The ivory or plastic keys on your keyboard are more susceptible to turning yellow or fading over time for various reasons. While the majority of Piano players believe this is an unavoidable consequence of owning a keyboard. There are few key steps any keyboard owner can take to avoid keyboard keys turning yellow.
Still, the thought of having to clean their keyboards is a source of anxiety for some keyboard enthusiasts, who are afraid that harsh chemicals will damage their expensive hardware and the keyboard’s internal components.
However, there are safe and effective ways to polish your keyboard and bring the keys back to their original luster. So, if you have been wondering why do keyboard keys go yellow over time, wonder no more!
As a general guide, the most common reason why keyboard keys start to become yellowish in color is due to aging, reaction to keyboard cleaning agents, and exposure to direct sunlight. However, the most typical cause for keyboard buttons turning yellow is mostly due to their age.
When your keyboard has been around for years, it will start to become yellow as time goes. However, there are a number of approaches that may be used to resolve this issue.
How to fix yellow keys on the keyboard
Before attempting to repair your keys, it is critical that you thoroughly understand the kind of keys you have. Finding out what sort of keys your keyboard is constructed of will enable you to apply the proper remedy to whiten them once again.
Some keyboards are constructed entirely of ivory keys, but others are built entirely of plastic. The smoothness of the plastic keys is in contrast to the roughness of the ivory keys. As a result, after this is completed, you will be able to discover the appropriate materials to restore the white and shining appearance of your keyboard keys.
In any event, the use of soapy water causes more harm to keyboards than one can comprehend. In most cases, though, expert assistance isn’t required for cleaning and repairing keyboards. If you have some spare time, you may tidy up unsightly yellowish keys by employing some of the tips and tactics listed below.
Using natural acids
By its own nature, ivory is incredibly porous. This implies that polishing your keys will require a few hours, if not more, based on the intensity of the stains.
When it comes to removing yellowish color from yellowed keyboard keys, lemon juice may be incredibly helpful in the process. However, you must be cautious while diluting the citric acid content since it has the potential to damage the bone.
Easy polishing
You may also clean your keyboard keys using a steel wool pad, which is available at craft stores. This will eliminate any discoloration and any spots that may have been detracting from the overall appearance of your vintage item. Make sure, though, that you only do something like this occasionally. Because this eliminates a significant amount of the top part as well, you could end up damaging your priceless ivory keys as a result.
Diluted vinegar
The keys must first be completely dusted, and then they should be cleaned with diluted vinegar. Always use the smallest amount possible because strong acid may damage the keys dental bone if used excessively. The optimal vinegar-to-water proportion is one part vinegar to four ounces of water. Clean the keys using simply a towel or a handkerchief, if possible. . Never even think of attempting to remove difficult discoloration using steel wool or scrubbers.
Direct sunlight
This will only be recommended if your keyboard’s keys are made entirely of pure ivory. Ivory is bleached by direct sunshine. What you have to do is keep your keyboard exposed in a bright location and allow the keys to soak up the rays of sunshine. This is a fantastic and cautious approach to preventing additional yellowing of the ivory from occurring.
Using toothpaste
You may also wipe the keyboard keys with a light white toothpaste to make them seem new. Make certain that you just use regular, simple white toothpaste. Ivory gets corroded and discolored by the gels as well as colored toothpaste. The keys must be dried
Conclusion
A keyboard is an excellent piece of equipment to have. The keys on your keyboard may begin to turn yellow over time. We hope this article will assist you in comprehending the reasons why keyboard keys may begin to become yellow over time.
