The keys are among the first noticeable details of a piano. Unfortunately, dirt, dust and fingerprints are very noticeable on white ones; to ensure a good appearance and care of the instrument, it is therefore important to clean them. This article describes some effective methods you can use for both plastic and ivory keys to restore them to their original, shiny look.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Plastic Buttons
Step 1. Make a cleaning blend
Fill a bowl with hot water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap.
Alternatively, you can rub a soft, wet rag on a neutral bar of soap
Step 2. Dip a soft white cloth into the solution
Squeeze it thoroughly to get rid of excess liquid.
- Make sure it is only moist and not soggy, otherwise water could seep between the keys and damage the internal structure of the piano.
- Also check that it is a white rag; if it is colored, it can leave the dye on the keys and stain them.
Step 3. Clean the white keys
Rub them from the bottom towards you, not from side to side, otherwise moisture and dirt could get stuck between each key; Also, avoid rubbing them towards the bottom, as you could push dirt behind the keys.
Step 4. Clean the black ones with a second white cloth
This is an important detail, because if you use the same and then rub the white keys, the black color could stain them; proceed with the same movement from the bottom towards you that you used for the white keys.
Step 5. Remove any soap residue using a dry cloth
Again, be sure to make a one-way movement from the base of the frets forward, to avoid the risk of dirt getting into the body of the instrument.
Step 6. Remove the fingerprints
Wiping the keys removes dirt and dust, but not fingerprints, which require a different procedure.
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing one part vinegar and 4 parts water.
- Dip a soft, white cloth into the mixture and wring it out to make sure it stays only damp (not soggy) before wiping it over the keys.
- Rub and dry each key individually. Check that the one you just cleaned is also dry before moving on to the next key; if the vinegar stays on the surface for too long, it could cause damage.
- If your piano has a keyboard lid, leave it up for a day to allow the vinegar time to dissipate.
Step 7. The lid prevents the accumulation of dust
Make sure you turn it down when you're not playing the instrument; in this way, you avoid unnecessary dirt from forming and you do not have to clean too frequently.
Method 2 of 2: Ivory Keys
Step 1. Find out if the instrument is ancient
In this case, you must proceed with the cleaning of the keyboard with great care. While removing the yellowed patina improves the appearance of the piano, it may bring down its value. If in doubt, consult an expert before dealing with the keys in any way.
Step 2. Don't use soaps or chemicals
Ivory requires different maintenance than plastic because it can absorb moisture and substances, staining and damaging itself.
Step 3. Wear white gloves, preferably cotton
While cleaning the keyboard you must prevent the oil or dirt from your fingers from transferring to the surface; opt for a white fabric as colored ones can stain the keys.
Step 4. Dust off the keyboard
You can use a very soft bristle brush or a feather duster. Move from the base of the keys towards you to avoid getting dirt into the crevices.
Step 5. Bleach the keys
There are a few methods you can try on ivory.
- Try scrubbing them gently with a white vinyl eraser. Work on each key separately; when finished, sweep away the gum residue following the same technique used previously, from the bottom towards you.
- It uses very fine-grained steel wool (0000) to clean the keys and remove the yellowed patina; make sure it is a very fine wool, otherwise you could scratch the surface.
- Expose the keys to the sun. This way, you can "whiten" the ivory and make it brighter. Leave the keyboard uncovered in a sunny spot and wait for it to absorb solar radiation. This technique does not whiten it as much as physically removing the yellow patina, but it at least prevents the situation from getting worse.
