Is it OK to clean your instrument's strings (on a cello, viola, or violin) with 70% isopropyl alcohol?

Question

I have tried looking this up online and found most people say that 91% isopropyl alcohol is best, but I was wondering if 70% would still work.

Answer 1

I've always used 70%, even gotten it on the fingerboard (although that I also clean with my Psarianos polish - but that polish, on the other hand, is not suitable to clean the strings).

What you do have to be VERY careful about, though, if you use any kind of alcohol at all, is not to get it on the varnish, especially on the body of your violin.

Answer 2

Noooo

Try some product especially formulated for wood let me check in the internet... wait
Ok I found This:

OK,strange topic...any1 know how to CLEAN a cello?
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This must sound really weird, but does anybody know of anything that can be used as a type of 'polish' for my cello that won't make it slippery and cause the bridge to keep sliding or anything?

Thanks guys
David

Gablety
Registered User
Posts: 61
(5/23/01 6:16:56 pm)
Reply Yes, microfiber glasses cloths!
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I think all that you need to do is wipe it every now and then with a cloth. I like microfiber cloth because they really pick up the dust and make the cello look *clean*. Some people say you should do this after every time you practice, but I would say a couple of times a week should be enough. Also, I just use the tiny glasses-cleaning cloths you pick up at the drugstore that I also use on my glasses, but you can get a bigger one if you want it; in general, these things are available everywere.

If your cello has something goopy on it, like maple syrup, or maybe something with eggs in it that got on wet and has dried, I don't know what do do; I'm glad that that's never happened to my cello. Maple syrup is delicious, things with eggs in them (quickbread, cake, pancake batter, plain egg) are delicious, but they're almost impossible to get off counters if they've been sitting long enough, forget about a cello! You'd probably need to go over it again and again with a cloth that's wet, but not so wet that it would seep through to the cello. Ugh.


I will tell you waht I use to clean my piano:

Liquid Gold - Wood Cleaner and Preservative

I bought it at Lowe's is a Red, white and Gold Spray can.

Instructions: Just spray a little bit on a clean white cloth (like 100% cotton T shirt) That type of material, and clean your cello gently. This will clean, give shine and protect the wood. And the Product has a good Almond Scent. I would highly recommend this one. Try it.

Ohhh Scheisse! Now I see you just want to clean the strings! Managgia!!!! Yes, yes Alcohol is OK. But for the wood try the things I told you. I am sorry, I missed understood! well I answered 2 questions in 1.

Answer 3

It's ok, but it still leaves a film on the strings. Denatured alcohol is the best. Try a little dab on the cloth and rub the strings clean, not getting any on the wood. If you do, just wipe it off quickly.

Answer 4

Yes it is OK to use rubbing alcohol as long as you make sure not to get any on the instrument. If you are unsure if you will get any on the instrument, put a cloth down on it first. Then with another cloth, put some rubbing alcohol on it and then rub it on the strings. There's also string cleaning liquid you can get...you can purchace it from Shar...which is one of my fave websites to buy string stuff (music, accessories, instruments, bows, etc...)

Answer 5

Either but be careful not to let it get on the wood.. Alcohol dissolves Varnish.

Answer 6

I would suggest sticking with 91% ,use the best for the best results.

Answer 7

Yea, just be carefull not to get it on the fingerboard.