Does anyone know what cleaning agent is used to clean the inside of a piano when it is full of dirt?

There is a perception problem inside this question. Have another look at the video. The parts being cleaned are not inside the instrument.

The technician is cleaning the bottom board that has been removed.

This is a good example of someone who discovers a video on the internet and then misconstrues what they are looking at.

This is how mistakes are made with complex mechanics such as piano mechanics and all technicians who hang out in this place have voiced concerns about assisting other members in public here who are not technicians.

Does anyone know what cleaning agent is used to clean the inside of a piano when it is full of dirt?

I understand Dan's reaction. We are called to clean up DIY messes as a matter of course. Very often the fee for such work is contested, or resented, even if we keep it as low as possible. It can make even the best of us a little cranky at times.

Me? It makes me cranky all the time.

The other thing you have to remember is that even if you post here, most of us answering are aware that you are not the only person who will read the replies. We have to be careful not to mislead someone with less familiarity with what we are talking about.

When I was cleaning out the interior of our old piano (under keybed, keys, stickers, plate, action components etc. I used a very mild (maybe 2 tsp/gal water) vinegar solution and made sure that the cloth was only very slightly damp. I believe this was recommended somewhere in Reblitz. I assume its very important to make sure nothing gets wet enough to absorb much of any moisture. This seemed to help take much of the surface dirt/dust off that remained after vacuuming and then blowing out what I couldn't get to with the return side of the vacuum. It was amazing how filthy the water got, which seemed to confirm that it was accomplishing something. In the keybed you need to be very careful not to damage or suck up the felt and paper punchings on the front and balance rails.

FWIW if I understood correctly from previous threads Samuel is in an area where just "hiring a pro" is not a straight forward proposition, and he's working on an old upright that probably wouldn't warrant much investment anyway.

Rob

Here's a before and after:


Higher Resolution

Higher Resolution

BTW strings were cleaned with a scotchbrite pad for the plain wire, and a fine wire wheel in an electric drill for the wound strings. The latter suggestion came from a thread I read somewhere on here, I think it was one Bill Bremmer started.

rob

WOW! That made quite a difference!