A magic eraser is a versatile cleaning tool that can be used to remove tough stains and marks from various surfaces. One interesting use of a magic eraser is for cleaning piano keys. Piano keys are often made of ivory or plastic, and they can easily gather dust, dirt, and oils from the fingers of the pianist. Regular cleaning of the piano keys is essential to maintain their appearance and playability. Using a magic eraser to clean piano keys is a quick and efficient method. The magic eraser is a soft foam pad that contains micro-abrasives.
Piano Finish Repair Kit Scratch Removal
This is the ultimate kit to repair scratches of any size on your piano, piano bench, or furniture. For the small scratches, use the Cory Buff-Brite with the Cory Polishing Cloth, to gently buff out the smaller scratches while cleaning your piano finish at the same time. For larger scratches, use the scratch removal touch-up marker - ideal for edge and scratch recoloring. This marker seals, stains, and finishes in one easy step. Also included is a Fill Stick rub on wax pencil, designed to help eliminate gouges and abrasions.
Finally, the piano finish repair kit comes with either an 8oz bottle of Cory High Gloss Piano Polish or Cory Satin Sheen Piano Polish, based on the finish of your piano (select which polish you would like at the drop-down menu). When you're buffing out the small scratches of your piano with the Cory Buff-Brite, for example, you will have one small area of your piano that will be clean and shiny--which will make it stand out from the rest of the piano. Complete the job, and use the Cory Piano Polish to give your entire piano that clean and polished look.
These are professional-level cleaner and finish repair products, and are great not only for your piano, but for furniture as well. Having this set around the house comes in real handy any time you need to touch up furniture, picture frames, or any other wood-based product.
Pictured above is an example of a repaired piano leg, using the scratch removal touch-up marker from the kit. As you can see, the black scratch removal marker nicely covers up the scratched wood, and blends it to where it is not even noticeable. A quick note with regards to black finishes, we often get customers purchasing this kit who first attempted to use a black permanent marker on their scratched finish. The problem with a permanent marker however, is that it is not a solid black--it has a purple tone to it, where you will notice the contrast to the black furniture. Additionally, it is a different type of marker not designed for finish repair, so it looks like blotched ink puddles on the wood.
Usage note: cleaning and buffing a piano, always go with the grain, not against it (if you go against it, when you stand back, you'll notice the circle patterns you created with the polish)
Disclaimer: This is a piano finish touch-up repair kit--obviously it is not going to look 100% brand new when you do it (you would have to refinish your entire piano to get that). The idea is to cover the defects, and make them not as noticeable/obvious.
Cory Satin Sheen Piano Polish - Cleaner and Conditioner:
Satin Sheen helps maintain satin finishes easily. Use Satin Sheen to remove fingerprints, smudges and grime. Works on poly as well as lacquer finishes. Use regularly to reduce static and protect against fingerprints and oils. For best results, spray on cloth then apply to finish, rubbing in direction of grain evenly.
Buff Brite (Scratch Remover):
Buff-Brite is a high tech, water base buffing compound that gently removes scratches and cleans high performance finishes. Especially formulated to clean and buff polyurethane, lacquer, brass, nickel, silver, etc. Buff-Brite works easily on guitars, drums, cymbals, band instruments, high gloss and satin ebony pianos, synthesizers, instrument hardware, and tarnished name decals. Buff-Brite cleans without leaving a greasy film. Excellent for deep cleaning fingerprint oils from poly and lacquer satin ebony finishes.
Microfiber Polishing cloth:
A soft, thick weave, non-treated flannel cloth for application and final shining of all Cory polishers and cleaners. Machine washable. Becomes more absorbent after each washing. Comes in protective, reusable pouch.
Scratch Remover Touch-Up Marker (Black):
These valve type markers seal, stain and finish in one easy step. Ideal for edge and scratch recoloring. Touch Up Markers are available in many of the most popular shades and can be applied over wood fills, "rub throughs" or worn edges to create an invisible repair. Touch Up Markers may be used with all types of finishes without worry. As it permanently stains wood, it refinishes worn-out spots and scratches--dries instantly.
Fill Stick Rub on Wax Pencil:
A rub-on putty and wax pencil that fixes and eliminates scars, scratches, gouges, and abrasions on furniture, picture frames, leather, plastics, and paneling.
About Cory:
Manufactured in the United States, Cory Piano Products are the recognized standard in piano and keyboard maintenance worldwide. The Cory design team consists of leading chemists, piano and keyboard technicians, as well as wood specialists. Our products are user-friendly and safe to use on all pianos and keyboards. Our complete line of piano and keyboard accessories are specifically chosen for their quality and value.
Shipping:
We are happy to offer free shipping on all piano care products to the continental United States. Alaska and Hawaii please email for a shipping quote. Please note that Cory products cannot be shipped internationally.
How to Restore Yellow Piano Keys
Whether your piano features ivory or plastic keys, over time they can become yellow and/or faded. Many players accept this as simply part of owning a piano. However, you don’t have to “deal with” unsightly keys.
Some piano owners are hesitant to clean the instrument for fear that harsh chemicals will damage the delicate hardware and inner workings of the piano. While this is true to an extent, there are ways that you can safely clean your piano and restore keys back to their original glory. Here’s how:
Determine Key Type
While not difficult, it’s essential that you properly determine the type of keys on your piano: ivory or plastic. This will dictate the type of cleaning method you’ll use.
When cleaning ivory, it’s paramount to avoid any harsh chemicals, as well as cleaning solutions of liquid or soap. Instead, use a very fine steel wood pad and apply gentle “elbow grease.” It’s important that the scour pad is marked ‘very fine.’ Another option is a white vinyl eraser.
For plastic keys, it’s okay to use a gentle cleaning solution. For most pianos, regular dish soap and a washcloth will do the trick. Be advised, however, that if you have an electric piano, any liquid (even water) should be avoided, as this can damage the electrical components inside. In that scenario, it’s best to use a damp sponge or chemically-treated wipe such as Magic Eraser.
For both key types, it’s important to focus on one key at a time. Avoid wide sweeping motions. Also, if you have any doubts about performing cleaning on your own, it’s best to consult with a trusted professional before going forward with the task.
Consider Leaving Keys Alone
While this may seem out of place in an article about piano key cleaning, it’s important to note that some owners choose not to whiten keys. These individuals believe that yellow keys demonstrate the age and value of the instrument. Should you ever choose to sell your piano, collectors assert that being able to show and prove authenticity plays a major role in the price you can ask.
That stated, the decision for whether or not to clean comes down to individual preference. Particularly when yellow keys affect your desire to play or display the instrument, it’s wise to employ proper cleaning measures so you can get back to fully enjoying your piano.
Regular Use and Maintenance
Whatever method you decide on (including professional service), it’s important to make cleaning a regular occurrence. This will help keep your piano looking its best.
When people learn how to properly clean yellow keys, showing off the instrument becomes a priority. If you have a piano in storage, now’s a great time to move, clean, tune, and get back to playing and enjoying the pleasant music this instrument provides.
The first step is to contact skilled and reputable Florida piano movers who can safely and efficiently transport your piano anywhere in the country. At Modern Piano Moving, we can even arrange for select international piano shipping. Many people are pleasantly surprised to realize that their piano moving cost is much less than they had expected.
Since 1935, we’ve been the go-to resource for piano shipping. A 24/7 operation, our warehouses are climate-controlled and monitored. Our crews take the utmost care with your piano, ensuring it will arrive in the same condition in which it was picked up.
Browse the customer reviews on our website to witness first-hand accounts from satisfied customers. Then, contact us today to schedule a date for the efficient and convenient transport of your piano.
What Can I Use to Clean My Piano Keys?
If you think about it, our fingers and hands may be the dirtiest part of our body. They get sweaty and grimy, and on top of that, we also touch all sorts of things with our hands. Then, we touch our pianos with them.
This means we need to clean our hands and piano keys regularly. However, cleaning piano keys can be tricky since you may want to avoid damaging them. What can you use to clean piano keys?
To clean your piano keys, use a damp soft microfiber cloth. If there are more stubborn stains, you can use dish soap with a soft toothbrush to agitate them. Always allow the keys to dry up before closing the fallboard.
In this article, we explore how you can clean piano keys. We also look at several common questions about what to use to clean piano keys.
The magic eraser is a soft foam pad that contains micro-abrasives. When dampened, it can gently remove stains and marks from the surface of the piano keys without causing any damage. To clean piano keys with a magic eraser, you will need to follow some simple steps.
Can You Use Windex On Piano Keys?
Generally, using Windex to clean piano keys may not be recommended. This is because Windex’s formulation focuses on cleaning glass.
Piano keys are usually made from plastic, with some older models made from ivory. Windex’s stronger formulation may not be kind to plastics, possibly yellowing them.
First, dampen the magic eraser with water. It's essential not to soak the eraser, as excess water can seep into the keys and cause damage. Then, gently rub the magic eraser on each piano key, making sure to cover the entire surface. Use a circular motion to remove any stains or marks. The micro-abrasives in the magic eraser will lift the dirt and grime from the keys, leaving them looking clean and bright. After cleaning each key, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any excess moisture. Make sure to thoroughly dry the keys to prevent any water damage. It's worth noting that the use of a magic eraser should be done sparingly and with caution. Over time, the micro-abrasives in the eraser can wear down the surface of the piano keys, particularly if they are made of ivory. Therefore, it's best to limit the use of a magic eraser to occasional deep cleaning rather than regular maintenance. In conclusion, a magic eraser can be a useful tool for cleaning piano keys. Its ability to remove stains and marks without causing damage makes it a popular choice among piano owners. However, it's important to use the magic eraser cautiously and sparingly to preserve the longevity and quality of the piano keys..
Reviews for "Make Your Piano Keys Sparkle: Clean with the Magic Eraser"
- Olivia - 2/5 stars: I was really disappointed with the Magic Eraser Piano Keys. I was hoping it would be a quick and efficient way to clean my piano keys, but it ended up leaving a lot of residue behind. Even after wiping off with a damp cloth, there was still this weird film on the keys that affected the overall sound and appearance. I wouldn't recommend this product if you want your piano to look and sound its best.
- Kevin - 2/5 stars: The Magic Eraser Piano Keys didn't live up to the hype for me. I found that it removed some dirt and stains, but it also took away the shiny finish of my piano keys. They looked dull and lifeless after using the eraser. I tried using some piano key polish to bring back the shine, but it didn't quite work. I'm disappointed with the results and would advise others to be cautious before using this product.
- Samantha - 1/5 stars: I'm really regretting purchasing the Magic Eraser Piano Keys. It did absolutely nothing to clean my piano keys. It just smeared the dirt and grime around, making an even bigger mess. I followed the instructions carefully, but it was a complete waste of time and money. I expected more from this product, but unfortunately, it did not deliver. Save yourself the disappointment and try a different method to clean your piano keys.