call a professional.. please...

I think that often times, because pianos are so sturdy on the outside, people don't realize how delicate they are on the inside. That's why it is important to have a Piano Technician come and tune and clean your piano at least once a year. Some even recommend every 6 months.

don't use Mr. sheen.... never...

1) "Unless you have a badly stained piano, caring for the instrument needn't mean employing a professional cleaner or polisher. A soft buff regularly witha lint-free cloth is all it needs. Harsh chemicals and sprays will only damage the surface of the delicate ivory keys and will make the instrument look older and more worn than in truly is. Cleaning Ivory keys Do not: -Immerse in water -Scrub with a brush or even a scouring pad -Use any chemicals whatsoever, even washing up liquid can damage the precious surface. -Do not spray with furniture polish -Do not use air-freshener anywhere near the keys or piano. Generally speaking, ivory should be gently wiped with a soft clean cloth. For stubborn marks or fingerprints (it is always a good idea to wash your hands before playing the instrument) use a mild non-coloured toothpaste on a damp cloth. Ensure that you rub gently and do not scrub. Rinse with fresh milk with another lint-free cloth and buff well. Leave the piano open on sunny days so that the keys will stay bleached and will not turn yellow. Keys that are badly discoloured or stained must be scraped and recovered by a professional piano cleaner. Plastic Keys Do not: -Use chemicals -Leave the piano open for long periods of time: this will cause discolouration of the keys. -Do not use furniture polish, this can be too harsh. Dust regularly and wipe occasionally with a weak solution of warm water and vinegar on a clean chamois leather. Buff well for added shine. Cleaning the casework The casework of the piano can get very dusty quickly. A good idea is to routinely use a vacuum cleaner attachment to get rid of any dust/cobwebs. This can take some time, but will be definately be worth it in the end. Do not use water or any liquids/chemicals when cleaning the casework. Even the wood surface just needs a dust with a soft cloth. For stains or marks consult a professional piano tuner/cleaner. " Source: http://www.childrensmusicworkshop.com/resources/articles/pianokeys.html 2) "Cleaning: Periodically, the piano technician should clean the action, keys, soundboard and keyframe. Only the slightest amount of moisture should be used on ivory keys because dampness can penetrate the ivory and soften the glue which bonds it to the key. Piano cases were finished with a variety of materials during different historical periods. Alcohol-soluble spirit varnishes were used on early instruments. Oil varnish was used for many instruments made after the mid-nineteenth century, and both lacquer and polyester finishes are currently in use. No single cleaning technique can be used for all of them. To clean a piano case it is best to remove dust with a feather duster. A bit of moisture from the breath, used in conjunction with a soft leather chamois skin can be used to remove stubborn smudges, although it is usually best to consult the manufacturer's instructions for maintaining the finish. " Source: http://www.mozartpiano.com/articles/care.html 3) Further information: - rec.music.makers.piano FAQ-Piano Purchase and Maintenance: http://www.faqs.org/faqs/music/piano/maint-and-buy-faq/ - How to Clean a Piano Keyboard: http://www.ehow.com/how_2049721_clean-piano-keyboard.html - HOW TO CLEAN A PIANO: http://www.barisons.co.uk/InstrumentsAndTeachers/TakingCareOfInstruments.htm#PianoClean