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What to clean your bass with?

#2
Polys (urethane, ester, etc)
  • Windex (non ammonia). Apply to a rag first.
  • Alternate: water and mild detergent. Rag first.
Nitrocellulose lacquer
  • Unchecked finish: Water, water and mild detergent, applied to rag, damp only.
  • Checked finish, vintage guitar: Hot breath and dry rag
  • Note: Lacquer thinner will dissolve finish. Fast
French polish
  • Damp rag only. If using detergent, try to find an inconspicuous area to test.
  • Note: Alcohol will dissolve finish. Really, really, fast. That includes whisky, vodka, or anything else found in the speed rack.
Oil finishes
  • Damp rag
  • More of the same oil
  • Note: Most oil finishes have a sealer applied to the wood
Naphtha can be used before water based cleaners to de-grease and remove non-water soluble stuff. It is safe on poly and nitro. There has been some anecdotal evidence that it is a problem for French polish.

Unfinished fingerboards in rosewood, pau ferro, and the like can be safely cleaned with naphtha, water, or walterw's favorite naphtha water blend. So can most maple fingerboards as long as they are sealed.
 
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#3
202dy said:
Polys (urethane, ester, etc)
  • Windex (non ammonia). Apply to a rag first.
  • Alternate: water and mild detergent. Rag first.
Nitrocellulose lacquer
  • Unchecked finish: Water, water and mild detergent, applied to rag, damp only.
  • Checked finish, vintage guitar: Hot breath and dry rag
  • Note: Lacquer thinner will dissolve finish. Fast
French polish
  • Damp rag only. If using detergent, try to find an inconspicuous area to test.
  • Note: Alcohol will dissolve finish. Really, really, fast. That includes whisky, vodka, or anything else found in the speed rack.
Oil finishes
  • Damp rag
  • More of the same oil
  • Note: Most oil finishes have a sealer applied to the wood
Naphtha can be used before water based cleaners to de-grease and remove non-water soluble stuff. It is safe on poly and nitro. There has been some anecdotal evidence that it is a problem for French polish.

Unfinished fingerboards in rosewood, pau ferro, and the like can be safely cleaned with naphtha, water, or walterw's favorite naphtha water blend. So can most maple fingerboards as long as they are sealed.
Click to expand...

I have a Sire V7 bass, it doesnt say what kind of finish it is. Is a wet wipe good enough for both neck and body? This kind:

disposable-wet-wipe-500x500.jpg
 
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#4
Leo Dale said:
Is a wet wipe good enough for both neck and body? This kind:
Click to expand...
i think you're OK with that. some would prefer to clean the neck with alcohol. IMO: for a quick clean = a damp cloth will work. for a serious clean and 'polish' = probably several different potions are up to the task...and a few to stay away from...

others will be along to share their favorite methods. but a damp cloth (your wet wipe) will work: if it's too wet = be sure to have a dry cloth handy to quickly wipe away any excess as you don't want any water 'standing' on the actual bare-wood parts.

good luck! :thumbsup:
 
#6
Do your wet wipes have any soap/antibacterial potions in them?
I’ve always had the best luck with a lightly dampened rag followed by a dry rag. All my rags are cut up old T shirts, unless i’m polishing, then it’s cotton baby diapers
 

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