Yes, you can clean a guitar with just water, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Use a damp cloth, not a wet cloth. A damp cloth will be enough to remove dirt and grime without damaging the finish.
- Avoid getting water into the electronics cavity. If you do get water into the electronics cavity, turn off the guitar and take it to a qualified technician to have it dried out.
- Dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning. Be sure to wipe down the entire guitar, including the neck, fretboard, and hardware.
If you have a gloss finish, you can usually get away with using just water to clean your guitar. However, if you have a satin or oil finish, you may want to use a commercial guitar cleaner that is specifically designed for your finish type.
Here are the steps on how to clean your guitar with just water:
- Wipe down the guitar with a damp cloth. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where dirt and grime tend to accumulate, such as the body, neck, and fretboard.
- If necessary, use a toothbrush to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime. Be careful not to damage the finish.
- Dry the guitar thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.
Here are some alternative methods for cleaning your guitar with water:
- Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Apply the mixture to a damp cloth and wipe down the guitar. Be sure to dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
- Mix equal parts water and lemon oil. Apply the mixture to a damp cloth and wipe down the guitar. Be sure to dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
These methods are less likely to damage the finish than using just water.
It is important to note that cleaning your guitar with just water is not always the best way to go. If your guitar is very dirty or has a satin or oil finish, you may want to use a commercial guitar cleaner that is specifically designed for your finish type.
