| How to Clean Yellow Piano Keys Posted: 01 Jan 2021 04:00 PM PST The piano is a beautiful instrument, but it can become a bit of eyesore when the keys start looking yellow. Before giving your instrument some much-needed TLC, take a closer look at what type of keys you have. Typically, ivory keys are off-white, porous and made with 2 connected pieces. Plastic keys are a lot smoother, and have a clear varnish on top.[1] Once you've figured out what kind of keys you have, choose from a variety of different household substances to get your keys looking white and polished. [Edit]Ivory Keys - Apply white toothpaste to the surface of your ivory keys. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of plain white toothpaste on a soft cloth. Rub the toothpaste gently into the ivory surface, focusing on 1 key at a time.[2]
- Only use white toothpaste for this—gel toothpaste can hurt your ivory keys in the long run.[3]
- Try not to leave the toothpaste on the ivory piano keys for more than 30 seconds.
- Wipe away the toothpaste with a cloth dampened with milk. Grab another clean cloth and dampen it with a few drops of whole milk. Wipe down the key with milk to clean off the instrument and really polish the surface. Once each key is clean, dry it off with another soft, lint-free cloth.[4]
- Some sources recommend cleaning ivory with lemon juice. However, lemon juice can eventually break down the ivory, which isn't ideal. Milk, on the other hand, helps protect the ivory with calcium and other fatty acids.
- Rub the keys with a white vinyl eraser for a simpler solution. Move the eraser down each key, dragging it in slow, careful motions. Don't move too quickly—otherwise, tiny eraser chunks might fall into the cracks of your piano keys.[5]
- Polish away the yellow stains with a fine steel wool pad. Look for steel wool marked as #0000, or labeled as "very fine." Rub the wool gently over the ivory to buff away any unwanted yellow stains on the keys.[6] Scrub down 1 key at a time, moving the wool pad in smooth, vertical motions.[7]
- Only do this once in a while. Although this can clear away pesky stains, it may also wear down the ivory.
- Wipe down each key with a mayonnaise-yogurt mixture. Mix a spoonful of plain yogurt and mayonnaise together in a bowl. It may seem strange, but dip a clean cloth into the mixture and rub down each key individually. Then, dry off your clean ivory keys with a new cloth.[8]
- The bacteria in the mayonnaise and yogurt actually help whiten the keys.
- Clear away stubborn stains with rubbing alcohol. Pour a couple drops of rubbing alcohol onto a soft cloth. Wipe down each individual key, which will help freshen up your instrument. Then, take a clean cloth and wipe away any leftover alcohol.[9]
- You only need a few drops for this—if you use too much alcohol, it'll drip down the cracks of the instrument.
- Place your keys in direct sunlight to whiten the keys. Over time, sunlight can actually whiten ivory. If possible, see if you can move your piano into a sunnier part of your home, so your keys can lighten naturally over time.[10]
- This remedy only works with ivory keys. If you have plastic keys, the sun will end up yellowing them.
- Whiten your ivory keys with diluted vinegar. Mix four spoonfuls of tap water with a spoonful of white vinegar. Dip a piece of flannel or cheesecloth into the water and wipe down each individual key to get rid of any yellow staining.[11]
- Don't use pure vinegar for this—acid can wear down the ivory over time.
- You can also wipe down your keys with an old T-shirt.
[Edit]Plastic Keys - Go over each key with a few drops of dish soap. Pour a couple drops of dish soap onto a clean, slightly damp cloth and wipe down each individual key.[12] Pick out a soft white cloth to get the job done; unfortunately, colored washcloths may transfer their dye to the piano keys.[13] To be safe, wipe off each individual key with a dry cloth once you're done cleaning them.
- The washcloth should be damp, but not dripping wet. If it's too wet, then water may drip in between the keys.
- Wipe down electric piano keys with a melamine foam sponge. Move a slightly damp sponge up and down each individual key, which may help whiten the instrument. Don't use a wet rag or washcloth to clean your electric piano, or you may damage your instrument.[14]
- Electric or digital pianos are created with a lot of electrical components, so water isn't a great cleaning option.
- Get rid of stubborn stains with a diluted vinegar mixture. Mix 4 spoonfuls of warm water with 1 spoonful of white vinegar together as your cleaning mixture. Dip a clean cloth into this mixture so it's slightly damp, then clean off each individual key. Dry off the clean piano keys completely once you're done.[15]
- Soft cloths, like cheesecloth or flannel, are good options for this.[16]
- Yellow ivory keys may not look great, but they can add a lot of character to your instrument. If you're thinking about reselling your piano, it might be worth it to leave your keys a little yellow.[17]
- Opt for lint-free cloths instead of paper towels. Unfortunately, paper towels can leave leftover lint on your keys, which isn't ideal.[18]
- To keep your piano keys grime-free, clean them occasionally with a wet wipe. Just be sure not to squeeze the liquid into the keys.
[Edit]Warnings - Some piano experts recommend using an ivory scraper to get rid of really stubborn yellow stains from the key tops. However, ivory scrapers can damage your ivory key tops if you use them incorrectly. Before investing in this kind of tool, ask a piano technician for advice.[19]
- Use a different cleaning cloth for your black and white piano keys. This can prevent any black paint from permanently smudging onto your white keys.[20]
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or sprays to clean and sanitize your instrument. This will hurt your instrument instead of sanitizing or cleaning it.[21]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Ivory Keys - White toothpaste
- Milk
- White vinyl eraser
- Soft cleaning cloth
- Fine steel wool pad
- Mayonnaise
- Yogurt
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vinegar
- Water
- Flannel or cheesecloth
[Edit]Plastic Keys - Dish soap
- Melamine foam sponge
- White vinegar
- Water
[Edit]References |
| How to Deal with a Jealous Child Posted: 01 Jan 2021 08:00 AM PST When it comes to your children, the "green-eyed monster" often rears its ugly head when you least expect it. Sadly, there's no magic phrase or wise quote that will instantly soothe your child's spirits. Never fear! There are plenty of easy ways you can communicate and empathize with your young one, so they don't feel isolated as they work through these tough feelings. [Edit]New Sibling - Reassure them that they're loved. Ultimately, jealousy comes from a place of insecurity and fear. Your job is to remind your little one that you will always love and care for them, even if your family is growing. Remind on many occasions that they're loved, and that they're also a very important part of the family.[1]
- You can say something like, "We will always love you so very much, no matter how much our family grows."
- Remind them that they won't always be the center of attention. Take your child aside and let them know that, sometimes, their sibling will receive a little more attention from other family members. This doesn't mean that your child isn't loved or cared for. To make this conversation a little easier, remind your child of times when they had a lot of attention.[2]
- For example, you can remind your child of the time some family members stopped by their soccer game, or their piano recital.
- Focus on the baby if your child acts aggressive. Jealousy can be very physical, especially with younger kids. You might notice your young one throwing their toys, or pinching or hitting their siblings. Don't yell at your jealous child or give them any kind of attention—that's why they're misbehaving in the first place. Instead, focus on the baby, and make sure they're safe and okay.[3]
- This will show your jealous child that acting mean or hurtful won't get them any attention.
- If your older child is jealous and they're acting out in a way that's disrespectful, just ignore it if they're preschool age or younger. If they're a little older, don't react, but do include a consequence for the behavior.[4]
- Give your child something to do so they don't feel left out. Find easy ways that your little one can help out with their new sibling. Choose any kind of task, no matter how simple—they might hand you the baby bottle, or grab you a clean diaper. This will help them feel important, and may reduce some of their jealous feelings.[5]
- For instance, if the baby is getting upset during a car ride, you can ask your child to sing them a soothing song.
- Maintain your child's usual routine. A new baby will definitely throw a wrench in your usual schedule, but try to keep your child's routine as normal as possible. Your little one is more likely to feel jealous and upset when they feel a big shift in their own schedule.[6]
- For instance, continue reading your child a story before tucking them in, or make them the same food for breakfast each morning.
- Ask for extra help so you can spend more time with your other child. There's nothing wrong with asking a trusted friend or relative to look after your new baby for a little while. Use this extra time to bond with your child, so they don't feel left out or forgotten.[7]
- Don't compare your children. Avoid making blanket statements, like "Why can't you be quiet like your sister" or "I wish you could behave like your brother." These types of statement will only make your child feel more jealous and unhappy, and won't actually achieve anything productive.[8]
- Instead, you might say something like, "I know you have a lot of energy, but would you mind playing with your toys downstairs while I finish changing your brother's diaper?"
[Edit]Preschool and School-Aged Children - Remind your children that they can't be the center of attention constantly. Really young kids might try to battle for your attention when you're in the middle of something else. Calmly remind your little one that you can't play with them at this moment, and encourage them to do something else, like draw a picture or play with their favorite toy.[9]
- Say something like, "I'm going to talk to Mr. Brown for a few more minutes. Can you play with your toys until I'm done?"
- You might also say, "I'm going to help Caitlin with her homework right now. Do you want to watch TV until I'm done?"
- Validate their jealous emotions. Tell your child that you understand their feelings, and that you understand why they feel jealous. Your child might tone down their complaints and behavior if they feel like you really hear and understand their struggles.[10]
- For example, you can say something like, "You're sad that Robin got a special solo and you didn't."
- You might also say, "I know that it's hard for you to wait while I give little Jimmy a bath."
- Thank your child for being honest about their feelings. Remind your child that honesty is important, and that it's great for them to be upfront about their feelings. Thank and praise them whenever they share how they're feeling. This will encourage them to be honest in the future, and will help you nip any negative feelings in the bud.[11]
- For example, you can say, "Thank you so much for letting me know how you're feeling" or "I really appreciate you being honest with me."
- Label the jealousy with a silly nickname. Pick a really goofy name, so your kids remember that their jealousy is just a feeling, and not part of their identity. This will help your young ones view their jealousy as a separate "person," which will make the feeling easier to dismiss and ignore.[12]
- You might say something like, "It looks like Jake the Jealousy is knocking at the door. You don't have to let him in the house!"
- Praise your child's strengths. Many times, kids tend to compare themselves to their siblings, friends, and acquaintances, which leads to a lot of bitterness and jealousy. Remind your young one that they have plenty of wonderful traits and qualities that make them special, and that they don't need to compare themselves to anyone else.[13]
- You can say something like, "You're so good at art" or "You're a star basketball player!" This can help your child focus on their own strengths and gifts.
- You might also say something like, "You're such a kind, sweet, and genuine person."
- Teach your children to share their feelings honestly with others. It's perfectly normal if your child is feeling jealous of another classmate or friend. Encourage them to share these feelings in a polite way, so the jealousy doesn't fester or get worse. Guide them through a few possible conversations they can have, so they'll be prepared in the actual situation.[14]
- They can say something like, "You're a really good friend. This is a little embarrassing to admit, but I feel a little jealous at how much better you are at math than I am. I don't want these feelings to hurt our friendship, so I wanted to let you know."
- They might also say, "You mean a lot to me, and I want to be honest about how I've been feeling. You always wear such cool outfits, and it makes me feel a little jealous."
- Encourage your kids to praise and compliment others. Jealousy often stems from personal insecurity, like someone being really talented at sports or coming to school in a cool outfit. Teach your kids to fight these negative feelings, and replace them with something positive instead. Whenever your child is feeling jealous, encourage them to share a compliment instead.[15]
- For example, your child can say something like, "You did a really amazing job on that science project" or "I'm really impressed at how fast you ran in gym class."
- They might also say, "Your outfit looks really amazing" or "I love the way you did your hair."
- Empathy can help your child be less jealous. Try modeling helpful, generous actions—then, encourage your children to do the same.[16]
[Edit]Teenagers - Encourage older kids to unplug from social media. Social media users tend to post their best and brightest moments online, which can make others feel inadequate. Plus, all those photo filters can lead to unrealistic and unhealthy expectations when it comes to appearance. Remind your teen that appearances can be deceiving, and they shouldn't compare themselves to other people online. If needed, set some social media limits for your kids, or encourage them to log out or take breaks.[17]
- For instance, you might set a 1- or 2-hour limit for scrolling through social media, so your kid can unplug for a little while.
- Support their interests and hobbies. Give your child a lot of confidence and self-esteem in their own abilities and talents. Compliment them whenever they're working towards their goals, and help them sign up for special classes. If your child feels supported, they might not feel as jealous of their peers.[18]
- For instance, you might sign your teen up for ballet class, or pay for them to have voice lessons.
- Set a good example for your kids at home. You might be experiencing some jealousy in your own life, which is perfectly normal and okay. Instead of unloading those negative feelings on your kids, demonstrate some healthy, respectful ways to deal with jealousy. Show your children that it's normal and okay to feel jealous, but that those feelings don't have to define or control your life.[19]
- For instance, you might say, "I feel like the new employee they hired is a lot better with computers than I am. Still, I know that we both offer valuable skills to the workplace."
- You could say "Our neighbor always goes all-out with the Christmas decorations" instead of saying "Our home never looks as good as our neighbor's."
- Remind them that rejection is normal and okay. If your teen gets out of a tough relationship, they might be feeling bitter and jealous, especially if their ex starts seeing another person. Let them know that rejection is just a part of life, and not every relationship will work out. They're still young, and have plenty of time to scope out and plan their future![20]
- You might say, "I know it's hard to watch Dave walking around with his new girlfriend. These feelings are only temporary."
- You could also say, "It's really hard to see Jessica start a new relationship, but there are plenty of bigger and better things on the horizon for you."
- Avoid teasing your kids about their feelings. Don't try to dismiss or laugh away your teen's struggles—while humor is an understandable default when conversations get tough, it won't help if your child is trying to cope with their jealous feelings. Instead of poking fun at their emotions, lend a supportive and understanding ear to whatever they're dealing with.[21]
- Instead of making a joke, such as "Looks like someone's jealous," you can say something like, "I'm sorry you're feeling this way. Would you like to talk about it?"
- A jealous child can be really overwhelming to deal with, especially if they're jealous of a new sibling. Remember—these thoughts and behaviors are just a phase, and will go away eventually.[22]
- Let your kids know that you also feel jealous sometimes. Tell them a story of how you felt and how you dealt with those feelings—this might help your child feel a little more understood.[23]
- Remind your kids that jealous feelings on their own are perfectly normal. Jealousy only becomes a problem when we choose to act on those negative thoughts and feelings.[24]
[Edit]References |
| How to Transform Yourself for the New Year Posted: 01 Jan 2021 12:00 AM PST Most transformations take time, but many people see New Year's Day as a fitting moment to get started with resolutions to change their life for the better. Whatever the transformation you're aiming for, be it educational, financial, physical, mental, or something else, determination, dedication, and hard work will help you set and achieve it. By defining your goals and creating an action plan for yourself, you may be able to transform your life in the coming year. [Edit]Setting Goals - Think about what you want to transform in a broad sense. Starting with a broad goal will help you define what you want and why you want it. Ask yourself what you'd really like to change in your life and why that's something you care about. Are you looking to be healthier, or do you want to learn something new? Would you like a new career? Is there something else you want to change?[1]
- For example, you could set a goal like, "I want a new career because I want to feel more fulfilled with my job."
- It could be tempting to try to change every aspect of your life at once, but that can quickly get overwhelming, making it more likely that you'll fall off the wagon. Instead, focus on just one area of your life, such as getting healthier or going back to school.
- Break up your big goal into smaller steps. Once you have your overall transformation in mind, break it down into a set of more manageable goals. What steps can you take to make this goal a reality? Think about what you want to be different when the transformation is complete, identifying what you specifically want to change and using that as the basis for your goals.
- If, for example, you want to improve your mind in the coming year, you may choose goals such as reading more books, learning a new language, and getting an educational or professional certificate.
- Make an action plan. Look at each goal individually and decide what actions you want to take to accomplish it. Research resources, set dates, and schedule yourself in advance to make sure you have regular time dedicated to your goals.[2]
- For example, if your goals include learning a new language, your action plan may researching different language learning websites such as Duolingo or Busuu, or making a specific study schedule.
- If your goals will require some investment to make happen, now is also the time to set a budget.
- Set a timeline. Any transformation will be an incremental process. Before you begin, research a realistic timeline for your goals. Remember that transformations can be ongoing, and may take longer than a year.
- Avoid setting arbitrary timelines. Safe, healthy weight loss happens at a rate of 1-2 lbs a week, for example, while proficiency in a new language takes months or even years. Use professional resources to help you set realistic timelines.[3]
- Things might come up that throw off your schedule over the year, and that's OK. Set your timeline with the understanding that you might not be able to follow it completely, but that is no reason to give up.
[Edit]Working Towards Your Transformation - Gather any supplies you need to get started. Ask yourself what you need to start working towards your goal, doing online research to get ideas. Draw up a list and get the items as soon as you can so you can get started.
- If you are looking to exercise more, for example, make sure you chart a good running path. If you want to learn a programming language, equip your desk with an instructional book and a quality computer.
- You can even make this the very first step in your goal, which will help you feel like you're already working towards it.
- Start with a simple, consistent goal. Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once. Start with your first, most manageable goal and get into a steady routine before adding more into the mix.[4]
- Starting small lets you work your way up to the greatest challenges. Think about learning a language: you start with basic vocabulary before you try to read a novel.
- Find a partner in crime to keep you motivated. You'll likely hit a few challenging moments in pursuit of your goals. Going through them with someone you trust, like a friend or family member, can give you strength, motivation, and even make it fun.[5]
- You can also find a shared interest group, either local or online, especially if you're learning a specific skill or working toward a more common goal. You can speak and practice with others who understand your ambitions and may be able to help find creative solutions.
- For some goals, you might want a partner who can challenge you and push you to be your best. If you want a running buddy, find someone who can make it just a block or two farther than you. If you want a study buddy for a new subject, ask a peer who has taken a related course before.
- Work through your action plan, one thing at a time. Any major goal will feel daunting at first. Instead of getting overwhelmed by everything you have to do, take it one step at a time. Focus on completing the first item on your schedule without worrying about the next one, then move on once you've completed it.
- If you start feeling overwhelmed, break your goals down even further. If you found a course you want to try, sign up for the class. If you found a professional with whom you want to work, make an appointment to see them.
- Reward yourself for hitting goals along the way. Find small rewards for those moments when you act on your goals. Try to find things that you truly enjoy, and use them to congratulate yourself on your hard work. Creating a reward system will help you stay motivated and excited to work towards your goal.[6]
- Try something like playing your favorite song, taking a long bath, watching an episode of your favorite show, or something else that you enjoy to motivate yourself in the early stages of your goal.
[Edit]Keeping Yourself Motivated - Track your progress to stay on schedule. You're more likely to keep going when you can see how far you have come. Track your progress to see how far you made it with your goal over the course of the year. Try writing down your progress in a journal, or using a visual tool such as a chart or drawing to show your progress.
- If you are looking to get in shape, for example, you can track how far you biked or ran with charts and maps.
- If you're learning a new skill, try tracking your progress by writing a sentence or two every day about what new things you've learned, and what comes easily to you now.
- Consider using a goal-tracking app such as Achiever[7] or Stick[8] to track your progress easily and on-the-go.
- Talk about your goal with friends and family. Generating some publicity for yourself is one way to stay on track. Talk to your those close to you about what have already accomplished, and what you still want to do.[9]
- Rework your goals as needed. As you progress, your goals are likely to change. You may go from wanting to run a 5k to wanting to run a half marathon. You may have set out to learn Spanish, but find that you like Italian more. Re-evaluate your goals every few weeks and adjust them to fit your needs.
- Designate specific times to check in on your goals. Set reminders on your calendar or in your planner.
- Ask yourself, "How am I doing with this goal? Am I happy with my actions and their outcomes?"
- Set aside the money needed to assist your transformation in a special account. Do not touch it except for the purposes of your goal.
- Read works by people who have undergone major transformations in life. What lessons can you glean from their experiences?
- Keep a journal and use it to boost your morale and reflect on your transformation journey.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not make any major changes to diet, exercise routines, or anything that may impact your physical or mental health without first consulting a professional.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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