How to Refurbish Piano Keys

Cleaning the keyboard after each use will keep the instrument looking nice.

Of the piano's many parts, the keyboard experiences the most wear and tear. Piano keys become dirty and grimy from fingerprints, sweat and exposure to dust and dirt in the environment. Routinely cleaning the keyboard with a soft cloth each time it is played helps keep the keys clean and in good working order. To refurbish an old family or vintage piano, a little more effort is required.

Things You'll Need

• Soft cloths
• Mild non-colored toothpaste
• Milk
• Elmer's carpenter's glue
• Mild soap or glass cleaner

Instructions

Ivory Keys

1. Wipe the keys with a soft clean cloth. Wipe each individual key to remove loose dirt and dust.

2. Apply a small amount of non-colored toothpaste to a damp non-abrasive cloth. Gently rub and clean each key with the toothpaste. Start at the left side of the piano, cleaning one octave at a time.

3. Dampen a second cloth with a small amount of milk. Wring out the cloth so that it is just slightly damp. Rinse each key with the dampened cloth. Work from the back of the keys to the front. Avoid getting moisture between the keys. Allow the keys to air-dry afterward.

4. Buff the keys with a dry clean cloth. Don't cover the keys; light helps ivory maintain its white appearance.

5. Glue loose ivory tops back down on the wooden keys. Use Elmer's carpenter's glue. If the ivory top is missing or broken, order a new ivory top for the key from a piano dealer. Clean the wooden key prior to replacing the ivory top. Underlying dirt and grime will penetrate and discolor the ivory.

Plastic Keys

1. Wipe the keys with a soft clean cloth. Remove the loose dirt and dust from the keys, working from the back of the keys to the front.

2. Dampen a soft clean cloth with warm water and mild soap. Wring the cloth out so that it is only slightly damp. Another option is to use glass cleaner.

3. Gently clean the keys with the dampened cloth. Work from the backs of the keys to the fronts one octave at a time.

4. Rinse the keys with a second clean cloth. Dampen the cloth with clean water. Wipe each individual key. Allow the piano keys to air-dry.

5. Buff the piano keys with a dry soft cloth. Close the piano keyboard cover. Light causes the plastic to turn yellow.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid harsh chemical or abrasive pads as both will scratch the keys.

References

• Piano Lesson for Beginners: Cleaning Piano Keys
• Children's Music Workshop: How to Clean Your Piano Keys