Keeping Strings clean

[Noah]

Some say to put WD-40 on the strings to keep them from getting old and rusty. So, I use WD-40 on my strings every day, and it works pretty good.
Then I heard someone lemon oil will make them sound BRAND NEW.
So, is there any difference between the two? Does lemon oil make them sound brand new or just as good as WD-40?

[fett]

Here is what I do with all the beater guitars I get with strings attached. Loosen the strings and run your fingers and nails along each string. You will feel when they are clean. You will eventually fuck up your neck if you use WD40 or lemon oil that often. I'm cheap and they clean up well. And welcome to the Board. If I am wrong they will let me know. Oh. if they are new, just wipe them down with a clean rag.

[Axewielder]

If your strings have a chance to get dirty before breaking, you're not playing nearly enough!

[charvel750]

Noah, do you really think that lemon oil brings strings back to new condition?! If that were true, no one would ever need to buy a second set! It would be like piano strings, use 'em for life!

[rjohnstone]

First thing... wash your damn hands before you play!
Finger cheese is gross.
Wipe the strings down with a clean, lint free cloth after each use.
I use a cloth diaper to wipe down the whole guitar after I play.
No need for oil at all.
Your strings should wear out before they get that nasty.

I lightly oil and clean the neck and fret board when I change strings.

[Dreamland_Rebel]

everyone needs to stop "trying" to make strings last longer. they just don't. no matter what you do. just wipe them clean and change them often. really, after 1 week they will not sound the same not even the special coated strings.

[Super_shredder]

i use dunlop string cleaner which keeps them fresh for a while
well not in sound that much
more in feel

[Noah]

First thing... wash your damn hands before you play!
Finger cheese is gross.
Wipe the strings down with a clean, lint free cloth after each use.
I use a cloth diaper to wipe down the whole guitar after I play.
No need for oil at all.
Your strings should wear out before they get that nasty.

I lightly oil and clean the neck and fret board when I change strings.

I always wash before playing. That doesn't keep strings from getting nasty.

[rjohnstone]

I didn't say they wouldn't get nasty, but it will keep them a hell of a lot cleaner than if you didn't.

The key is the wipe down after you finish playing.

[Noah]

I usually do that.
Thanks to everyone that answered.

[toejam]

Noah, do you really think that lemon oil brings strings back to new condition?!

Not brand new condition, but it does clean the crud off them. I do it every once in awhile since I never break a string and don't change strings that often.