cleaning/whitening yellow ivory keys

[Bach>Meer]

Hi all!

can anyone help on how to do this? Ive heard meths, lemon juice, toothpaste, milk! What can do the job quickly without any damage to the keys?

thanks all

[Contratrombone64]

That's a fascinating question, I would talk to my local organ repairer or piano restorer to get that answer I guess.

I found this, not sure how accurate it is as it's off the web (http://www.canequest.com/cleaning_ivory.asp)

[Krummhorn]

In an older piano, the yellowing process can be valuable as it helps keep its value up as being an authentic instrument. The yellowed keys seem to be only a cosmetic issue as they do not affect the playing action nor the tone of the piano. Oily fingers also contribute to the yellowing process, so it's always best to thoroughly wash ones hands before playing ... even with the plastic on wood ones.

I found this article on the web that may be of interest. It mentions several methods that can be tried to remove some of the yellowing.

[teddy]

I do remember bing told to use a slice of white bread, but of course they could have been taking the ****

teddy