When it comes to your piano, proper care is vital to the life and performance of your instrument. If you take good care of your piano, it can last up to 50 years before needing to be rebuilt. Compared to the many other types of instruments out there, the piano is not as easy to play nor as easy to care for. However, some people enjoy the challenge and others are just passionate about the piano.
Whatever category you fall into, it’s important that you take care of your piano and one of the basic care tips will be to clean your piano keys regularly. You don’t need a professional cleaner or service to help you care for your piano keys. There are some simple things you can do for yourself to keep your keys looking great.
Here are some tips on how to clean your piano keys properly:
• Wipe gently with a soft, clean cloth
• Remove stubborn marks or fingerprints
• Use only chemicals or objects approved for cleaning ivory piano keys
• Fresh milk can be used to gently rinse ivory keys
• Mild, non-colored toothpaste can be used (rub gently!) for removing stubborn marks from the keys
It’s also helpful to make a habit of always washing your hands before playing the piano and make sure others do the same.
Here are some things you should avoid doing when cleaning your piano keys:
• Never immerse in water
• Never use air freshener nearby
• Don’t spray furniture polish on the keys
• Don’t scrub with a brush or pad
• Never use chemicals or cleaning liquids
If you have plastic keys, most of the above guidelines still apply. You should also avoid leaving the piano open for long periods of time because this can discolor the keys. You should dust them regularly and use a soft solution of warm water and vinegar when needed to clean the keys.
All of these things can damage the delicate surface of the keys and ruin your piano. This can be a very expensive repair to have to make. It will also make the keys look older and more worn than they really are which can damage the visual appeal of your piano.
With these tips, you now know how to clean your piano keys. You can take the proper steps to make sure your piano lasts you for many more years to come and that it always stays looking and sounding great for you.
