[pianotech] cleaning around tuning pins

[John Delacour]

At 08:46 -0700 25/05/2011, you wrote:

>Can someone tell me if there is a specific cleaning product I can 
>safely use to scrub around tuning pins. I once used carpet shampoo 
>but am no longer sure of the safety of the new version of that 
>product.

I've just finished doing this job on a grand.  I used borax in water. 
I soak a small soft cotton rag in the solution and wring it out 
thoroughly.  I then use a bamboo kebab stick to rub the rag over the 
plate, using the flat end between the pins and the pointed end to get 
into the quirks and under the strings. I used borax because the plate 
is finished in shellac and washing soda will dissolve the finish and 
there is a risk of cutting through to the bronzing.  I used the same 
solution to clean the whole of the iron frame.

JD