How to Clean a Violin Bow

Caring for your violin bow is just as important as caring for the violin itself. A vital part of bow care includes regularly cleaning the bow stick and, if necessary, the hair. It is important to follow these suggestions closely to avoid damaging the bow.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Violin bow
• Soft, lint free cleaning cloth
• Violin cleaning solution
• Denatured alcohol
• Soft, clean toothbrush

1. Clean the bow stick after each use by wiping it down with a soft, lint free cloth. This will prevent most rosin dust, oil and dirt buildup on the stick and the hair.
2. Loosen the tightening screw to separate the bow hair from the stick.
3. Poor a small amount of denatured alcohol into a container.
4. Dip a soft, unused toothbrush into the alcohol and gently "brush" the bow hair lengthwise, focusing on particularly dirty areas.
5. Hang the bow to dry so that the hair does not touch the stick.
6. Re-attach the frog to the bow stick and tighten the screw once the bow hair is completely dry.
7. Tighten the bow and rosin well.

Tips & Warnings

• Use your cleaning cloth to wipe the frog, eye, tightening screw and other "hardware" on the bow to prevent tarnishing.
• Visit suppliers such as Shar Music and Southwest strings for cleaning cloths and solutions made specially for use on string instruments and bows.
• It is still wise to have your violin bow professionally re-haired periodically.
• You may use a pre-treated cloth or gentle cleaning solution made specifically for string instruments to remove stubborn rosin, oil and dirt buildup from the bow stick.
• Never use regular soap and water or commercial cleaners to clean the bow stick or hair.
• Never allow any cleaning solution to touch the bow hair.
• Do not allow the bow hair to get twisted or tangled when you detach the frog from the stick. This will require a professional re-hairing to fix.
• Do not get any of the alcohol on the bow stick, as it will remove the varnish.