In light of recent concerns over Coronavirus (COVID-19), there have been growing concerns over keyboard hygiene practices and procedures.
Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. encourages proper handwashing and other healthy practices in reducing the risk of transmitting common illnesses such as the flu, common cold and other such maladies.
Yamaha recommends
Yamaha recommends following the guidelines set by the Government of Canada / Health Canada:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
Safe practices also need to be followed to prevent damage to Yamaha keyboard covering materials. These materials are generally composed of acrylic, phenolic resins, wood composites and Yamaha’s Ivorite ® materials.
These materials react adversely to various cleaning and disinfecting agents. Best and safe practices for Yamaha keyboard covering materials are as follows:
-Using cleaners (both liquid and impregnated wipe type cleaners) that contain ingredients such as, alcohol (Isopropyl), chlorine, ethanol, benzene, peroxide and salts, will cause the black composite keys to discolour to a lighter colour (generally white-yellow) due to buildup of the cleaning agent’s chemical makeup. It will also erode and cause cracking of both the white and black key tops as the key top material negatively reacts to the solvents in the cleaning agents.
Best practices
-If a disinfecting agent is used (i.e. hand sanitizer) that contains the various cleaning and disinfecting agents noted above, that the hands are completely dry before contacting the keyboard.
-Best and safe practices for keeping the keyboard clean are as follows:
-using a damp lukewarm soft cloth (such as a microfiber cloth) containing a small amount
dish detergent, wrung out without concern of dripping water cascading down the sides of the keys, wipe the keys in a ‘toward the player’ motion. Start at the fallboard end (rear of the key), and wipe toward the end of the keys nearest you.
-follow this first cleaning up with a second microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm water without concern of dripping water cascading down the sides of the keys. Wipe the keys in a ‘toward the player’ motion as done with the cloth treated with dish detergent.
-complete this rinse, with a third dried microfiber cloth to dry the keyboard, again wiping the keys in a ‘toward the player’ motion till all keys are dry.
We encourage a new set of three cloths for every cleaning of the keyboard, with each set washed in a washer
Following the prevention steps set out by Health Canada in proper hand washing, coughing and sneezing practices will reduce the transmission of airborne and surface germs.
Also following the guidelines outlined by Yamaha Canada Music Ltd. on correctly and safely cleaning the keyboard key tops will ensure there will be no damage caused to the key top covering material.
