lemon oil
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Johnny GDS
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Lemon oil based products are commonly used on unfinished fretboards (rosewood, ebony etc.) to moisturize and oil the wood. The most prefferable products (in my opinion) would contain no silicone or fancy chemicals and no wax (not the best for fretboards).
Satin finish is a much debated entity. If you are just trying to remove dust, a slightly damp cotton cloth will do fine. I've used some products like dunlop 65 or Music Nomad All-in-one spray to clean the finish a little, but always use a light touch to prevent any unwanted "buffing" of the finish. Satin finishes vary slightly and some are rougher than others, which seems to be a factor in how much dirt/debris accumulate.
I would not put lemon oil on a satin finish, in fact avoid anything with an oily nature too it. Some satin finishes are thin enough that even heavy hand oils seem to soak into or through the finish. Others are more durable and thicker, but use caution with very chemical polish or cleaning formulas. No lemon pledge!
Satin finish is a much debated entity. If you are just trying to remove dust, a slightly damp cotton cloth will do fine. I've used some products like dunlop 65 or Music Nomad All-in-one spray to clean the finish a little, but always use a light touch to prevent any unwanted "buffing" of the finish. Satin finishes vary slightly and some are rougher than others, which seems to be a factor in how much dirt/debris accumulate.
I would not put lemon oil on a satin finish, in fact avoid anything with an oily nature too it. Some satin finishes are thin enough that even heavy hand oils seem to soak into or through the finish. Others are more durable and thicker, but use caution with very chemical polish or cleaning formulas. No lemon pledge!
Liam Ryan
Well-known member
For cleaning: A bit of soapy water on a clean, soft cloth.
coolkayaker1
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Liam Ryan
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I didn't hear Gordon say he uses it to clean ukuleles.
Timbuck
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Why not just rub some lemon rind on it ?, it's full of oil..as can be seen if you sqeeze it over a naked flame..same with most citras fruits. 
See here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ated6zFInkU
See here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ated6zFInkU
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fromthee2me
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The music shop that sold me lemon oil had one brand only manufactured by Planet Wave which is a registered trademark of J.D'Addario. FWIW 59 ml at about 4 Euro.
A satin Tru-oil finish is a totally different beast than a satin lacquer finish.
RichM
Well-known member
To the point made earlier in this thread, lemon oil will not clean your instrument. I have found it useful for conditioning of fretboards, but you need hardly any (and I do mean like one or two drops), and you don't need it too often.
coolkayaker1
Well-known member
Put a small amount of lemon oil on a microfiber rag and wipe your instrument and fretboard then look at the rag.
It cleans.
It cleans.
RichM
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The same is probably true of mayonnaise, but I'm not cleaning my instruments with it.
The same is probably true of mayonnaise, but I'm not cleaning my instruments with it.
Hmmm... I smear my ukes with peanut butter and then let my dog take it from there.
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Liam Ryan
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You wash your dishes, clothes and car with soapy water. Why would you go to some oil to clean your uke?
Kayak Jim
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Most products called "lemon oil" have a high percentage of mineral spirits, which is likely what is doing the cleaning.
strumsilly
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Hmmm... I smear my ukes with peanut butter and then let my dog take it from there.
that totally cracked me up
Timbuck
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What's wrong with dirty ukes ?..I never clean mine
coolkayaker1
Well-known member
The same is probably true of mayonnaise, but I'm not cleaning my instruments with it.
Actually, just tried it. No, mayonnaise doesn't work. Thanks for the bum steer.
And, unlike peanut butter, my dog hates mayonnaise. I'm toast.
coolkayaker1
Well-known member
Nope, wait! The lemon oil cleaned off the mayonnaise. It's all good again.
