Sanitizing a Martin from Covid-19?

[rstaight]

I recently read that the CDC and other organizations believe the Covid virus doesn't live on surfaces as long as first thought.

I would let it set for a few days out of the case where it can get some sunlight. But not direct sunlight. Make use of the free UV rays.

If it's not disturbed shouldn't be a problem.

Then give it good cleaning and polish as normal.

[mawmow]

Interesting thread.
When I bought the Martin OODB from local brick and mortar store,
I washed my hands at the door : that stuff took a few minutes to dry
while rubbing my hands on each other. Then played the guitar. The seller
nursed the guitar with some stuff before I would leave with her in her OHSC.
I NOW realize I did not wash my hand after I played the guitar.
I played it every day for the last five days now without changing strings either.
Well this OODB may not have been played much by other hands.
In addition, the seller had told me I would not be allowed to try as many
guitars as I would wish to because of the Covid risks.
But this makes me wonder if they should not keep a flow sheet of trials for
every guitar...

[thunderboltfan]

Definitely don’t lick it.

[gfirob]

Dr. Fauci lets his mail sit for two days before he opens it. I think he knows what he is talking about.

[eljay]

Will these recommendations work for a Gibson?

[Brushwood]

I appreciate all of the responses here to my question and thank you for taking the time to answer. As I look forward to eating a turkey sandwich and leftover fixin’s from Thanksgiving for todays lunch...I have to say I’m thankful for AGF in more ways than one.

[dan!]

Originally Posted by Ds114

Nothing to do with sanitizing, but I have used IPA as a wipe down on nitro finished electrics before. That said I have no experience doing so with acoustics or Martins, but if the finish is IPA safe that might be the more covid safe approach

Wait. IPA? India Pale Ale? You rub beer on your guitars?


Actually, I think that’s a Johnny Cash song.

[Pinetreebob]

By now the nasty virus has now died on your guitar if it ever had it. Like others others have said, the virus dies over time so waiting for 4-5 days should make it safe to handle without risking sanitizing agents. That would probably be my plan if I ordered a new guitar these days, I wouldn't want to risk damaging the finish and voiding warranty.
Once it acclimate to my house temperature wise I would probably take it out, inspect it defects put it back in the case and wash my hands. I would then wait 4 days then play it. You also have to remember the last person to actually handle a guitar before shipping was at least 2 days previous to delivery. You really only have to worry about who handled the outside of the carton.

[Ds114]

Originally Posted by dan!

Wait. IPA? India Pale Ale? You rub beer on your guitars?


Actually, I think that’s a Johnny Cash song.

no no.. Isopropyl alcohol (ie rubbing alcohol)

[jpd]

Use hand sanitizer sprayed lightly on cloth and wipe. Use it on your own hands before and after playing...after a few days you won't need to hand sanitize. Did this twice in the last weeks during a CL sale...worked very well.

[gfspencer]

Originally Posted by MickZ

Your best bet is to use a UV-C wand that you can pick up cheap on Amazon and wipe it down with a lightly dampened towel.

I second the UV-C wand and a slightly dampened towel.

I would not put full strength hand sanitizer on my guitars. I dropped some on the top of a chest of drawers. It took the finish off.

[TomB'sox]

I think the OP has gotten plenty of good advise. Thank you for your replies.