Ivory keys

[David Love]

I recommend using isopropyl alcohol.  It will effectively clean the dirt and 
oil from the pores of the ivory and evaporate quickly.  Ivory will absorb 
water and when it does it begins to expand and change its shape  (try 
dropping an old ivory in a glass of water and see what happens).  Over time, 
using water will cause the glue joint to break down and the ivories to get 
loose.  Alchohol, though it has anywhere from 10% - 30% water, evaporates 
quickly enough to avoid that tendency.  In a pinch, vodka does a nice job 
too, though it's a waste of good vodka.

David Love


>From: "Amy Hueber" <hueber@syrres.com>
>Reply-To: pianotech@ptg.org
>To: pianotech@ptg.org
>Subject: Ivory keys
>Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 10:58:21 -0400
>
>Good morning,
>
>I am sure this has been discussed previously but being new to the list,
>please bear with me. I have been given an 80+ year old 5'3" baby grand and
>was wondering what could be used to clean ivory keys.
>
>Thank you.
>
>Regards,
>Amy Hueber
>

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