How to Safely Clean Ivory and Plastic Piano Keys
Using the wrong cleaning products can permanently ruin your piano keys. Learn the safest methods to remove dirt and grime from ivory and plastic.
Identify the keytop material and follow the piano manufacturer cleaning guidance. Use only a suitable soft cloth and minimal moisture where recommended, then dry the surface. Avoid soaking, solvents, abrasives and whitening treatments; ask a technician about older or unidentified keytops.
When cleaning is not the real problem
If a key looks dirty but also sticks, returns slowly or rubs against the next key, cleaning the surface will not solve the cause. In Toronto homes, humidity can swell key bushings and older keytops may already be loose. Stop cleaning if a keytop moves, if moisture reaches the wood, or if the key starts to feel heavier after wiping.
For family pianos, older uprights and used pianos, James recommends separating cosmetic cleaning from mechanical repair. Read why piano keys stick before trying repeated cleaning, and use the piano care guide to check placement, humidity and routine maintenance.