Complete Grand cleaning

[Stéphane Collin]

Hi Ed, Mark.

Thanks for your good comments.  Points well taken.

Stéphane Collin.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Mark Potter 
  To: Pianotech List 
  Sent: Saturday, July 21, 2007 1:32 PM
  Subject: Re: Complete Grand cleaning


  Stephen -

  I'm with Ed on this... why introduce acetic acid when there are alternatives that have no possible downside?

  You might consider using mineral spirits (paint thinner) for cleaning the board after removing all of the dust.  This is typically what is really doing the work in most so-called "furniture cleaners".  A very effective cleaner with no negative consequences should it come in contact with the underside of the strings.  Will not harm the finish in any way, or attack any glue joints.  Although it is one of the least noxious solvents, you should still use gloves and provide some ventilation.  There is an odorless version available, but ventilation is still required (just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean it isn't there!)

  I have been using mineral spirits for 30 years for cleaning all kinds of finishes, including smoke damaged pianos.  Very effective.

  Mark Potter



  Stéphane Collin <collin.s at skynet.be> wrote:
    Hi Ed.

    I use water - vinegar solution routinely for cleaning the soundboards, up 
    till now. Isn't it so that a poison can be a cure, at the right dosis ? I 
    find it very efficient, and I try to avoid touching the strings with the 
    damp part of the rag, and I wipe immediately the soundboard with a dry rag, 
    and apart from the scratches that are still there, it leaves the soundboard 
    surface the way I like it. No soundboard, uptill now, spontaneously popped 
    up from the rim after cleaning this way. And when I just want that, it 
    takes me much more effort and lots, lots of water - vinegar to achieve (and 
    a crane to lift the plate).
    Do you have a better way for cleaning the soundboard ?

    Best regards.

    Stéphane Collin.


    > There is nothing to be gained by putting acid on the soundboard and
    > plate!!! Vinegar is ascetic acid and I don't know of anything on a piano 
    > it is
    > good for, except breaking down hide glue joints.
    > Regards,
    >
    >
    >
    > Ed Foote RPT
    > http://www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/index.html
    > www.uk-piano.org/edfoote/well_tempered_piano.html


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