Strat neck cleaning

[bleujazz3]

Needless to say, it's been warm here in the Northeast USA for the past couple of weeks.

I've given my Mexi-Strat a workout, and the oils from my hands have soiled the neck.

Being aware that the skunk stripe and adjacent wood is made from different materials, what cleaner and techniques would you use to remove grimy buildup?

Please avoid saying tongue oil, that doesn't work on a finished neck.

While I'm at it, I might have to toss my shirt and shorts in the laundry while I'm conducting the cleaning. I took a nice walk today to work on my lower half, and played before showering. Washed the hands, but it was still warm at the house.

This is when central AC is desireable, but since we only have two AC units, the music room doesn't receive the cooler air. It's humid in the basement during the summer, and sometimes the dehumdifier unit makes too much noise during playing time.

[rosewoodsteel]

Bob,
I use paper towels and a little water.

I pull off two sheets from a roll and then dampen them. (I squeeze out all excess water.)
I then wipe down the guitar (in sections; neck, back, front..) and immediately dry each section with a dry paper towel before moving on to the next section.

I only use the damp towels on finished/sealed surfaces. I do not do this with fretboards. (I use rosewood oil for this. I understand lemon oil may be better.)
When I'm finished I go over the guitar guitar with a soft cotton cloth.

[Scott Rosenberger]

Naptha

[bleujazz3]

Bob,
I use paper towels and a little water.

I pull off two sheets from a roll and then dampen them. (I squeeze out all excess water.)
I then wipe down the guitar (in sections; neck, back, front..) and immediately dry each section with a dry paper towel before moving on to the next section.

I only use the damp towels on finished/sealed surfaces. I do not do this with fretboards. (I use rosewood oil for this. I understand lemon oil may be better.)
When I'm finished I go over the guitar guitar with a soft cotton cloth.
+1 on water, the universal solvent. I'd agree with you using paper towels, for the first cleaning, but this must be followed by the soft cotten cloth, otherwise bits of paper towel and lint attach themselves to the finish. Bad for playing later when you want a clean guitar neck.

I have an interesting post in the works, keep a watch for it.

[rosewoodsteel]

+1 on water, the universal solvent. I'd agree with you using paper towels, for the first cleaning, but this must be followed by the soft cotten cloth, otherwise bits of paper towel and lint attach themselves to the finish. Bad for playing later when you want a clean guitar neck.

I have an interesting post in the works, keep a watch for it.Bob, absolutely.
To sum it up:
1) Wipe area with damp paper towel (first wring out ALL excess water)
2) Wipe immediately with a dry paper towel
3) Follow immediately with a soft cotten cloth
4) Move on to next area of guitar.

When finished, go over the entire guitar with the soft cotten cloth.

I only do this on guitars with good clearcoat/paint.
If the finish is checked or bare wood is exposed, I don't use water.
Also, if the guitar has been waxed I won't do this. It can turn the wax coat milky.

Note: I have found that cotton shoe polishing "mitts" given away at hotels, work quite well as guitar rags. (I highly recommend "Bally's" mitts :))