String Cases™ Care & Maintenance Guide

Your String Case is designed to perform two functions:

Serve as a comfortable, fully functional guitar strap while you play.
Convert into a protective case covering your guitar’s strings and fretboard when the instrument is not in use.

Because the same product is worn during performance and later placed over sensitive parts of your guitar, proper cleaning and drying are essential.

Never place a damp, sweaty, dirty, or chemically treated String Case over your strings or fretboard. Always clean and completely dry the String Case before converting it from strap mode to case mode.

1. Initial Sizing and Trimming

Your String Case may require initial trimming to properly fit the distance between your guitar’s nut and bridge area.

Before You Trim

Carefully position the String Case over the strings in case mode and confirm:

The strings are properly covered from the nut toward the bridge.
The protective panel lies flat and centered over the fretboard and strings.
The String Case does not interfere with tuning machines, the bridge, pickups, controls, or other guitar hardware.
The closure surfaces align securely without excessive stretching or bunching.

Different guitars have different scale lengths, body shapes, bridge placements, and hardware configurations. Always size the String Case to the individual instrument on which it will be used.

Trimming Procedure

Place the guitar securely on a padded, stable surface.
Position the String Case in case mode.
Identify the amount of excess material at the designated trimming end.
Mark the intended cut line with tailor’s chalk or a washable fabric marker.
Remove the String Case from the guitar before cutting.
Use sharp, heavy-duty fabric scissors for a clean, controlled cut.
Trim only a small amount at a time.
Reinstall the String Case and check the fit after each cut.
Stop trimming when the String Case lies flat, covers the intended area, and closes securely without excessive tension.

Important Trimming Rules

Never trim the String Case while it is installed on the guitar.
Never cut near the guitar, strings, finish, pickups, bridge, or fretboard.
Do not trim through seams, labels, attachment points, strap hardware, reinforcement areas, or closure components unless specifically identified as part of the designated trimming area.
Do not use a utility knife, razor blade, rotary cutter, heated blade, or power cutting tool near the instrument.
Measure carefully and trim gradually. Material removed during sizing cannot be replaced.
Improper or excessive trimming may prevent the String Case from fitting or closing correctly.

For valuable, vintage, custom, unusually shaped, or nonstandard-scale instruments, consult a qualified guitar technician before trimming.

2. Routine Care After Playing

Sweat, body oils, skin products, dust, stage residue, smoke, and environmental contaminants can accumulate on any guitar strap.

After normal use:

Remove the String Case from the guitar.
Disconnect or release the strap extensions as appropriate.
Wipe the exterior and loop-contact surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Inspect the neoprene, fabric surfaces, hook-and-loop closures, stitching, and attachment points.
Allow the String Case to air out completely before storing it or converting it into case mode.
Keep the hook and loop engaged during storage to help prevent the hook surface from collecting lint or contacting other fabrics.

Regular light cleaning is preferable to allowing sweat, oils, and dirt to accumulate.

3. Care After a Sweaty Performance

The loop-covered underside of the String Case may absorb perspiration while being worn as a guitar strap. That surface requires special attention because it later faces the strings and fretboard in case mode.

Required Post-Performance Procedure

Immediately after a sweaty performance:

Remove the String Case from the guitar.
Do not convert it directly into case mode.
Lay it flat or hang it in a clean, shaded, well-ventilated indoor area.
Blot visible moisture with a clean, dry microfiber towel.
Do not aggressively rub the loop fabric, as excessive friction may mat or distort the fibers.
If sweat residue remains, clean the affected area using the mild-cleaning procedure below.
Allow the String Case to air-dry completely.
Confirm that the loop surface is clean, dry, and at room temperature before placing it over the strings or fretboard.

The Dry-to-Case Rule

The String Case must be completely clean and dry before returning to case mode.

Do not place it over the guitar when it is:

Damp from perspiration
Wet from cleaning
Humid or cool to the touch
Holding an odor from sweat
Carrying visible salt residue
Contaminated with sunscreen, lotion, insect repellent, stage makeup, smoke residue, food, or beverages

Trapping moisture or residue against guitar strings, frets, hardware, or fretboard surfaces may contribute to corrosion, staining, odor, finish interaction, or premature string deterioration.

When there is any doubt, leave the String Case off the instrument until it is completely dry.

4. Cleaning the Neoprene and Fabric Surfaces

Use the least aggressive cleaning method necessary.

Spot-Cleaning Procedure

Remove the String Case from the guitar.
Close or engage the hook-and-loop sections where practical.
Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the diluted soap solution.
Wring out the cloth thoroughly. It should be damp, not dripping.
Gently blot and wipe the affected area.
Do not saturate the neoprene, seams, printed surface, labels, or closure components.
Use a second cloth lightly dampened with clean water to remove soap residue.
Blot with a dry towel.
Lay flat or hang in a shaded, well-ventilated indoor area until completely dry.

General Cleaning

When broader cleaning is necessary:

Use a clean cloth or soft sponge dampened with cool or lukewarm water and a small amount of mild soap.
Clean the surface gently by hand.
Do not aggressively scrub, twist, stretch, wring, fold, or soak the String Case.
Remove remaining soap with a separate cloth lightly dampened with clean water.
Press gently between clean towels to remove excess moisture.
Reshape the String Case and allow it to air-dry completely.

Do not machine wash, tumble-dry, dry-clean, or fully immerse the String Case.

5. Cleaning the Loop Fabric

The soft loop surface requires gentle handling so that it continues to engage properly with the hook closure.

For sweat, dust, or surface residue:

Blot the surface with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
Use a lightly dampened cloth with diluted mild soap when necessary.
Clean gently with the direction of the fabric.
Do not aggressively scrub or brush the loop surface.
Remove all soap residue with a second cloth lightly dampened with clean water.
Allow the loop material to dry completely before closing the fastener or placing the String Case on the guitar.

Do not use a hard or stiff brush on the loop surface. Aggressive brushing may pull, mat, or weaken the fibers.

6. Cleaning the Hook Fastener

Lint, hair, fibers, and dust can accumulate in the hook component and reduce fastening performance.

To clean the hook:

Open the hook-and-loop closure.
Remove loose debris by hand.
Use a clean, dry, fine-tooth comb, tweezers, or another small piece of hook material to gently lift lint from the hooks.
Work carefully so the hooks are not bent, crushed, or pulled from the backing.
Remove loosened debris before reconnecting the closure.

Do not use excessive force, sharp scraping tools, solvents, heat, or open flame.

Keep the hook surface connected to the loop surface when the String Case is not being used or cleaned.

7. Drying Instructions

Proper drying is essential.

After cleaning or a sweaty performance:

Air-dry indoors in a clean, shaded, well-ventilated location.
Lay the String Case flat or hang it without stretching it.
Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Do not dry it outdoors in prolonged sun exposure.
Keep it away from windows or other locations where strong sunlight may heat the product.
Keep it away from radiators, heaters, fireplaces, hot vehicles, hair dryers, clothes dryers, and other concentrated heat sources.
Do not iron.
Do not tumble-dry.
Do not store it in a sealed bag or container while damp.
Do not attach it to a guitar until every surface and closure component is completely dry.

Direct sunlight and concentrated heat may affect the neoprene, printing, adhesives, edge treatments, hook-and-loop materials, or product shape.

Depending on humidity, airflow, and the amount of moisture present, complete drying may require several hours or overnight.

8. Products and Chemicals to Avoid

Do not clean or treat the String Case with:

Bleach or chlorine products
Fabric softener
Ammonia
Acetone
Paint thinner
Mineral spirits
Gasoline
Alcohol or alcohol-based cleaners
Abrasive cleaners
Scouring powders
Strong detergents or degreasers
Leather conditioner
Furniture polish
Guitar polish
Fretboard oil
Lemon oil
Silicone sprays
Lubricants
Adhesive removers
Disinfecting sprays or wipes
Essential oils
Perfume or deodorizing sprays
Stain removers
Waterproofing treatments

Products designed for guitar finishes, fretboards, strings, leather straps, household surfaces, or automotive materials may not be suitable for neoprene, printed fabric, stitching, adhesives, or hook-and-loop components.

Never spray any cleaning product directly onto the String Case.

Never clean the String Case while it is installed on a guitar.

9. Protecting the Printed Design

To preserve the printed exterior:

Clean sweat and stains promptly.
Use only cool or lukewarm water and diluted mild soap.
Blot and wipe gently.
Avoid abrasive cloths, hard brushes, and scouring pads.
Do not soak the product.
Keep the String Case out of direct sunlight during use, drying, and storage whenever practical.
Do not leave it for extended periods in a sunny window, exposed outdoor area, or hot vehicle.
Avoid contact with dyes, wet clothing, stage paint, permanent markers, adhesives, and materials that may transfer color.
Do not iron or apply direct heat to the printed surface.

Normal surface wear may occur over time, particularly in high-contact areas. Regular gentle cleaning is preferable to occasional aggressive cleaning.

10. Protecting Your Guitar

The String Case should only be installed on a guitar when both the guitar and the String Case are clean and completely dry.

Before entering case mode:

Wipe perspiration, oils, and residue from the strings with a clean microfiber cloth.
Wipe the fretboard and visible hardware as appropriate under the guitar manufacturer’s care instructions.
Confirm that no guitar-cleaning product remains wet on the instrument.
Confirm that the String Case’s loop surface is completely dry.
Check that the String Case is free of sand, metal fragments, hard debris, or other material that could contact the instrument.
Install the String Case carefully without dragging contaminated material across the guitar finish.

Do not apply household cleaners, String Case cleaning solution, strap cleaner, or neoprene cleaner directly to the guitar.

Always follow the guitar manufacturer’s instructions for the instrument’s finish, fretboard material, hardware, and strings.

11. Storage

When the String Case is not being used:

Store it clean and completely dry.
Store it indoors in a cool, shaded, well-ventilated area.
Keep it out of direct sunlight.
Do not store it in a sunny window, exposed outdoor location, or hot vehicle.
Keep the hook and loop connected to reduce lint accumulation.
Store it flat, gently rolled, or in its intended configuration.
Do not sharply crease it or compress it under heavy equipment.
Keep it away from excessive heat, high humidity, and freezing conditions.
Do not leave it damp in a gig bag, road case, vehicle, or sealed container.
Keep it away from sharp objects and exposed fasteners from other equipment.
Do not store it in direct contact with wet towels, stage clothing, leather treatments, rubber cables, adhesives, or chemical products.

Before extended storage, clean the String Case and allow it to dry completely.

12. Routine Inspection

Inspect your String Case regularly, particularly before a performance and before placing it in case mode.

Check for:

Loose or damaged stitching
Cuts, tears, or punctures
Separation between material layers
Damaged strap attachment points
Cracked, distorted, or damaged hardware
Excessively worn hook or loop material
Reduced fastening strength
Persistent odor
Mold or mildew
Chemical contamination
Excessive stretching or deformation
Sharp debris embedded in the material

Stop using the String Case as a strap if any structural component, attachment point, extension, connector, or piece of hardware appears damaged or insecure.

Stop using it in case mode if the interior surface contains debris, contamination, moisture, damaged closures, or material that could contact and damage the instrument.

13. Recommended Care Schedule

After Every Performance

Wipe down the String Case.
Inspect it for sweat, moisture, and contamination.
Air it out in a shaded, well-ventilated indoor area.
Clean and dry the loop surface after sweaty use.
Do not return it to case mode until completely dry.

As Needed

Spot-clean sweat, stains, and residue.
Remove lint from the hook fastener.
Clean visible buildup from the loop fabric.
Inspect seams, closures, extensions, and hardware.

Periodically

Perform a complete visual inspection.
Confirm that the hook-and-loop closure continues to engage securely.
Confirm that the String Case still fits the intended guitar correctly.
Check for odor, moisture buildup, wear, or embedded debris.

14. Quick Care Summary

Do

Clean sweat and residue promptly.
Use cool or lukewarm water and diluted mild soap.
Use clean microfiber cloths.
Clean gently by hand.
Remove lint from hook fasteners.
Keep hook and loop connected during storage.
Air-dry completely.
Keep the String Case out of direct sunlight.
Clean the guitar strings before entering case mode.
Inspect the String Case regularly.

Do Not

Put a sweaty or damp String Case over the strings.
Machine wash, soak, dry-clean, or tumble-dry.
Apply direct heat.
Leave the String Case in direct sunlight.
Use bleach, solvents, alcohol, oils, polish, or harsh chemicals.
Aggressively scrub the printed or loop surfaces.
Cut the String Case while it is on the guitar.
Store the String Case while wet.
Use damaged strap attachments or closures.
Assume that a product safe for a guitar is also safe for the String Case.

The String Cases Standard

Play in strap mode. Clean after use. Dry completely. Protect in case mode.

Proper care helps maintain the String Case’s appearance, fastening performance, comfort, and protective function while reducing the transfer of sweat, moisture, oils, and residue to your guitar.

Protect Your String Case. Protect Your Guitar.