Keeping those pickup covers clean is a must if you want your guitar to look sharp and sound great.
Dust, grime, and all that gunk can mess with the aesthetics and maybe even affect your tone a bit over time. Whether your covers are chrome, nickel, or plastic, this guide’s got you covered.
Let’s jump in and get those pickups shining again.
How To Clean Pickup Covers In 7 Steps
Step 1: Gather Your Stuff
First things first, you gotta make sure you’ve got all the supplies you need. Here’s what you’re gonna need:
- Soft microfiber cloth: This is your go-to for wiping and polishing.
- Mild soap or dish detergent: For cleaning off any nasty dirt.
- Warm water: To mix with the soap and do the cleaning.
- Q-tips or cotton swabs: For the tight spots around the pickups.
- Metal polish (optional): For metal covers that need a little extra love.
- Masking tape: To protect your guitar’s body from any slips.
- Toothbrush (optional): For scrubbing off tough grime.
Step 2: Protect Your Guitar
Before you dive into the cleaning, you’ve gotta protect the guitar’s body. Take some masking tape and cover the areas around the pickups. This way, you won’t accidentally scratch the finish or get soap where it shouldn’t be.
If the pickups are screwed in super tight, you might wanna loosen the screws just a tad. This gives you more space to work around the covers without bumping into the guitar body.
Step 3: Wipe Off the Dust
Start with a dry microfiber cloth and give those pickup covers a good wipe to get rid of dust and loose dirt.
This’ll make the deep cleaning easier later on. If there’s dust in the nooks and crannies, grab a Q-tip and get in there. You don’t want to skip this step—makes a big difference!
Step 4: Soap and Water Time
Mix a bit of mild soap with some warm water in a bowl. Dip a corner of your cloth into the soapy water and wring it out until it’s just damp—not soaking wet. Gently wipe down the pickup covers with the damp cloth.
You wanna be careful here, though. Don’t let too much water get near the electronics. We don’t need any unwanted surprises.
If there’s some stubborn dirt, you can grab a soft toothbrush and gently scrub the area. Focus on those spots around the edges where dirt loves to hide. Just be gentle and don’t go overboard with the water.
Step 5: Dry and Polish
Once you’ve cleaned the covers, it’s time to dry them off. Use a dry part of your microfiber cloth to wipe away any leftover moisture. If your covers are metal and looking a little dull, you can use a bit of metal polish to bring back the shine.
Just a little dab’ll do ya. Make sure you’re using the right polish for the metal you’re working with, whether it’s chrome, nickel, or something else.
For plastic covers, skip the polish and just keep buffing with your cloth until they’re nice and clean.
Step 6: Finish Up
Now that the pickup covers are sparkling, carefully remove the masking tape from around the pickups. If you loosened the screws earlier, tighten them back up. Don’t go too tight, though—you just want them secure.
Then, give the rest of your guitar a quick wipe with the microfiber cloth to remove any dust or fingerprints that might’ve shown up during the cleaning process.
Step 7: Keep It Clean
To keep those pickup covers looking fresh, give them a quick wipe with a dry cloth after each time you play. This keeps the dust and grime from building up and makes the deep cleans less frequent. It’s a small habit, but it’ll keep your guitar looking sharp and ready to play.
What Not to Do: Avoid These Mistakes
When cleaning your pickup covers, there are a few things you should definitely avoid. You can check out the image below.
Never use harsh chemicals like bleach or abrasive cleaners—these can damage the finish of your pickup covers and even the surrounding parts of your guitar. Also, don’t soak your pickups in water.
While it might seem like a quick way to clean, water can seep into the electronics and cause serious issues. Always stick to a damp cloth rather than soaking the covers.
And be careful with metal polish—using too much or the wrong kind can scratch the surface or leave residue that’s tough to remove.
Lastly, don’t forget to protect your guitar’s body with masking tape. It’s easy to scratch the finish if you’re not careful while cleaning around the pickups.
You can also watch the video below to learn more about cleaning your axe.
For Polish readers: Find out how to take care of your guitar.
FAQ
Q: How often should I clean my pickup covers?
A: It’s a good idea to give them a quick wipe down after each playing session to prevent buildup. A more thorough cleaning like the one described here can be done every few months or as needed, depending on how often you play and the environment your guitar is in.
Q: Can I use household cleaning products?
A: Stick to mild soap and water. Avoid household cleaners that contain harsh chemicals, as they can damage the finish on your pickup covers and guitar. A little bit of mild dish soap is all you need for most cleaning jobs.
Q: What if my pickups are rusty?
A: If you notice rust, it’s best to address it carefully. Use a small amount of metal polish specifically designed for the type of metal on your pickup covers. If the rust is extensive, you might need to consider professional help to avoid damaging the pickups.
Q: Are there any types of pickup covers that require special care?
A: Metal covers, like chrome or nickel, may benefit from occasional polishing, but plastic covers are typically easier to maintain—just a wipe down with a damp cloth will do. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations if you’re unsure.
Final Thoughts
So now you know how to clean pickup covers!
It might not be the most exciting task, but it makes a big difference. It’s easy, and keeping them clean helps your guitar stay looking good and sounding great.
Follow these steps, and your pickup covers will be gleaming in no time, and your guitar will thank you.
For more guitar tips, visit our YouTube channels Best Guitars Now & Strefa Gitar.
