Piano Guidance
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

How do you whiten a plastic key?

Plastic. Plastic keys are opposite of ivory keys, meaning you can use gentle cleaning solutions to whiten the keys. One of the easiest methods is to mix a couple of drops of dish soap into a damp white washcloth and wipe the keys down with a soft cloth, from top to bottom and not side to side.

wcmovingandstorage.com - How to Safely Whiten Piano Keys
Is a 2 2 3 work schedule good?
Is a 2 2 3 work schedule good?

The benefits of a 2-2-3 work schedule are: Employees only need to work 180 days a year. They do not have to work more than three days in a row....

Read More »
What is one line of music called?
What is one line of music called?

The most common, a single vertical line, is just called a barline.; it separates one measure from the next. These are extremely commonplace,...

Read More »

Do you have an antique piano? Does your piano get a lot of use that you feel like your keys aren’t as white as they used to be?

You can’t escape the discoloration and yellowing, but there are safe methods to whitening your piano keys so that they look like good as new. Before you grab the disinfectant wipes and cause permanent damage, you should read our tips on how to safely whiten your piano keys.

Ivory or Plastic?

Before you begin cleaning, you will need to find out if your piano keys are ivory or plastic. If you have ivory keys and/or you have an antique/vintage piano, you may not want to consider whitening the keys. The yellowing shows the value and age of the piano, which can bring into question the authenticity if you wanted to resell it. On the other hand, plastic keys are more flexible and less prone to the damage, including temperature fluctuations that easily damage ivory.

Ivory

A good rule of thumb while cleaning ivory keys is not to use any liquid, chemicals or soaps. If you can, try to wear white cotton gloves while you are cleaning so you don’t get any of the dirt or oils from your hands onto the keys. If you are gentle and cautious, use a very fine steel wool pad to scrub one key at a time. Emphasis on “very fine.” Any other texture could scratch the keys and ruin their condition. If this is the method that you choose, we suggest consulting with a professional beforehand. One unconventional mean of preventing yellowing is moving the piano into the sunlight, where the sun has direct access to the keys. Typically with sun exposure, the coloring won’t fade but it will prevent any further discoloring to the keys. A good rule of thumb while cleaning ivory keys is not to use any liquid. Another option to use is a white vinyl eraser. Don’t scrub too harshly and focus on one key at a time. Make sure to wipe off the excess eraser pieces so they don’t dissolve into the keys.

Plastic

Plastic keys are opposite of ivory keys, meaning you can use gentle cleaning solutions to whiten the keys. One of the easiest methods is to mix a couple of drops of dish soap into a damp white washcloth and wipe the keys down with a soft cloth, from top to bottom and not side to side. It is crucial that there isn’t excess water on the rag so that the water doesn’t overflow into the keys. You also want to use a white washcloth because any coloring can transfer to the plastic or ivory keys. For more aggressive stains or fingerprint marks on your piano keys, you can use a water and vinegar solution. Disinfect using 3 parts filtered water and 1 part white vinegar. No matter what cleaning method you choose for your plastic keys, if you have a cover for your keys make sure that you leave it open. Doing so will help with proper ventilation, especially with the smell of vinegar.

Move and Store Your Piano with West Coast Piano Moving & Storage

West Coast Piano Moving & Storage has provided quality piano services in the Pacific Northwest since 2004. We also offer climate-controlled storage facilities that sustain a 65° Fahrenheit, plus or minus 5 degrees. This helps your piano from warping or cracking in otherwise freezing or humid weather.

Contact our professional piano movers today to receive a free quote!

How much is it to fix a key on a piano?
How much is it to fix a key on a piano?

There are also bushings the center of the key, called the balance rail, which are right behind the fall board, which need to be “eased”. However,...

Read More »
Why does my baby make a sad face when I sing?
Why does my baby make a sad face when I sing?

According to Psychology Today, the baby's reaction to Mom's singing might be the result of something called “emotional contagion.” Essentially,...

Read More »

How do you restore white enamel?

Boil with baking soda: Fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add two tablespoons baking soda, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the burner. Take a wooden spoon and scrape off any burnt bits.

Enameled cookware – like Le Creuset's dutch oven – may seem like it requires special handling when it comes to cleaning, but it's really quite straightforward. For everyday cleaning: Wash with dish soap, hot water, and a non-scratch scrubbing sponge or brush. Avoid steel wool or any kind of metal scrubber, as it could scratch the enamel.

For stubborn burnt spots and stains: Try one of these methods.

Boil with baking soda: Fill the pot halfway with water and bring to a boil. Add two tablespoons baking soda, and let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the burner. Take a wooden spoon and scrape off any burnt bits. Rinse and wash with soap and water. Scrub with Bar Keeper's Friend: Using either the liquid version or the powdered version, pour a small amount of Bar Keeper's Friend into the enameled pot, mix with a little water, then scrub with a non-scratch scrubber. It should take those stains off pretty quick. Bar Keeper's Friend is a step up from baking soda, and I've found it works wonders on all kinds of kitchen cleaning tasks, which is why it's one of our essential cleaning tools.

~ Cambria, enameled pot enthusiast and experienced cleaner of said pots

P.S. Have a question you’d like answered? Email us at [email protected]

What is the best guitar solo ever?
What is the best guitar solo ever?

Top 10 Guitar Solos of All Time Crazy On You - Performed by Nancy Wilson. ... Eruption - Performed by Eddie Van Halen. ... All Along The Watchtower...

Read More »
How long should a keyboard last?
How long should a keyboard last?

Mechanical keyboards can last for up to 10 years or more depending on how heavily they are used. Mechanical keyboard switches are rated for 50+...

Read More »
How can I get Spotify free?
How can I get Spotify free?

4 Ways to Get Spotify for Free (and Almost Free) Try the free version. Okay, so let's get the obvious way to get free Spotify out of the way first....

Read More »
How do you practice shifting?
How do you practice shifting?

One of the best ways to practice shifting is to start from the first position and move to the third using your first finger. Remember, when you...

Read More »