Cleaning keyboard

[Guernseyman]

Here's a nice clean topic of conversation. Do you wipe down your keyboard after using it and if so, with what?

 

[Glenn]

Indeed I do. I wipe greasy spots from the lacquer and wipe over the keys briefly.
I use the cloth provided with my accordion.
It is a type if heavy duty duster come glasses cleaner.
It's amazing how much of your body you shed upon the poor accordion whilst playing.
It deserves a wipe down.

 

[JIM D.]

For some years now I've been advising and using a glass cleaner for accordion cleaning as it will not harm the plastic or painted finishes. The product I use here is "Windex" and the similar in the UK might be "Astonish" or "Windolene". After cleaning I use the furniture polish "Pledge" as this polish will not build up after repeated use and makes the instrument easy to clean after use. Never spray these products on the instrument, spray on a soft cloth and apply. JIM D.

 

[Guernseyman]

So glass cleaner is the thing and windex. Sounds like my big fat Greek wedding where Gus uses winded for everything. Thanks guys, very helpful.

 

[goldtopia]

Two or three years ago whilst browsing on eBay I saw a keyboard cleaning kit for whitening keys on accordions that that yellowed. It contains two little bottles and a soft microfibre cloth for polishing. One bottle for applying the green liquid and the other red liquid for wiping dry, I presume it dries on the keys. Then poilish it off with the cloth to a brilliant white shine. Do the plastic strips. Then let it rest for ten minutes. Accordion should be closed when applying and not to get it on the bellows. To be done once a year to clean bacteria, finger grease, etc.
I have not used it yet. I don't remember what it cost. Most of the instructions are in German with a little bit in English. It comes in a little green plastic case. I don't know the name of it as I don't know what part of the German instruction sheet it is called if it does. It does warn about using the wrong cleaning fluids like bleach and some window cleaning materials.which could damage the keys surfaces and remove the shine. On a label under the box is says in German. Vorretsbox flach m. CV. Art 801525. and, Alpha - von Siemens. Str 5. 65582 Diez. Anyanka on the forum knows German so she may be able to translate it.

 

[Jim the box]

What do you recommend for getting years of detritus out from between the keys and cleaning?

 

[goldtopia]

I had thought of teeth whitening but even that is said to be bad for the teeth. There have been a few suggestions which I dont think has a severe effect as some would imagine though very expensive accordions would take more consideration. I would think if its just general gunk and not yellowing. Mild washing liquid on a damp cloth should be sufficient. I had wondered if vinigar added to it would help for bacteria. Getting in between the keys can be a bit fiddly without liquid running down between the keys hence the damp cloth, maybe cotton buds would be easier.

 

[Glenn]

What do you recommend for getting years of detritus out from between the keys and cleaning?

A car wash is the quickest way but I cant recommend it.
Really dirty accordions are a labour of love.
You have to tackle each issue as it comes, even to the stage of lifting keys out and cleaning them.

Im not 100% on using Pledge.
When I bought my piano some 30 years ago we were living in France and it became a family joke that the shop owner said jaimais Pliz.... jamais Pliz.
Pliz = Pledge in French.
I certainly wouldnt liberally spray.
I think it contains some silicon oil which does effectively remove dirt but is tantamount to spraying WD40 around the place.

The micro-fibre cloths are good as they have the knack of having a surface that can grab the dirt and move it along without leaving fluff and mess behind.

 

[smdc66]

So glass cleaner is the thing and windex. Sounds like my big fat Greek wedding where Gus uses winded for everything. Thanks guys, very helpful.

yer i was thinking of gus too :lol:

i was thinking about those buckle protectors which you seemed to indicate was good

can you buy these - how much and where from?

 

[dunlustin]

buckle protectors
http://www.ebay.fr/itm/Paire-de-pro...rumentsMusique_Accordeons&hash=item53f507d4b6

if the link does not work:
Bernard Loffet, ebay shop

 

[Guernseyman]

Or you an buy buckle protectors from The Accordion Shop in Sunningdale or Rochdale, which is where I got them.

 

[Glenn]

Going by those photos you can simply use an old pair of socks.

 

[Guernseyman]

That's fine Glenn as long as they are elasticated! I must say they are worth their weight in gold.

 

[Soulsaver]

Two or three years ago whilst browsing on eBay I saw a keyboard cleaning kit for whitening keys on accordions that that yellowed. It contains two little bottles and a soft microfibre cloth for polishing. One bottle for applying the green liquid and the other red liquid for wiping dry, I presume it dries on the keys. Then poilish it off with the cloth to a brilliant white shine. Do the plastic strips. Then let it rest for ten minutes. Accordion should be closed when applying and not to get it on the bellows. To be done once a year to clean bacteria, finger grease, etc.
I have not used it yet. I dont remember what it cost. Most of the instructions are in German with a little bit in English. It comes in a little green plastic case. I dont know the name of it as I dont know what part of the German instruction sheet it is called if it does. It does warn about using the wrong cleaning fluids like bleach and some window cleaning materials.which could damage the keys surfaces and remove the shine. On a label under the box is says in German. Vorretsbox flach m. CV. Art 801525. and, Alpha - von Siemens. Str 5. 65582 Diez. Anyanka on the forum knows German so she may be able to translate it.

Ive seen this Bill - but I have to say I didnt believe it would work - so I didnt buy it. When you do try it let us know the outcome - I have one old girl thats otherwise lovely but would love her keys back to white...

 

[Happy girl]

Vorretsbox flach m. CV. Art 801525. and, Alpha - von Siemens. Str 5. 65582 Diez

Is nothing more than a product serial number & the manufacturers details

 

[alistair]

I have been informed by a keyboard repair expert that brasso is best for cleaning the keys.

 

[JIM D.]

I include a set of (4) elastic buckle protectors with every set of leather straps sold in my shop. I make them in house and charge $7.99 a set of (4). JIM D.