A King Features Syndicate offered a tip from Heloise that was published in the CantonRep.com (Ohio) regarding the use of vinegar on piano keys. The reader noted that Heloise had published a formula for taking the “crackle” out of the finish on piano keys. Heloise’s tip follows, cautioning that the tip is only safe for plastic keys:
Cleaning methods vary, depending on whether the keys are made of plastic or ivory (as many older piano keys are). A mixture of vinegar and warm water is safe ONLY for plastic keys. Dip a microfiber or terry cloth into the mixture and use it to rub the keys. DO NOT have so much liquid that it drips between the keys. Then wipe dry ASAP.
Ivory keys are more fragile, so a drop of gentle soap mixed with a cup of warm water is all you need. Again, using a cloth, SLIGHTY dampened, wipe the keys with the solution, follow with another clean cloth with water and immediately buff with a different, lint-free cloth. — Heloise
Another King Features Syndicate published in the CantonRep.com (Ohio) offered a tip from Heloise on using vinegar to clean oak cabinets. Heloise suggests first using a “mild solution of vegetable-oil soap and warm water” and provides directions. She also notes, “Another [tip]is, of course, vinegar and water! Just mix 1 part white or apple-cider vinegar with 2 parts water.” She then recommends the following steps: “Wipe going in the direction of the grain, then wipe with a clean cloth with water only and dry.”