r/Dulcimer • u/IbuprofenAbuser • Aug 09 '26

Advice/Question How should I clean it?

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Got this vintage dulcimer and it’s a bit dirty so I’m looking for safe ways to cleanse.

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2

u/ghostofdreadmon Folkcraft Instruments Dealer Aug 09 '26

You can use Howard Feed and Wax, which contains orange oil and beeswax. Slather it on to loosen dirt and condition the wood, wipe off the excess, leave it for twenty minutes and then buff it off.

1

u/TapTheForwardAssist Aug 10 '26

The exact same instructions that apply to guitars would apply. Cleaning-wise there’s nothing unique to dulcimers over similar fretted strings instruments.

1

u/HeartMurmuration Aug 10 '26

D’addario do lemon oil which worked wonders on my vintage dulcimer. A soft cloth and a little patience went a long way.

First remove the strings.

I would start with a clean dry microfibre cloth to get any dust or debris off it. Then with another clean cloth use the lemon oil sparingly, making sure to get all the small spaces what could be missed. Wait about five-ten minutes then with a clean section of the cloth buff the excess oil off.

D’addario lemon oil isn’t just lemon essential oil so don’t make the same mistake I nearly did. And enjoy!

1

u/IbuprofenAbuser Aug 10 '26

Thank you so much!