finger gunk poll

[Jim Harvey]

This is essentially a summary of previous replies, with personal 
variations. I was going to reply earlier, but someone threw me off by 
discussing what sounded like key TOP cleaning. Assuming we're talking about 
the key SIDES...

Starting with the dry, undisturbed keystick that contains finger gunk, aka 
'cooties';

- use an old-fashioned single-edge razor blade, with or without a holder, 
and positioned either straight down (dulls faster), or at a slight angle. 
The idea is to 'drag' scrape, not cut, so while grain direction should be 
observed, it's not that critical on most keysets. This removes the 
crustaceans that grow on top of the wood. The blade is also effective at 
the keystick and sharp juncture, including where fingernails have undercut 
the keystick.Toss the blade on completion;

- for the remaining surface and pore discoloration, I've tried numerous 
things. However, when considering costs, time involved, and minimal 
exposure to haz-mats, I invariably return to Parson's sudsy ammonia. At 
best, it removes all residual traces of dirt. At worst, it spreads 
everything out to provide an illusion of overall cleanliness. A working 
amount of the ammonia is poured out into a disposable container (paper cup, 
etc.) for dipping the applicator;

- the applicator can be just about anything. Pre-wetting the keystick with 
ammonia is not required, but is sometimes an expedient on really nasty 
keys. If pre-wetting, use a disposable foam brush, acid brush or hammer 
felt scraps. For the final (might be the only) pass, a rag or shop towel 
works, but again considering time versus results, I use a small square of 
fine (white) Skotch-Brite abrasive pad (aka steel wool substitute), which 
easily rinses during use, before finally being tossed. I've also considered 
trying one of those nylon bath puffs, or even wadded-up pantyhose. Either 
of these untried methods would defeat the purpose of keeping costs low 
(since the puffs don't lend themselves to being cut to smaller sizes, and 
since I don't routinely have old pantyhose about).

- Aside: I just heard a report that bath puffs have a slightly longer life 
than loufa sponges in terms of undesirable bacteria retention, and that 
loufa sponges are rated slightly longer than kitchen sponges, which have a 
service life of ... one use!

Therefore, regardless of method, considering that what we're cleaning is 
unknown but undeniably nasty, the focus should be on expendable tools and 
materials.


Jim Harvey, RPT
Greenwood, SC
harvey@greenwood.net
________________________
  -- someone who's been in the field too long.