Your cello should be dusted once a week and before and after every performance. Do not ever use soap, alcohol, soaking wet water, or furniture polish to clean or polish your cello. Let roommates and family members know that you alone are to clean your instrument.
When your cello becomes sticky with rosin, it’s time to carefully clean it. Start by gently wiping it in circular motions over the surface with a soft cloth dampened with a little water. Use the same cloth to carefully wipe down the strings.
Next, apply a small amount of cello polish and sealant to the cloth and rub it in using the same circular motion until it is shiny. This polish also helps protect the wood.
To clean your bow, use a soft damp cloth. If your strings become sticky, very carefully (away from your cello) dampen a cloth with a small amount of alcohol. Gently wipe the strings with the cloth, being very careful not to touch any varnish on the cello. The alcohol will eat the varnish. You should not have to do this more often than once a month.
