How to Clean Piano Keys

Dirty hands, sneezing, and the occasional yogurt spill can take a toll on your sparkly white piano or keyboard keys. The easiest fix is to remember to wash your hands before playing each time- or better yet keep hand wipes beside the piano so you can’t forget. Nonetheless, most pianos need a little tender love and care every once in awhile.

If you do find that your piano or keyboard keys need cleaning consider the following tips:

Nothing too harsh

Refrain from using any kinds of chemical sprays or household cleaners, these can destroy the finish on your keys.

Create a water based solution

If your piano keys are plastic, use a solution of vinegar and warm water. If your piano keys are ivory, use a solution of warm water and gentle soap. White toothpaste can also be used to clean ivory keys!

No dripping

Dip a soft cloth in your cleaning solution. When you use the cloth on the keys make sure that it is NOT DRIPPING AT ALL. It’s very important to make sure no water drips between the keys. If water gets in between or under the keys it can do yucky things like warp the wood, moisten the felt (making the piano sound weird), and rust the strings.

One at a time

When cleaning the keys, clean each key individually instead of wiping across the whole keyboard, this will prevent water from getting in between the keys.

Dry right away

Make sure to dry the keys with a dry cloth right after you’ve washed them.