the first two with a soft cloth or a Puffs tissue. Keep that distance between application and cleaning until you've got it all done. If you really want to spiff it up, get some Flitz polish and a fret guard. Polish the frets first and do the board after.
A lot of folks don't even know it exists, but bronze wool works as well as steel wool, and the particles aren't attracted to magnets. It's also good for dulling the gloss on the back of a sticky neck.
Your Breath.
Breathe hot air close to the fingerboard, like you are trying to fog up a window then wipe down immediately. Works a treat, but a bit labor intensive as it’s only good for small areas.
Hi weekend warrior 
Oil is good! Lemon oil is used because it doesn't smell.
Most "lemon oils" are linseed oil blended with a lemon scent!
I use linseed oil like my dad and my grandpa did on their violins
They used natural linseed oil (smells a bit funny)
I use boiled liseed oil (less smelly) for cleaning and finish up with a few drops of "lemon oil".
Steel wool certainly works, but you may find some of it in your pickup cavity.
Or on the kitchen table (ask me how I know)
I have been using a magic sponge eraser (melamin foam) for the last ten years.
My wife gave it to me (after the kitchen table discussion
)
She uses it for her Tiffany lamps (to get rid of solder grease stains)
I use it dry for the frets and with some oil for the board.
greetings
Wise(b)ass
Oil is good! Lemon oil is used because it doesn't smell.
Most "lemon oils" are linseed oil blended with a lemon scent!
I use linseed oil like my dad and my grandpa did on their violins
They used natural linseed oil (smells a bit funny)
I use boiled liseed oil (less smelly) for cleaning and finish up with a few drops of "lemon oil".
Steel wool certainly works, but you may find some of it in your pickup cavity.
Or on the kitchen table (ask me how I know)
I have been using a magic sponge eraser (melamin foam) for the last ten years.
My wife gave it to me (after the kitchen table discussion
)She uses it for her Tiffany lamps (to get rid of solder grease stains)
I use it dry for the frets and with some oil for the board.
greetings
Wise(b)ass
Even worse, a lot of them are lemon-scented mineral oil.
Vegemite.
Just kidding. Use lemon oil, a soft cloth and a lot of elbow grease!
Just kidding. Use lemon oil, a soft cloth and a lot of elbow grease!
Damp rag with just plain water. You’d be surprised and no chemicals.
