Piano Keys
Color In Black And White

Piano keys fascinate and attract so many of us. I'm always amazed at the color of the sounds created by those black and white keys; pressed appropriately of course. Well, on second thought, I've heard colorful sounds even when the keys are pressed at random; especially by a child.

I'm going to discuss how to keep the keys clean and operating smoothly. If you have come to this page looking to learn the basic names of the keys visit Piano Notes.

If you're looking for piano supplies try Pianosupplies.com.

Keeping The Keys Clean

Keeping the piano keys clean is simple, and I recommend doing it regularly. This simple method involves old fashion soap and water and a little bit of care. Be certain not to soak the keys at any time. This can damage the wood underneath the plastic and possibly warp the keys.

Make a light solution of detergent soap and warm water and use a lint free cloth if possible. In a pinch I have used paper towels. Wet the cloth in the water and squeeze it until it is just damp, then lightly wipe the keys. Rinse and squeeze the cloth as needed in the water to make certain you clean the keys instead of spreading around oil and dust.

Next, use clean warm water and the same cloth or a new one to wipe off the soapy water with clean water. Once again make certain the cloth is only damp and not soaking wet whenever it is on the keys. As before, rinse the cloth periodically in the freshwater and squeeze it out.

The last step is optional. Simply take a dry cloth and wipe the keys dry.

It is a good idea to vacuum the keys once in awhile as well. Of course, if you are going to do this do it before you wipe the keys with the soap and water.

So, I take my vacuum cleaner and put on the soft brush attachment. Then I stroke the length of the keys from the wood board to the outside edge of the keys. This lets the vacuum brush pull the dust from between the spaces of the keys. You would be surprised how much dust and crushed felt builds up underneath the keys from all that up and down action.

Keeping The Key Action Smooth

If your keys are not operating smoothly it could be for a number of reasons. Most people know that pianos need to be tuned regularly. Unfortunately, a lot of piano owners don't know about regulation.

Regulating piano keys involves several adjustments per key and must be done by a piano technician. Those adjustments keep the feel of the keys even, the tightness of the keys even, and all the keys at equal height when at rest. White keys equal with white keys, and black keys equal with black keys of course.

On average, full regulation needs to be done once every 7 to 10 years. Occasionally, partial regulations can be done in between.

Compared to regulation, (and I must admit, some exercises), cleaning the piano keys is one of the easiest jobs you can get; on the piano.

Piano Keys

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