UK Piano Page Piano Forum

What is the best solution to keep clean piano keys?

Copied from Barrie's reply to a similar question.

You have to be careful with some of the commercial antiseptic wipes as they have alcohol and hydrogen peroxide which can damage the keys if used incorrectly Plastic can go soft ivory keys are porous and the alcohol can affect the glue underneath.

CH Pianos has developed a wipe for safe use on piano keys
https://www.coachhousepianos.co.uk/prod ... key-wipes/

Thanks Chris.
I'm not sure how many wipes are in a sachet or is it just one for £6.90 then disposed of afterwards.
My piano keys are wood with synthetic ebony and ivory key tops. I would worry too much about the alcohol content in the wipes.
I wonder if a diluted solution household disinfectant like maybe Dettol would do if alcohol free. Or a baking soda diluted in water.
Knowing what alcohol had wash does to my hands I'd rather avoid.

It depends on why you are cleaning the keys.

If it is just routine cleaning, I use a barely damp microfibre cloth - tap water for damping - and wipe each key individually. That will take off even stubborn fingermarks.

Fiona

Thank you Fiona.
I generally do just use a damp cloth for cleaning them, I don't have kids that mess about with sticky hands or anything, but sometimes my hands get a bit sweaty. I like to keep the keys really clean.

Judging by what I am reading in other forums from piano teachers wishing to clean keys between pupils there is going to be a lot of work for tuner/technicians in replacing keytop surfaces.

This is Good stuff I use it

https://www.konig-uk.co.uk/each-k14-sur ... pray-250ml

Provides up to 14 days protection on non-porous surfaces

Kills More Germ Types
Unlike alcohol surface cleaner K14 is independently proven effective against Clostridium difficile and Norovirus as well as 99.9% of other spores, bacteria, fungi and viruses including Ebola, MRSA and Swine Flu, Coronavirus (COVID-19) to name but a few!

Alcohol Free
No cultural issues, no substance abuse issues, will not irritate the skin and is not flammable and because it is alcohol free K14 provides long lasting residual disinfection long after hands and surfaces have dried.

Thanks Barrie.

Have you started tuning again ?

Yes, for the last 5 weeks but on reduced hours 3 to 4 tuning a day instead of 4 to 5 but we are getting last-minute cancellations due to the lurge

Barrie