How to Clean Piano Keys

Co-authored by Bridgett Price

Last Updated: September 16, 2021

Some of the first things everyone notices about pianos are the keys. Unfortunately, the keys' white color allows dust, dirt, and fingerprints to show up very clearly. Cleaning the keys are therefore an important part of keeping your piano in good, presentable condition. Here are some effective cleaning regimens to use on both plastic and ivory piano keys to keep them looking fresh and new.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Plastic Keys

1
Mix up a cleaning solution. Fill a bowl with warm water and add a drop or two of mild dish soap.
- Alternatively, you can wipe a soft, damp cloth on a bar of mild soap.^{[1]
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2
Dip a soft white cloth into the cleaning solution. Then thoroughly wring out the cloth.
- It is very important to make sure the cloth is only damp, not wet.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Bridgett Price
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.} Otherwise water can seep down between the keys and cause damage to the piano body.
- Make sure you use a white cloth. A colored cloth can transfer dye to your keys and discolor them.
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3
Clean the white keys.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.} Brush down the keys back to front. Do not wipe side to side, as this can transfer moisture and dirt between the keys. Do not wipe backwards either, since this pushes dirt behind the keys.
4
Clean the black keys with a separate white cloth. This is important because if you use the same cloth and then wipe the white keys, black paint can stain your white keys. Use the same front to back motion that you used on the white keys.
5
Wipe off any soap residue with a dry cloth. Again, make sure you wipe back to front to avoid getting anything between the keys.^{[4]
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6
Remove fingerprints. Wiping the keys down will remove dust and dirt, but fingerprints require different treatment.^{[5]
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- Mix up a solution of 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water.
- Dip a soft, white cloth into the solution. Wring it out to make sure it's only damp before wiping the keys down.
- Wipe and dry each key individually. Make sure the previous key is dry before moving on to the next- the vinegar could damage the keys if it's on too long.
- If your piano has a cover for the keys, leave it up for a day to let the vinegar smell dissipate.
7
Cover the keys to prevent dust buildup. Be sure to lower the cover when you're done playing your piano. This way, you'll avoid dust buildup and won't have to do this cleaning procedure very often.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Cleaning Ivory Keys

1
Know if your piano is an antique. If so, clean the keys with great caution. Although removing the yellowing will make your piano look better, it may destroy the piano's value.^{[6]
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Research source} If you're unsure, consult an expert before treating the keys in any way.
2
Avoid using soaps or chemicals. Ivory keys and plastic keys require different kinds of care. Ivory can absorb moisture and chemicals, which can discolor and damage it.
3
Wear white gloves, preferably cotton. While cleaning your ivory keys, you'll want to avoid getting oil or dirt from your hands on them. White gloves are best because colored gloves could transfer color to the keys.^{[7]
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4
Dust the keys. Use either a very soft-bristled paintbrush or a duster. Work back to front to avoid dust getting between the keys.
5
Whiten the keys. There are a few methods you can use to whiten ivory keys.
- Using a white vinyl eraser, gently rub the surface of the ivory. Do each key individually. When you're done, gently wipe away all the eraser bits using the same technique you used to dust the keys.
- Use a #0000 (very fine) steel wool pad to wipe the keys and remove the yellowing. Make certain to use the very fine pads, or you could scratch up your keys.^{[8]
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- Expose the keys to sunlight. Sunlight can bleach the ivory and brighten the color. Leave your keys uncovered in a sunny spot and let them soak up the light. This may not whiten the keys as much as physically removing the yellow, but it will at least prevent further yellowing.^{[9]
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- You can instead apply baking soda or toothpaste to your piano keys with a damp cloth to help keep them white.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Bridgett Price
  House Cleaning Professional
  Expert Interview. 23 May 2019.}

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I make my piano keys white again?

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company that services the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.

Bridgett Price

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try applying baking soda or white toothpaste with a damp cloth to lighten up your piano keys.
Question

How can I clean old piano keys?

Bridgett Price
House Cleaning Professional
Bridgett Price is a Cleaning Guru and Co-Owner of Maideasy, a maid service company that services the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. She holds a Master of Management from the University of Phoenix, specializing in digital and traditional marketing.

Bridgett Price

House Cleaning Professional

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Simply wiping them with a solution of mild dish soap and water will help remove dust and fingerprints.
Question

How do I fix a piano key that sticks?

Community Answer

Carefully lift up the front board and check to see if there's anything between the strings and the hammers. If there isn't, try checking with a piano technician.

Warnings

If you're at all unsure of what to do with your piano, consult an expert. Otherwise you could do serious damage to an expensive and elegant instrument.

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