WARNING!!!!! Backpacker content! (How do I clean this?)

[Scott O]

Suggestions as to how to get some of the dirt off of this Martin Backpacker? I don't think this is any type of finish on it. I'd say the "dirt" is just that as I've used it walking in the woods, around the campfire, etc. I want it cleaned up a bit. (Note: I'm not interested in using it as a canoe paddle for a few hours to clean it). Thanks.

[bufflehead]

just a dump rag.

[bluesfreek]

A little sanding with fine sanding paper will take away the grime.

[RustyAxe]

I'd use a soft cloth dampened with naphtha, followed by another dampened with a mild detergent and water, followed by another that's just water. I would NOT sand it or use any abrasive.

[bsman]

You might try a gentle cleaner, like TJ’s seventh generation, spray a bit on a rag and rub. That should loosen most of the dirt.

While you’re at it, change those strings!

[DenverSteve]

I would simply list it as "good condition, as seen in photos" and leave it alone. It is what it is.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by DenverSteve

I would simply list it as "good condition, as seen in photos" and leave it alone. It is what it is.

I'd do the same. Cleaning it up isn't going to raise the value by very much.

[Tico]

+2

I'd also leave it alone and just call that stuff patina, battle scars, or mojo.

Martin charges extra for that distressed look.

[drive-south]

There is a thin finish on these guitars. No sanding required. Who cleans their guitar with sandpaper?

I'd try a damp cloth and maybe a drop of dish soap. If that doesnt work then naphtha. Try not to rub too hard as the finish may gloss.

[jaybones]

I'd try a slightly damp rag (water) and see where that gets you.

[bluesfreek]

Originally Posted by drive-south

There is a thin finish on these guitars. No sanding required. Who cleans their guitar with sandpaper?

I'd try a damp cloth and maybe a drop of dish soap. If that doesnt work then naphtha. Try not to rub too hard as the finish may gloss.

I wasn't aware there was any finish on the body. It looks like dirty bare wood to me.

I used to have a very old Norman B20 made of birch laminate with no finish on it. No binding either. Hand built in Quebec. Very heavily built. Over the years a lot of grime built up on the body and neck. To remove it I simply took very fine grit sandpaper paper and by hand I very gently sanded the surface grime off and wiped it off with a damp cloth. I didn't go at it with a belt sander...

[Jcamp]

Maybe a rag with a little rubbing alcohol? Or paint it.... or don’t worry about it. Shows it’s been used not just setting around

[buddyhu]

Well, you have an area (below the sound hole and along the edge of the top) where the finish has been worn away; any dirt in that grooved area might be very resistant to be cleaned. Then you have all the other surfaces where there is some darkness, some of which is just dirt, but there may also be some staining as the result of exposure to oils on your skin. If there is staining due to oils, that WILL NOT clean off no matter what you do.

If I were you, I'd be concerned that anything I tried might be effective in some areas and not in others, leaving it looking worse than it currently looks. So I would join the chorus of folks who recommend just leaving it alone.

[gfspencer]

It's a Backpacker. Don't worry about it. Enjoy it.