Must-Have Tools for Guitar Maintenance
Here’s a short list of essential tools that support a consistent acoustic guitar care routine:
Music Nomad Microfiber Cloth – Scratch-free cleaning
Martin Guitar Polish – Safe for acoustic finishes
F-One Fretboard Oil – Prevents drying and cracking
Humidipak System – Controls climate inside your case
String Winder & Cutter – Makes string changes faster
Gig Bag or Hard Case – Travel-ready protection
If you’ve invested in a beautiful instrument, you owe it to yourself to learn proper acoustic guitar care. Whether you're a new guitarist or a seasoned player, regular maintenance is essential for keeping your acoustic guitar sounding and playing its best. Neglecting small issues like dryness, dirt, or string wear can eventually lead to warped wood, cracked finishes, and costly repairs. These are problems that you will want to avoided sooner than later, especially with an instrument that might range above $1,000, even anything over $500.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through every aspect of acoustic guitar care — from daily cleaning habits and humidity control to fretboard maintenance and essential accessories. We've also included top products from The Acoustic Shoppe’s accessories collection so you can get started with the right gear.
Daily Maintenance: The First Line of Defense
When it comes to acoustic guitar care, the most effective habits are the ones you do regularly. After each playing session, gently wipe down your guitar with a soft microfiber cloth. This removes sweat, oils, and dust that can wear down the finish or corrode your strings. A simple wipe-down can prevent long-term damage and keep your guitar looking new.
For a fast, all-in-one clean, we recommend Music Nomad’s The Guitar One, which acts as a polish, wax, and cleaner specifically made for gloss finishes.
Weekly and Monthly Cleaning Routines
While daily cleaning handles surface buildup, your acoustic guitar needs deeper care every few weeks. One of the most overlooked areas is the fretboard, which can dry out and crack without proper treatment.
Start by using Music Nomad’s F-One Fretboard Oil to condition your fretboard and protect the wood. Made of 100% naturally produced oils and is safe on all unfinished rosewood, ebony and maple fretboards. Pair it with The Nomad Tool Set, which helps clean in and around frets and hardware without scratching.
If you want an all-in-one option, the D’Addario Instrument Care Kit includes a variety of tools and cleaners for fretboards, hardware, and body care — ideal for intermediate and advanced players who want to go beyond the basics of acoustic guitar care.
Humidity Control: The Most Crucial Step
Humidity is one of the most important factors in acoustic guitar care. Wooden instruments are extremely sensitive to changes in moisture. If the air becomes too dry (below 40%), your guitar can develop cracks, fret sprout, or warping. On the other hand, high humidity (above 60%) can loosen glue joints or cause swelling.
To prevent this, we recommend the D’Addario Humidipak Starter Kit. This two-way system automatically adds or removes moisture as needed, keeping your guitar in the safe zone of 45–55% humidity. For long-term upkeep, the Humidipak Absorb Kit is a smart addition, especially during seasonal transitions.
A humidity-controlled case or environment isn’t optional — it’s a core part of responsible acoustic guitar care.
String Maintenance: Sound and Safety
Changing your strings regularly is more than just a tone issue — old strings can break mid-performance, rust, or even damage your guitar. As a rule of thumb, change them every 1 to 3 months depending on how often you play.
To make the process faster and easier, use tools like the D’Addario Tour Grade String Peg Winder or the Pro Winder String Winder and Cutter. These multi-functional tools help you wind strings evenly and clip off the excess without damaging the pegs or tuners.
Don’t want to do it yourself? No problem — The Acoustic Shoppe also offers professional string changing services. Just drop in, and we’ll handle it for you. With no strings you cant play guitar. With old and worn strings you cant sound good while you play.
Proper Storage Techniques
Storing your guitar correctly is one of the most overlooked aspects of acoustic guitar care. Leaving your guitar out in the open exposes it to accidental bumps, spills, and environmental changes
When storing your guitar be sure to follow these quick tips.
Humidity - Your ideal humidity to store your guitar at is 45 - 55% to maintain optimum playability and consistency.
Keep in a Case - If you have just gotten your first instrument, the last think you want to do is accidently damage your brand new instrument, always have a guitar case for nay instrument, the obvious choice is a Hard-shell case for your guitar, but if you don't want ton take your guitar in and out, a stand like the might be the best choice for you.
Avoid temperature change - always keep your instrument in consistent conditions, intense changes in temperature can cause a lot of eyes very bad for a new instrument.
Avoid water - water can completely ruin your guitar's wood, easily damaging the guitars wood and its playability, sometimes permanently.
When not in use, place your guitar in a secure case like the Ortega Dreadnought Gig Bag, which provides padded protection and insulation from humidity shifts. Avoid storing guitars near heating vents, windows, or bathrooms — all of which can cause dramatic climate fluctuations.
Travel Tips for Acoustic Guitar Care
If you're hitting the road, take extra steps to protect your guitar. Sudden climate changes, bumps, and cabin pressure can all damage your instrument. Use a humidified case, loosen your strings slightly, and let your guitar acclimate before opening the case.
Pro tip: always keep a microfiber cloth and polish on hand when traveling to clean up fingerprints or sweat on the go.
Fretboard and Hardware Details Matter
Small parts like frets and tuners need attention too. Regularly inspect your fretboard for grime or sharp fret edges (fret sprout). You can clean and condition it with the F-One Oil and remove debris using the Nomad Tool Set.
If your guitar has a buildup of residue on the hardware or bridge, the Amp & Case Cleaner and Conditioner is gentle and safe for multiple finishes and surfaces.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Sound and Investment
Consistent acoustic guitar care is the difference between an instrument that ages with beauty and one that falls apart. With the right habits, tools, and gear, you can keep your acoustic guitar in optimal condition — ensuring every note rings clear and every session is satisfying.
Whether you're a beginner or a touring pro, The Acoustic Shoppe has everything you need to care for your guitar — from string winders to humidifiers to expert repair services. Visit us online or in-store to take the next step in your guitar care routine.
