How do I clean my harp so the sweat and oils from my hands don’t affect the finish?

Danielle Williams is a performing harpist, teacher, singer/songwriter, independent Lyon & Healy/Salvi Technicians Guild member, and protégé of technician Peter Wiley. 

Prevention is better than cure. Washing hands and avoiding applying lotion before playing can make a big difference. Regularly cleaning your harp with a soft cloth after playing is a great habit. But even when we take preventative measures like these, we’re all most likely going to need to give our harps a scrub-down at some point.

Harpists ask me all of the time what the safest way to clean their harp is. I think most people are expecting me to recommend some highly specialized and expensive cleaner, but the answer is already in their kitchen! My favorite way to clean oil, buildup, and gunk off of your harp is with dish soap. All you need is a dab of dish soap on a damp soft cloth. Gently scrub the areas of the harp where your skin frequently contacts the wood, mainly the upper part of the soundboard and body as well as the back of the body where your knees touch. Quickly remove any remaining moisture with a clean dry soft cloth. 

Another option is to use a musical instrument polish. Always apply cream or spray polish to a soft cloth (don’t spray directly onto your harp!) and gently go over the affected areas. Never use polish or soap on gold! Whenever trying a new polish on your harp, always do a test spot in a small area that is less visible like the back of your base. It’s best to be safe rather than sorry!

Alexander Granados is a harp technician and Camac Harps representative in Spain, specializing in harp maintenance, client advising, and sales.

Maintaining the finish of a harp is essential aesthetically and in preserving the wood and its longevity. Sweat and natural oils from our hands can gradually damage the lacquer or polish, especially on frequently touched areas like the neck, column, and soundboard edges.

The most effective way to protect a harp is to develop a simple routine after each practice or performance. First, always use a soft, clean microfiber cloth—preferably one that’s lint-free. Gently wipe down all the areas your hands have touched, especially if you’ve been playing for an extended time or in warm conditions. This removes moisture and skin oils before they settle into the finish.

Avoid using household cleaners or polishes, as they may contain alcohol or abrasive agents that can damage the delicate surface. If the harp requires deeper cleaning, use a harp-specific polish or a mild solution recommended by the manufacturer. Apply it sparingly using a soft cloth and never directly onto the wood.

Washing your hands before playing is another easy and effective habit. Clean, dry hands significantly reduce the transfer of sweat and oils. Also, if you live in a humid climate or perform under stage lights, consider using a small cloth while playing to wipe your hands occasionally.

Ultimately, consistent care with gentle materials will help your harp to retain its beauty and integrity for years to come.

Christy Mooers grew up around woodworking and musical instruments, and has worked in the Dusty Strings harp workshop for the past 15 years.

You can help keep your harp’s finish in good shape by washing your hands before handling your harp or simply avoiding the use of lotions, sunscreens, and hand sanitizers. These often contain skin-softening agents that can soften lacquer as well. Protecting your harp from prolonged contact with damp skin is also a good idea, as moisture from sweat can seep through the lacquer and give it a cloudy appearance. Regularly wiping down your harp with a dry cloth will help to keep the finish clean.

If you notice the frequently-handled areas of the harp looking dark and dirty or possibly feeling a little sticky, don’t be ashamed! To be loved is to be changed, and a well-loved harp will inevitably show signs of use. Skin oils can build up over time and attract dirt that’s difficult to wipe off without the aid of a cleaning solution. 

Because harps are made with many different types of finishes, it’s always a good idea to test a new cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of the harp first to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish. Use small amounts and spray onto a cloth before wiping the harp, rather than spraying onto the harp itself.

A mild household cleaner can be effective, and I’ve had really good success with Harpo, which was developed by a harpist’s chemist spouse to be gentle on the finish while removing accumulated grime. We use it in the shop all the time, and it’s seriously addictive to transform well-loved harps from gray and grimy to bright and shiny! •