Cleaning cloth question...

March 21, 2011 at 08:37 AM ·

Then wash them.  Here's what I do.  I have 2 separate cloths.  One for the top of the violin and one for the strings.  I use a corner of the one for the strings for my bow.  Every week I wash the cloths thoroughly in hot water to get all the rosin out.  Problem solved.

March 23, 2011 at 03:22 AM ·

Thanks for reminding me to do something long overdue! I use flannel cloths for the violin and for the strings, a material resembling cotton, but I think man-made with a rougher texture.Ii use mild Ivory soap and warm water. I do this every few months, but I don't tend to accumulate a whole lot of rosin.

Howewever, I find that after too much use as well as washing, the flannel is never quite the same. It's not as smooth as when new. So I eventually replace the cloths.

March 23, 2011 at 05:31 AM ·

Most normal soap will leave a waxy buildup on the cloth. 

I use a cloth-diaper appropriate detergent most of the time anyway (supposedly eco-friendlier) with so I just use that and use the "extra rinse" feature on  the washing machine.  I do make sure to  use no more than the necessary amount of detergent.  I somehow doubt a little soap will harm the varnish (probably no more than your sweat, especially depending on the person), but it makes me feel better to do it this way...

March 23, 2011 at 12:49 PM ·

I buy flannel dustcloths at the dollar store, 3 or 4 @ 18" square for $1 :) I cut those in quarters, and work my around each side until they start to look a little grey. I do wash & reuse, but for dusting the woodwork or window sills, not the violin. Sue

March 23, 2011 at 01:20 PM ·

Flannel cloths too... washing mashine + drying machine along with socks, towels and anything else.

I never had any problems.   Rosin comes off in the washing process. 

March 23, 2011 at 08:34 PM ·

 I always use 2 separate cloths, one for the strings, one for the body of the violin.  I use 'cheap cloths', I throw them away when I've done with them, don't wash them.

March 23, 2011 at 09:23 PM ·

I use a microfiber cloth; side A for the strings, side B for the body of the violin and the space under the strings. I read somewhere that microfiber tends to "catch" dust and dirt, while cotton only spreads it along. I don't know how true that is, but it works better for me that the old regular cloth, and I don't have to buy a new one every few weeks...

March 23, 2011 at 10:19 PM ·

Do NOT wash micro fiber cloths with other laundry--the cloths tend to pick up other material, which lessens their microfiberness (I'm SURE that is a word). ;-)

March 24, 2011 at 08:28 PM ·

Thank you all for your replies! To be honest the first reply made me feel like my question was stupid but the rest of your answers really felt helpful and I appreciate it.

I also use two cloths, one for the strings/fingerboard, the other for the violin body. I like the cheaper cloth ideas as opposed to buying $10 "instrument cleaning cloths." I'm going to try a few suggestions (flannel, microfiber, cotton) to decide what's best for me.

John I have to admit I also use a little good old fashioned spit whenever I notice small marks on my violin that won't come off with light buffing. I've had no negative effects so far.

Jim if microfiberness isn't a word it sure should be :)

March 24, 2011 at 09:22 PM ·

 Your question was not stupid and causing you to feel that way was not my intention.  I meant only to help.  I too have found that flannel degrades over time.  I use a cloth that was originally intended to clean eyeglasses.  It is prone to static cling which I suspect is the reason it picks up rosin so well with minimal rubbing.

March 25, 2011 at 12:13 AM ·

Michael thanks for your clarification and your opinion on flannel. :)