From rockkey@sbcglobal.net Sun Jun 05 08:47:50 2011
Subject:Re: Cleaning tips for keys at a gig

"Cory" brand "Key-Brite" is great for cleaning plastic piano and organ keys. Cory makes piano care products.

http://www.corycare.com/all-products/key-brite-key-cleaner.html

But a slightly water dampend soft cloth works fine too. Windex seems to be safe, but use it sparingly and only when necessary for removing greasy, gooey or hardened gunk. I've heard stories of alcohol cracking keys presumably due to it's drying effect so I'd stay away from that.

BTW, if you have indelible pen marks on your keys, "Spray and Wash" "Stain Stick" can remove them. Smear a little on the mark and buff with considerable elbow grease and clean any slight film with dampened cloth. I think there is acetone in that stain stick stuff and leaving it on the key for 15-20min will etch a matte surface on the key. Ask me how I know: ) If you happen to do this (don't) you can fix the mistake with more "stain stick" and alot more elbow grease.

And finally, if you don't like those vintage cigarette burns on your keys, use tiny pieces of sandpaper, only as large or smaller than the mark. This way you won't scuff the good part of the key. Start with very coarse (60, 40, 25???) to remove the burn then work your way up to finer paper up to 1000 grit more or less.

Obviously, you're not going to do the repairs at a gig but if you like your KBs to look their best...

Cheers,
Rock