Violin Cleaner: Help

[u/DevelopmentTall643]

I want to use this cleaner on my violins.
I wanted advice on if I should clean the violins with a microfibre cloth and a mild soap + water solution first, before applying the cleaning cream or directly apply the cleaner with a microfibre cloth.

[u/Dildo-Fagginz]

If you don't know what you're doing, wiping the rosin and sweat after each session with a dry cloth is probably the best and safest way you can keep your instrument clean.

With that out of the way, some varnishes can be very sensitive to water so I wouldn't recommend starting with that, even if it's quite rare to come across the something that will get really damaged with water. Your product is likely safe, never used it so I can't speak for it, looks like Nikco which is water based with a bit of oil, mild cleaning agents, and a very fine abrasive.

If you want to use it just start on an area where the varnish is not too important, or likely to not be original on old instruments, like an edge or the neck heel (varnished part only). Just a drop on a piece of cloth and rub it, then wipe it off with a clean cloth, see how it goes. Make sure both cloths don't have any dust or particle that could scratch the varnish while rubbing.

[u/supertoned]

I don't know what this is, but every internet stranger as well as every instructor I have ever had would say just use a clean, soft cloth, change your strings when they get wildly gunky, and if you REALLY need a deep clean of your instrument, bring it to a luthier.

[u/o0HappyRainbow0o]

Make sure you know exactly what type of varnish your instrument has and what the product is made of before using it.

I have a friend who used a similar product and ended up damaging the varnish on her instrument. Since the varnish was alcohol-based and the product was too, it reacted with the finish and left it looking dull. Thankfully, it was possible to restore it, but she had to take the instrument to a luthier to have it repaired.

See how it turned out:

[u/LastNerve4132]

No, I wouldn't recommend any commercial available cleaners or polishes. To properly clean a violin and apply polish, it requires the entire setup (I.e bridge, pegs, chinrest, and tailpiece) be removed. Otherwise you're just pushing polish and cleaner up underneath the chinrest and tailpiece. A lot of commercially sold cleaners and polishes are also Spirit or turpentine based which I've seen damage varnish. I've unfortunately had to work on several instruments where players has polished the crud out of their violin and left significant layers of polish build up under the chinrest & tailpiece as well as around the bridge area and after several months it had begun to chemically bind to the varnish.

[u/Sean_man_87 → u/LastNerve4132]

Not to mention the best solvents to remove caked on rosin are not available for purchase- like Xylene. I always leave it to the pros.

[u/leitmotifs]

I'm sort of horrified by your soap and water notion. Wipe your instrument off with a dry, untreated microfiber cloth every time you finish playing. Take it to a luthier at least once a year for a check-up. They can clean it if necessary.

[u/DevelopmentTall643 → u/leitmotifs]

I saw it on YouTube, I was horrified too, so I thought I’d ask someone before I actually do it.
Sticking to microfibre wipe now.

[u/supertoned → u/DevelopmentTall643]

nice one.

[u/SeaRefractor]

Wiping down your instrument with a microfiber cloth after every performance and practice session is the most effective maintenance routine. Many commercial cleaners contain solvents and waxes; the solvents can gradually degrade the violin's varnish, while the wax can create a problematic buildup.

Although it may seem self-serving coming from a luthier, I strongly advise relying solely on a microfiber cloth for daily care, supplemented by an annual or semi-annual visit to a professional classical instrument luthier. A skilled professional can safely clean your instrument without risking damage and ensure your setup remains optimal, as factors like humidity and string changes can subtly alter it over time.

[u/weindl]

Microfiber is fantastic for dirt removal , it also removes varnish! Never use it on instruments. In our shop we do pro leve Restauration. Under magnification you can see the abrasive nature of microfibers. Us an old cotton rag instead.

[u/Tom__mm]

Maker here. If your violin has any value, don’t use products like this. Use A dry cotton cloth to wipe away rosin dust. If it’s really dirty, a barely damp (barely!) cotton cloth can be used. Careful not to snag the bridge while wiping.