Whether or not it is okay to clean your guitar with water depends on the type of finish on your guitar.
Gloss finishes:
Gloss finishes are the most resistant to water damage. It is generally safe to clean a guitar with a gloss finish with water, as long as you avoid getting water into the electronics cavity. Be sure to dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
Satin finishes:
Satin finishes are less resistant to water damage than gloss finishes. It is still possible to clean a guitar with a satin finish with water, but you should be more careful to avoid getting water into the electronics cavity. Be sure to dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
Oil finishes:
Oil finishes are the most susceptible to water damage. It is not recommended to clean a guitar with an oil finish with water. If you need to clean an oil-finished guitar, you should use a commercial guitar cleaner that is specifically designed for oil finishes.
Unfinished bodies:
Unfinished bodies are not sealed with a finish, so they are very susceptible to water damage. It is not recommended to clean an unfinished guitar body with water. If you need to clean an unfinished guitar body, you should use a very lightly dampened cloth and dry it thoroughly immediately after cleaning.
Here are some tips for cleaning your guitar with water:
- Use a damp cloth, not a wet cloth.
- Avoid getting water into the electronics cavity.
- Dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
- If you have a satin or oil-finished guitar, be especially careful to dry the guitar thoroughly after cleaning.
If you are not sure whether or not it is safe to use water on your guitar, it is always best to consult with a professional guitar technician.
Here are some alternative methods for cleaning your guitar:
- Use a commercial guitar cleaner that is specifically designed for your guitar’s finish.
- Use a mixture of water and white vinegar.
- Use a mixture of water and lemon oil.
Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label or in the guitar cleaning guide for the specific method that you choose.