A big part of guitar ownership is keeping the machine clean. Over the years as a guitar tech I've picked up a few "tricks of the trade" and here I am passing them on.
(Part 1-basic cleaning)
For general cleaning, there are lots of useful things around the average household that will do the job. Old T-shirts make excellent rags to clean the finish. Another great rag material is cloth diapers. Just make sure that what you use is clean, free of dirt and contaminants.
The first cleaning method with a rag is to first gently brush off the loose dirt. Remember, dirt is abrasive and can and will scratch the finish so get it off first. I use a clean new paintbrush to accomplish this. Then I use the rag. I dampen it and wait till it's almost dry but still damp (VERY IMPORTANT for laquer finishes) and gently "push" the dirt off the surface working from the center out. Turn the rag to a clean surface and continue. Once clean, then use a guitar approved polish (I use the Fender stuff made by Meguiars) to finish the cleaning and add that nice sparkle.
So, go clean up that nasty guitar!!!!

For clouding chrome:

Use Flitz. non-brasive, works on old fashioned nickel or chrome cobered humbuckers, and any othe discolored metal on your guitar. Dab & polish with a paper towel. Rub off with a microfiber cloth.


www.flitz.com

Any fretboard cleaning tips?

For fretboards the cleaning method depends on the wood. For the rosewood and ebony #0000 steel wool will scrub off the grime and clean the frets. I usually follow the cleaning with an application of Johnson's paste wax. Let it soak in a few minutes and buff. For finished fretboards like maple use the same method as cleaning the rest of the guitar. You can use masking tape to protect the finish and polish the frets with the #0000 steel wool. Don't forget to tape off the pickups when using steel wool so the residue doesn't get into them.

k Thx. I was getting tired scratching of the dirt with my nails. It takes you hours to clean the whole fretboard that way.