How to Clean a Violin Bow

Last Updated: October 30, 2022 Approved

The bow is a very important part of the violin; without it, you would need to play pizzicato all the time.^{[1]
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Research source} Here are some ways to keep your violin bow like new.

Steps

1
After you're done playing, loosen the bow and wipe of the stick with a soft, lint-free cloth. Loosening the bow helps prevent warping while it's in the case.
2
Sometimes, just a simple wipe down isn't enough. Occasionally, you will need to clean the hair of your bow. To do this, loosen the screw on the end of the frog and take the bow hair away from the stick.^{[2]
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3
Take a small amount of denatured alcohol and, using a soft toothbrush, gently brush the hair lengthwise. Especially focus on dirtier areas.^{[3]
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4
Hang the bow to dry in such a way that the hair is not touching the stick.
5
Put the bow back together, tighten the strings, and rosin well.^{[4]
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Community Q&A

Question

How long should the bow be left to dry?

Community Answer

At least 24 hours; 72 hours is better. If it's not completely dry, it could ruin your strings and instrument when playing.
Question

Is it normal for the hairs to stick together?

Community Answer

Not really. Make sure that you aren't applying too much rosin or else you could potentially ruin the bow.
Question

Can't I just dry the bow hairs with a paper towel?

Community Answer

No! That could tear the bow hairs or cause bits of paper towel to become stuck in it.

Warnings

Don't allow the alcohol to touch the bow stick.

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Don't allow the strings to get twisted or tangled while cleaning it.

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Never use commercial cleaners on the strings of your bow.

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Don't break the bow.

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