Violin Forum/Message Board

Mat Roop · Posted: Sat Feb 25, 2012 10:40 pm Post subject: Cleaning a violin with Mr Clean

Michael, in an old post from 2004 you said that using “Mr Clean” full strength is a “safe” way to clean gunk off a violin.
If there were a crack, or there is a bare wood and if a crack developed later would the “soap” not have penetrated the wood and possibly make a repair difficult? Or is there something special about Mr Clean that makes it safe.… looking for enlightenment!
Thanks, Mat

Michael Darnton · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 8:30 am Post subject:

I probably shouldn't have said that, because nothing is "safe". You have to pay attention and watch what's happening, and use your head. Some varnishes wash off with water, for instance. And it's a given in cleaning a violin that you never wash over an open or unsealed crack because that pushes dirt in.

Did I really say full strength????? Usually I use a drop or two, but on an already-wet rag.
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Mat Roop · Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2012 10:40 am Post subject:

Thanks Michael... that makes sense. I was reading over some old posts that I had printed off and kept on file and this one piqued my curiosity. You actually said "Mr. Clean used straight, turpentine (sometimes with the finest steel wool, used very lightly), and xylene are the "safe" things...." I assumed straight is the same as full strength. That post was from Oct 8 2004... can't find it on line anymore.
Cheers... Mat