Cleaning ivory keys on an antique piano?

If you have a modern piano, you've probably already found that a mild soap and water solution is the best for cleaning your keys. However, if you have an older piano, you will want to make sure that you take special care of those ivory keys when you clean them, because if they need replacing, they will be replaced with plastic.

Things You'll Need:

* Bon Ami or cleanser with calcium carbonate as the only ingredient OR

* Non-abrasive toothpaste

* Soft Toothbrush

* Paper towels

* Milk

Step 1

Wet the toothbrush. Sprinkle a small amount of the cleanser mentioned above or put a tiny amount of non-abrasive toothpaste on the toothbrush.

Step 2

Gently clean each piano key. It will take a couple of minutes to clean each key, but you don't have to do them all on the same day.

Step 3

After you are finished, wipe down the piano keys gently with a damp paper towel. If there are spots where the oils from people's fingers have built up on the ivory, you may have to clean the key several times. Keep wiping until the keys no longer feel gritty.

Step 4

The calcium from the calcium carbonate cleanser will absorb into the ivory of the keys (ivory is tooth material) and will help strengthen the keys.

Step 5

Next, take a clean, soft paper towel and dampen it with milk.

Step 6

Buff the milk into the ivory keys. After a minute or two the keys will begin to shine. You may need several buffings if your keys are very worn or were very dirty to begin with.

Step 7

The calcium from the milk will absorb into the ivory keys and help keep them in good condition.

How To Clean Piano Keys

How To Clean Ivory

This Site Might Help You.

RE:

Cleaning ivory keys on an antique piano?

I have a 160 year old antique square grand piano and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on how to clean and whiten the ivory keys. Any help would be appreciated. :)

Dampen a soft cloth and dab it in some baking soda. Gently scrub each key and wipe, again with a damp cloth. You won't believe how easily the grime comes off, and the ivory won't be scratched or damaged in any way.