Guitar Aficionado is supported by readers. If you buy something after clicking on one of our links, we may get an affiliate commission from that & it won't cost you anything.
When it comes to the guitar, there are certain things that must be done to maintain its condition. This is a fact of life that every guitarist accepts when they purchase any guitar.
With use, guitars can become extremely grimy. Depending on the angle of light, you’re bound to see fingerprints galore. Cleaning and polishing kits can really come in handy to make your guitar look new again.
Table of Contents
Best Electric Guitar Cleaning Kits
If you have an electric guitar, you’ll inevitably be wondering what cleaning kits are the best for your situation. For the most part, you’ll find that most cleaning kits can be used for both electrics and acoustics. Let’s take a look at some of the best cleaning and polishing kits you can currently find on the market.
Dunlop 6500 System 65 – Best Overall For Polishing And Cleaning
If you’re looking for a cleaning kit with pretty much everything you need, check out the Dunlop 6500 kit. This kit features everything in the Dunlop System 65 series of cleaners in one convenient kit.
You’ll be able to not only clean the body of your guitar but clean and condition the fretboard as well. This alone makes the 6500 kit a valuable purchase.
For the fretboard, you’ll have an individual cleaner that will clean the gunk off with no issues. Once you have that completed, Dunlop has provided a conditioner to apply to the fretboard. This will allow your fretboard to be maintained in tip-top shape.
Do take note that if you have a lacquered Maple fretboard, you will not want to use the fretboard cleaners. You risk damaging your fretboard as the cleaner can eat through the lacquer. If you have any other type of fretboard, you should be okay.
Also included with the 6500 kit is the System 65 cleaner and polish, which is excellent at removing marks. You can make your guitar shine bright with the included Carnauba Wax, which will buff out any extra scuffs.
After you’ve cleaned your guitar and you have some strings on it, you can apply some String Cleaner. This has a convenient roll-on application that allows you to clean and condition your strings after every use.
If that wasn’t enough, Dunlop has also included 2 microfiber cloths with the 6500 kit. These are recommended for cleaning as they won’t scratch the guitar’s surface.
Dunlop’s cleaning products are some of the best and most trusted. Because of its stellar reputation, as well as its value-packed price, this kit is the best on the market. It has everything you need without any extra stuff you probably won’t need.
MusicNomad Ultimate At Home Kit – Best Premium
For those of you looking for an all-encompassing kit, the MusicNomad Ultimate At Home Kit is for you. You’ll have everything you need to properly maintain your guitar at home.
With this kit, you’ll have a bottle of guitar polish, as well as a polish used for gloss finishes. These 2 polishes should be able to tackle any sort of dirt on the body you might have.
In addition to this, you’ll also get some fretboard oil. This will clean and condition your fretboard. Again, this is not to be used on lacquered Maple fretboards.
Also included in this kit is a lubricant that can be applied to your nut and saddles. You’ll be able to ensure your guitar consistently remains in tune.
Have dirty frets? This kit comes included with fret polish and several fret guides that allow you to isolate and condition your frets.
A variety of brushes and microfiber cloths also come with this kit. These will allow you to clean and polish in hard-to-reach areas.
Also included are:
- A guitar mat for maintenance work
- A neck cradle
- String winder
- Bridge pin puller for acoustic guitars
- String lubricant
- A set of tools for every type of screw you might encounter
This kit might be overkill for most. However, if you’ve ever wanted to do all of your guitar maintenance at home, you’ll find value with this kit. You won’t have to take the guitar to a shop unless you have an issue you aren’t comfortable with.
MusicNomad is another company that makes very worthwhile cleaning products. The company specializes in these types of products, and they have a reputation to match.
Gibson Luthier’s Choice Kit – Best Budget
Looking for the bare essentials on a budget? Don’t pass up on the Gibson Luthier’s Choice cleaning kit.
The Gibson Luthier’s Choice product line has been a prime choice for many guitarists. Despite its affordability, these cleaners will maintain your guitar with no issues at all.
Included with this kit is a guitar polish for high gloss finishes. You’ll be able to remove those pesky fingerprints from your guitar’s body with just a small application.
Have a dirty fretboard? The included fretboard conditioner will allow you to remove grime and maintain fretboard health.
Again, keep in mind that this fretboard conditioner is not to be used on lacquered Maple fretboards. Simple soap and water can be used in these instances.
If you want to prevent your fretboard from getting grimy, you can apply string cleaner and lubricant to your strings. This is also included with the kit and will help to keep your strings lasting a bit longer.
This is all you’ll get with this cleaning kit. It might not seem like much, but in reality, it is all you really need. More intensive and specialized products can always be added to your cleaning regimen if you should need them.
MusicNomad Total Guitar Spa Kit
If you’re serious about cleaning and maintaining every aspect of your guitar, there is a perfect kit for you. The MusicNomad Total Guitar Spa Kit (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) will meet your every need.
This is a 15-piece kit that has cleaning tools and materials for nearly any type of guitar. You could think of this as similar to the MusicNomad Ultimate At Home Kit, minus the maintenance tools.
Included with this kit is:
- Guitar cleaner and wax
- Polish for gloss finishes
- Detailer polish for both gloss and matte finishes
- Fret polish
- Fretboard oil
- String cleaner and lubricant
As you can see, no scuff mark or fingerprint stands a chance with this arsenal of cleaning products. However, that is not all that’s included with this handy kit.
To make things even easier for you, MusicNomad has included a number of accessories to aid your cleaning. You’ll get different cloths with this kit that will help you to buff your guitar’s body to a pristine shine.
There are also 3 different brushes included with the Total Guitar Spa kit. Each of these has different ends for a variety of different uses. You’ll be able to clean those hard-to-reach corners without any issues using these brushes.
Also included are fret guides which are used when polishing frets. This helps to cover the fretboard and isolate the fret when using the polish.
Overall, you’ll have everything you need for your guitar cleaning desires with this kit. You won’t have to purchase any products for some time as this kit will last you quite a while.
MusicNomad 5-Piece Kit
Need to tackle the basics of guitar cleaning? The MusicNomad 5-Piece Kit (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) is ideal for you.
Whether a massive cleaning kit is overkill, or you need some replacement products, you’ll have what you need right here. This 5-piece kit consists of the bare essentials you need to ensure that your guitar is getting the care it deserves.
With this 5-piece kit, you’ll receive:
- Guitar cleaner and wax
- Guitar polish
- Fretboard cleaner and conditioner
Also included with the 5-piece kit are 2 different microfiber cloths. Each of these has a different feel, with one being soft and the other more fine and sturdy.
When it comes down to it, the MusicNomad 5-Piece kit is a great value. You’ll receive the best-selling products of MusicNomad’s cleaning line in one kit. The addition of different cloths is an added bonus.
Lizard Spit MP16 Spit Kit
Looking for an eco-friendly solution to all of your guitar cleaning needs? The Lizard Spit MP16 Spit Kit will be the ideal cleaning kit for you. This cleaning kit is essentially comprised of 4 different pieces that will tackle every inch of your guitar.
With this kit, you’ll receive a bottle of guitar polish that can be used for even the toughest grime. You can apply it sparingly directly on the guitar, or apply it to a microfiber cloth.
If you have an unfinished fretboard (i.e. not lacquered Maple), this kit has a conditioner for your fretboard. You’ll be able to remove finger grime and ensure that your fretboard is properly hydrated.
We all know that strings can play an important role in the cleanliness of a fretboard. Lizard Spit has provided a string cleaner with this kit. Not only will you prolong string life, but this product will provide a slick playing experience, too.
To top it all off, Lizard Spit has also provided a large microfiber cloth with the Spit Kit. This measures out to 12 x 12 inches and will be a useful tool in all of your buffing applications.
Every cleaner provided in this kit is biodegradable and not toxic in any manner. This can put your mind at ease if you are eco-conscious about the products you use.
Overall, the bottles of cleaner in this kit are fairly small. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it makes a perfect candidate for the traveling guitarist.
Despite its goofy name, Lizard Spit is one of the more reputable brands for guitar cleaning products. The company specializes in these types of offerings, so be sure to try them out for yourself.
PRS Guitar Cleaning Kit
Quite often, guitar manufacturers will recommend that you use their cleaning products for their instruments. This ensures that you preserve the cosmetic integrity according to the manufacturer’s ideal recommendations.
As such, the PRS Guitar Cleaning Kit is ideal for those who have a PRS in their collection. Even if you don’t have a PRS, you might find value with this kit.
This kit is essentially a 6-piece kit, consisting of:
- Guitar cleaner
- Guitar polish
- Tung oil for fretboard maintenance
- 3 microfiber cloths
To get the grime off of your guitar’s body, simply use the guitar cleaner and rub away the dirt. Afterward, apply the guitar polish to give your guitar that new-looking shine.
The tung oil is a great product for the maintenance of unfinished fretboards. This will cut finger grime and hydrate the wood of the fretboard.
Overall, this is a pretty decent cleaning kit, especially for PRS guitars. Some have noted that the polish can be difficult to remove if left to dry on the guitar’s body.
Fender Custom Shop Deluxe Guitar Care System
As you’ve seen, it is not uncommon for guitar manufacturers to have their hands in the guitar cleaning kit game. The Fender Custom Shop Deluxe Guitar Care System is a great choice, even if you don’t have a Fender guitar.
This cleaning kit is a 4-piece set consisting of different cleaners. Some are more intensive, while others are designed for quick maintenance.
For instance, the included Quick Clean is designed for use after each playing session. This will help to prevent any sort of grimy buildup that tends to happen over time.
If your guitar has more grime than a quick clean can muster, this kit still has you covered. A more intensive guitar cleaner is provided, which will take care of those problem spots.
Once you’ve cleaned your guitar with either of the cleaners, you can then apply the included guitar polish. Doing so will restore your guitar to its beautiful glory, as it was the day you brought it home.
One thing to note is that this cleaning kit is safe for guitars of all finishes. Your mind can be put at ease whether your finish is lacquer-based or polyurethane.
You’ll also be able to protect your fretboard with the included Fingerboard Remedy. This not only cleans the fretboard but hydrates and protects the wood itself.
This cleaning kit is very straightforward, and the inclusion of a quick cleaning compound is always a plus. When using any of these products, you’ll want to use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaners.
Dunlop 6504
If you’re attracted to the Dunlop 6500 cleaning set, but don’t have the need for every item, there is hope. The Dunlop 6504 kit is a scaled-down version, offering the necessities of the System 65 product line.
With this kit, you’ll get Dunlop’s famous System 65 guitar cleaner and polish. You won’t need to apply any additional products for that iconic guitar shine. To use an analogy, this is like a shampoo that contains both shampoo and conditioner wrapped into one product.
For unfinished fretboards, Dunlop has provided its System 65 lemon oil. This is designed to remove finger grime and hydrate the wood of the fretboard.
To maintain the cleanliness of the fretboard, you’ll also get some string cleaner. Not only will this clean your strings, but it could make your strings last a little longer.
To top it all off, you’ll get a microfiber cloth with this kit. It’s recommended to use this as paper towels could scratch the finish of your guitar.
Overall, you likely will not be disappointed with this guitar cleaning kit. Dunlop’s cleaning products have garnered a very strong reputation over the years. You can be sure that millions of guitarists trust these products to clean their guitars.
MusicNomad FRINE Fret Polishing Kit
Sometimes, guitar frets can become incredibly dirty. Perhaps a guitar has sat for a while and some oxidation has occurred. Or maybe your frets have just lost that exquisite shine.
We’ve all been there at one time or another. In these events, you’ll need a fret polish kit to tackle the job. The MusicNomad FRINE Fret Polishing Kit is one of the most ideal products for this use case.
With this kit, you’ll receive the fret polish material, a microfiber cloth, and several fret guides. This kind of task can seem daunting, but this kit makes it an easy task to tackle.
Simply lay a fret guide onto the fretboard to isolate the fret you are cleaning. The bare wood on either side will be blocked by the guide so minimal polish touches the fretboard itself.
After you’ve isolated the fret, apply some polish to the fret and wipe it away with the microfiber cloth. You’ll effectively restore your frets back to their ideal smoothness.
Frets are often an overlooked aspect of guitar cleaning. Dirty frets can result in less-than-desirable playing experiences, particularly when it comes to bends and vibrato.
Once you’ve used this product, your guitar will feel as if it is brand new again. Seriously, you will wonder why you never cleaned your frets before after trying this product.
If you find yourself facing any of these issues, be sure to give the FRINE Fret Polishing kit a try. You likely will not be disappointed.
Gibson Vintage Reissue Restoration Kit
If you’re a Gibson owner, you’re probably more likely to want to use a cleaner recommended by Gibson. Doing so will ensure that the cosmetic integrity of your guitar remains intact.
What about if you should happen to acquire an older guitar that hasn’t gotten the love it’s deserved? If it has a nitrocellulose finish (as seen on Gibson guitars), there is one product that will work nicely.
The Gibson Vintage Reissue Restoration Kit is designed to bring an old guitar back to life again. This is a 6-piece kit with many different uses.
As you would guess, this kit contains a guitar cleaner and polish designed for nitrocellulose finishes. This cream will restore your guitar’s body back to its former glory.
You’ll also be able to maintain your fretboard with the included fretboard conditioner. Years of grimy build-up on your unfinished fretboard won’t stand a chance here.
One of the more unique aspects of this kit is its Low Abrasion Metal Cleaner. We all know that metal hardware can tend to become corroded over time.
If you should find yourself in this dilemma, this metal cleaner will work wonders. It comes with an applicator brush, which is used to dab the cleaner onto the part in question.
Also included with this kit are 2 microfiber cloths that you will put to good use with these cleaners.
Overall, if you’re looking to restore a guitar back to its original beauty, give this a shot. However, those with polyurethane and other types of finishes might want to look elsewhere.
D’Addario Instrument Care Essentials
Looking for a fool-proof cleaning kit? Be sure to check out the D’Addario Instrument Care Essentials kit.
This kit is a 5-piece kit consisting of multiple cleaners as well as a microfiber cloth. What’s even better is that each cleaner is designed to be used in a step-by-step process. Each step is labeled on the bottle itself, so there is no question as to the order each is applied.
Starting the cleaning process is the included Detailer. This is designed to help remove any light scratches as well as grimy buildup.
Once you’ve applied the Detailer, you can then move on to the Guitar Wax. You’ll find this Carnauba wax-based product to work quite well at giving your guitar’s finish that special shine.
After the wax, the Spray Cleaner helps to tackle any remaining marks on your guitar. This cleaner is also designed to help restore and improve the color of the guitar itself.
Of course, the fretboard also tends to be quite the haven for dirty buildup. This kit has you covered with its included fretboard conditioner. You’ll be able to cut grime and hydrate your fretboard in one go.
Overall, the D’Addario Instrument Care Essentials kit is a product worthy of your time. You’ll be able to maintain your guitar’s cosmetic health with no issues. The step-based instruction is ideal for beginners who have never cleaned a guitar before.
MusicNomad Premium Guitar Care Kit
You’ve seen MusicNomad’s guitar cleaning kits throughout this list. However, each of them consists of many different cleaners.
If you’re looking for the bare essentials from MusicNomad’s line, the MusicNomad Premium Guitar Care Kit is for you. This 3-piece kit will have everything you need for the basic cosmetic maintenance of your guitar.
Included with this kit is MusicNomad’s famed One cleaner. You’ll be able to clean and polish your guitar in one go with this product.
If you have an unfinished fretboard, you can maintain its health with the F-One oil. Simply apply it to the fretboard, and wipe away the excess. Or, if your fretboard is really dirty, let the oil soak for a few minutes before wiping away.
MusicNomad has also included a nice microfiber cloth that you will put to good use with these cleaners.
Overall, you can be sure that you’ll be getting what you need with this kit. The cleaner will be able to cut most of the body dirt without the need for usage of other cleaners.
Lizard Spit GT500
In need of a guitar cleaner without all of the fancy additions? Be sure to try the Lizard Spit GT500.
The GT500 is Lizard Spit’s premium guitar cleaner and it will tackle the toughest spots with ease. You can either apply it with a microfiber cloth or spray it directly onto the guitar itself.
Lizard Spit GT500 is also eco-friendly, consisting of ingredients that are completely non-toxic and safe for the environment. This is a huge plus against other cleaners that cannot legally make the same claim.
Perhaps the best thing about the Lizard Spit GT500 is that it claims it can remove spilled beer. Yes, you read that right. If your gig at the bar got a little crazy (or, perhaps, you did), you can easily clean it up.
Give this cleaner a try if you have a dirty guitar or want to keep up on basic cosmetic maintenance. It is safe for any type of guitar finish, including satin, gloss, lacquer-based, and polyurethane.
MusicNomad One
Sometimes, we really do not need to have an all-encompassing line of cleaners to clean a guitar. In fact, sometimes, we just need a cleaner that can get the job done.
If you find yourself in these shoes, be sure to try the MusicNomad One cleaner. Where other kits use multiple products for cleaning, this product does it all in one cleaner.
With this product, you can effectively clean any dirty grime from your guitar’s body. You’ll also be able to polish and wax your guitar’s finish to its original shine.
Concerned about sun damage? Well, this product has you covered as its application protects against UV rays. You read that right, sunblock for your guitar.
Overall, this product is primarily designed for use with glossy finishes. Applying this will really make your gloss extra glossy, the way you like. Many guitarists have been satisfied with this cleaner, helping it to gain a great reputation over the years.
Lizard Spit Scratch & Scuff Remover System
There is perhaps nothing worse than seeing scratches and scuffs in your guitar’s finish. True, it might give it that relic’d look, but it’s not always ideal.
In this event, you’ll want to try the Lizard Spit Scratch & Scuff Remover System. This 2-step kit will help you restore your guitar’s finish back to its ideal look.
Simply apply the first step of the kit to the guitar by hand. Work the compound into the guitar’s finish in small regions using medium pressure.
Afterward, buff the area of the guitar to shine using a microfiber cloth. Then, you can apply the second step, which is the Finisher.
This works in pretty much the same way as the first step. Work it into the guitar’s body, and buff the area to shine. If the finish isn’t up to snuff, simply repeat the process.
One of the biggest advantages of this product is that it is non-toxic and safe for the environment. You won’t have to worry about being exposed to questionable ingredients.
Another major benefit here is that this product is safe for all guitar finishes. This ensures that you can use it on all of your beloved guitars that have endured a scratch too many.
Best Acoustic Guitar Cleaning Kits
If you primarily play acoustic guitars, you might be wondering which kit is right for you. Can cleaning kits for electrics be used on acoustics?
The good news here is that most cleaning kits for electrics can be used for acoustics without any issues. However, there are some cleaners that are recommended for guitars from different manufacturers. Let’s take a look at these cleaners.
Martin Polish And Cleaner
Have a Martin acoustic guitar? You might want to consider the polish made directly by Martin. The Martin Polish And Cleaner (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) cleans your guitar as it came from the factory.
The Martin Polish And Cleaner works just as you would use with any other cleaner. Simply apply an amount to a cloth and clean your guitar’s body with it. You’ll then want to immediately wipe it off with a separate dry cloth.
Of course, even if you don’t have a Martin, this cleaner will work just as well for you. This cleaner has proven effective for all stringed instruments with a finish.
That means that you can readily use this cleaner on any electric guitar or bass you have in your collection.
Overall, this is a basic one-size-fits-all cleaner that will get the job done. It’s recommended for Martin guitars especially since Martin produces this product themselves.
Taylor Satin Finish Guitar Cleaner
Do you own a Taylor acoustic that’s gotten a bit dirty? The Taylor Satin Finish Guitar Cleaner (see price on Amazon or Sweetwater) was made for you.
This product is a simple all-in-one cleaning product that is specially made for satin finishes. So, even if you don’t have a Taylor, any satin-finished guitar can benefit from this cleaner.
How do you use this product? Simply apply it to a microfiber cloth and gently rub it onto the guitar until it appears clean. Yes, it’s really that simple.
One of the best things about the Taylor Satin Finish Guitar Cleaner is that it doesn’t leave any residue buildup. Sometimes, this can happen with other cleaners, which kind of defeats the purpose of using a cleaner, to begin with.
Overall, this is another basic cleaner that can get the job done quite well. If you have a satin finish, you’ll likely want to search this cleaner out.
Gibson Guitar Polish
Need a basic guitar polish? The Gibson Guitar Polish will allow you to buff out your guitar’s body to pristine condition.
You won’t receive any fancy frills with this guitar polish. Instead, you’ll simply receive a bottle of guitar polish and a microfiber cloth. And really, sometimes that’s all that is required to get the body cleaning job done.
If you own a Gibson, you might want to consider using this polish exclusively. Generally, a guitar manufacturer will only produce products that are appropriate for their instruments.
However, even if you don’t own a Gibson, this polish can still work great for you. This polish is suitable for all finish types, including lacquer and polyurethane.
To use, simply apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and buff out until the guitar is clean. You’ll be able to feel the dirt disappear below your fingers.
Top Guitar Cleaning & Polishing Kits, Final Thoughts
Never before have there been so many different ways to maintain the cosmetic condition of your guitar. There is literally no excuse for a guitar not getting the tender love and care it deserves.
Be sure to try some of these kits out for yourself. Your guitar will thank you and you will likely be able to keep your guitar in great condition for decades.
Side note, do you want to learn to play guitar songs the easy way? Learn how here – results are guaranteed!