Is there a way to safely polish guitar strings, without affecting intonation too much?

1. Does string gauge affect intonation?
2. Can old strings affect intonation?
3. Can you clean rusty guitar strings?

Does string gauge affect intonation?

String gauge does affect intonation, but just a little bit. Having a perfectly intonated instrument is almost impossible to achieve. There are too many factors accounting for the intonation change. Action height, bridge saddle position, neck radius, nut position and height, and so on.

Can old strings affect intonation?

Old strings affect intonation because they often wander off the proper tone. There is not much you can do about it by adjusting the string length, because as soon as you have the initial note right, the tired old string will wander off while swinging out, making everything you play sound sick.

Can you clean rusty guitar strings?

Constant cleaning of your strings can slow the oxidation process. You can also try using rubbing alcohol to remove some dirt, but don't use it too much. If your strings have rusted already, try using a steel wool pad or something that can scrape the rust off the strings.