What do you use to clean strings to extend their lifespan?

[fulfillingsoul]

Please advise as per topic. Thanks!

[Jeff M]

A clean cloth after playing.

[ocarolan]

Clean handkerchief after playing, one string at a time, especially underneath the strings. Fast Fret now and again.
Keith

[buddiesorg]

Nothing ... but I have extremely dry hands. For awhile, I tried to remember to wipe down with a dry cloth (because I heard about it here), but most of the time I forgot ... and even uncoated strings last me 3-6 months.

[GibbyPrague]

Big bends G-string wipes.

Must say giving them a wipe instantally improves tone, just taking some grime off, was suprised how much effect cleanign the strings had on tone and longevity.

[MaurysMusic]

In the winter months in PA, I don't use anything - but in the heat & sweat of the summer, John Pearse string swipes have enabled me to do 2 more gigs with strings I'd otherwise consider a bio-hazard

[Cue Zephyr]

GHS Fast Fret. It can still make my 2-month old strings sound good again.

[Scholar]

I wash my hands before playing, and I wipe down the strings with a soft cloth after playing. Once every week or ten days, I apply Fast Fret. I've recently changed strings, from Pearse Phosphor Bronze mediums (which I've used for years) to Newtone 80/20s, and I'm liking the results tonally. I don't know about the longevity of the Newtones, so I'm being careful about my cleaning procedures. YMMV.

[fulfillingsoul]

Weather's humid here. And using only soft cloth before and after playing doesn't make my strings last more than a month. I play close to 2 hours daily.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by fulfillingsoul

Please advise as per topic. Thanks!

Hi ffs…
I have never tried any substance or chemical that extends the life of strings, other than the coatings applied by string makers at the factory on strings like Elixir or D'Addario EXP.

But I have discovered that if I wash my hands before playing and wipe the strings with a soft rag (either cotton or microfiber), non-coated strings last about double just playing it and putting it away or setting it on a stand un-wiped.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by fulfillingsoul

Weather's humid here. And using only soft cloth before and after playing doesn't make my strings last more than a month. I play close to 2 hours daily.

Hi ffs…
I don't care what kind of strings I'm using, 2 hours a day for a month would exhaust any set or brand of strings I use. That's longer than my expected life expectancy for strings if you like the tone of fresh strings with their singing highs and ringing overtones, and if you appreciate sustain.

I think you are just properly wearing them out!

Are those coated or non-coated?

[fulfillingsoul]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi ffs…
I don't care what kind of strings I'm using, 2 hours a day for a month would exhaust any set or brand of strings I use. That's longer than my expected life expectancy for strings if you like the tone of fresh strings with their singing highs and ringing overtones, and if you appreciate sustain.

I think you are just properly wearing them out!

Are those coated or non-coated?

Yes they are non-coated. Been switching strings. And my latest change Martin FX can stretch only to 3 weeks.

[brianmay]

IF I clean them at all (Elixirs), then I loop a small piece of chamois leather around the string and run it up the fretboard and back.

Works a treat. If you pinch it together above the string, it cleans the top of the string too.

Quite frankly, I really only clean the whole guitar when I replace the strings - lemon oil the fretboard etc.

It's rare I wipe the strings as they last for months and still sound great (in UK climate).

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by fulfillingsoul

Yes they are non-coated. Been switching strings. And my latest change Martin FX can stretch only to 3 weeks.

Hi ffs…
I get about 20-25 hrs of play from non-coated strings, and then change them. I get more than 40 hrs of play from Elixir.

I have not found any specific make of non-coated string that lasts longer with my style of stress or play, and with coated strings, EXPs (D'Addario) don't last me as long as Elixir.

If you are wiping them down, you are doing what you can/should. I've heard lots of myths and lore over the years, including removing and boiling strings. Strings are so inexpensive, and easy to change that I don't find a compelling reason to risk chemicals or sprays or other treatments.

[Jeremy]

Originally Posted by Scholar

I wash my hands before playing, and I wipe down the strings with a soft cloth after playing.

This is what I do.