How to Clean Yellowed Plastic Keys on a MIDI Controller Keyboard

Рет қаралды 74,011

Күн бұрын

I had a Novation Launchkey MIDI keyboard controller with keys that became yellow, as a result of having it placed next to a window. Initially, I tried cleaning it with baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, and all sort of home cleaning agents - with no luck.
Eventually, I learned that it was bromine, a chemical substance in plastic keys that had destabilized because of prolonged exposure to UV light. The only way to turn it white again is to use hydrogen peroxide and UV light again.
I documented the process of whitening the yellowed plastic keyboard using hydrogen peroxide cream and UV light.
Get a hydrogen peroxide cream (12%) mixture, like this: www.audiomentor.com/tools/hpc...
Or visit the Retr0 Bright website to make your own: www.retr0bright.com/
In Malaysia? Here's one from Lazada: www.audiomentor.com/laz/hydro...
If you found value in the video, consider buying me a coffee. It'll help me create more useful videos for you. I'm grateful : www.buymeacoffee.com/Audiomentor
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Read music production tips and more reviews at AudioMentor: audiomentor.com/
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Bookmarks:
0:00 Intro // Why Do Keys Turn Yellow?
0:38 First look & what you'll need.
2:10 Disassembling the MIDI controller keyboard.
3:36 Applying hydrogen peroxide cream
4:12 24 hours later...
5:15 Re-assembling the MIDI Controller
5:33 White keys!
#yellowedplastic #cleanyellowedplastic #yellowedkeyboard
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* I receive a small commission when you buy through some of the links above, at no cost to you. This helps me create more informative videos like this one and do the next one even better - so thank you!

Пікірлер: 154

@daviddempsey8721 Жыл бұрын

Reuben, there are so many D-I-Y videos and forum posts about how to fix things. As an Engineer-Tech, so much of it is nonsense, and some is actually harmful. It's rare to find someone who has FIRST worked out what's wrong! and then found a relatively safe way to fix it. Congrats. I have a keyboard waiting for this... after I put the other piano back together.

@reubenchng Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words and your generous tip. Glad that this helped you and thank you for allowing me to create more. :) Can't wait to see the results on your keyboard

@theyoungones_livemusic 27 күн бұрын

Would it be okay if I paint the keys? With spray paint or that will harm the keys? Or make the keys not work right?

@kevinp4771 Жыл бұрын

Perfect, thankyou, had an old white keyboard with the most horrendous yellow keys that looked like it was on 20 smokes a day! this worked perfectly although took an extra day for me

@reubenchng Жыл бұрын

think of it as a nice destressing activity!

@michaeldulsky8492 Жыл бұрын

This video really inspired me. Yesterday I finally disassembled my vintage Ensoniq ASR 10 keyboard. It took 6 1/2 hours to take it apart carefully. Today I used your process of whitening the keys. I left them outside in the blazing sun on a sheet of cardboard with the hydrogen peroxide cream pasted on the white keys and under Saran Wrap. They look like brand new keys now. P.S. for anyone that wants to know... I left them outside from 1:35 to 7:30ish I will put them back outside early tomorrow till the sun goes down. I don't think I really need to but I'm a perfectionist. Bless 🙏

@Riverandsun 8 ай бұрын

How’d you go?

@AudioAtmos 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks you!! Also for taking the time to video the disassembly. I hope my Nektar LX49 is as easy.

@MADEINNSW 3 жыл бұрын

Sir you are underrated. I have enjoyed your videos for years now. Great content!

@reubenchng 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you kind sir! Will do better.

@comrade_crab 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this clear how-to video! I got a Korg R3 (very cheap) with yellow keys, and now I know exactly how to proceed.

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

Hope yours turns out well

@andrewcraig3893 Ай бұрын

Many thanks Reuben, I have the exact same keyboard with the exact same yellowing - you have inspired me to tackle the yellowing, cheers!

@danieldoherty8009 Жыл бұрын

Great video and very clearly explained, I have a yamaha keyboard and the keys need this treatment, so thanks again man for that .

@samuelwong4152 Жыл бұрын

thanks, im gonna do this to my Korg pa600........ should have done in during MCO, which u did. thanks again !

@nicksutton2964 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Very clearly explained.

@MatthewMusician 3 жыл бұрын

wow nice instructions. Thanks for the video you did!

@Tamarachloe Жыл бұрын

Wow! Anazing results🙌🏼

@TrueDetectivePikachu Жыл бұрын

Awesome video man! Kudos from LATAM. In my case I couldn't get any cream. Instead I used a bottle of Hydrogen Peroxide in liquid, for those in LATAM viene siendo una botella marron de esos que encuentras en farmacias. I had some nintendo switch lite buttons that were pretty darn yellowed. I cleaned em first and filled a glass jar with Hydrogen Peroxide and put the buttons inside and sealed it tight. Its in the middle of summer at the time of writing this; leaving the glass jar for around an hour or two at 11am in summer quickened the process a heck of a lot.

@CoLD.SToRAGE Жыл бұрын

Here's another way... just place your keyboard in sunlight. Over a few days, the sun clears the yellowing. No unscrewing, no chemicals, no mess. It's probably a good idea to cover the non-keyboard part of your synth with a cloth, so that only the keys get the sunlight. I've done this myself, and it works. I've also brightened old computer cases this way too. It's way more eco-friendly. The yellowing isn't largely from sunlight, it's from the unavoidable breakdown of the plastic - www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320144/

@naqi_zariz 10 ай бұрын

Does this work for both ivory and plastic keys?

@Emily_M81 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! My old Kawai K5000S synth definitely needs this.

@lundsweden 11 ай бұрын

Yeah my Kawai K5000W is really bad too!

@lundsweden Жыл бұрын

I had thought of putting mine in a bucket of diluted bleach, but feared it might damage the plastic. This looks like a better idea!

@kellyanne7225 2 жыл бұрын

Well, as a stylist, I sure do have plenty of the “cream”, actually called developer, on hand! 👍🏼 Awesome tip! I’m actually using this on my real piano keys, not an electric piano. They’re plastic, not ivory so I’m safe! 😀

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear that. Oh! So I don’t actually need a glove do I?

@marzzz1 2 жыл бұрын

@@reubenchng When she says "on hand" I think she means "readily available." I would definitely recommend using gloves as you originally described.

@Mikas_Emil Жыл бұрын

Hey Kelly - Did you do it on a normal upright piano with plastic keys? would love to know how you did it - did you take all the keys out? and how did it go?

@kellyanne7225 Жыл бұрын

@@Mikas_Emil Morning! Yes, I did…it did nothing. I had long forgotten about this thread! 😂 I suppose I could give it another go, right?

@Mikas_Emil Жыл бұрын

@@kellyanne7225 thanks for getting back!!! :D did you remember to put it in sunlight or another source of UV lighting?

@DornAlien123 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing! I have to try this for myself!

@lundsweden 11 ай бұрын

It looks great!

@Hydropete 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful thanks!

@MessyCodes-mh8gx 4 ай бұрын

Great information. Thank you 💞

@ianfridlington1047 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant and thank you!

@rivano2501 Жыл бұрын

Thank you sir! for this video 💯

@Blrapue 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! I'm going to try this on my Alesis QS8 I purchased in 1997. I will report back with my results.

@AngeloGuardia 2 жыл бұрын

Hoping this video saves my Korg Karma :) nice video man! keep it up

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see your before and after. :)

@kwentongcar-car6535 2 жыл бұрын

wow this is really helpful

@CDJJOE 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this Video, this has really helped me to clean my Maudio Axiom.

@reubenchng 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@benashley6395 2 жыл бұрын

simon, was it difficult to take the axiom apart?

@CDJJOE 2 жыл бұрын

@@benashley6395 There are some screws and after taking the backside off the case, the keys are arrested. So it was the first time not such easy as I thought. But if youve time, and trust in u youll get it.

@lenonel3286 10 ай бұрын

What an amazing video! Thanks for sharing I'll try this at home

@reubenchng 10 ай бұрын

Have fun while at it

@cryptombt5880 2 жыл бұрын

Really awesome

@JustinH95 2 жыл бұрын

You got a sub from me, boss. Great simple video

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

thank you!

@alexnova85 Жыл бұрын

Thank you very much for the video, will have to do my keyboard now.

@reubenchng Жыл бұрын

Good luck!

@sarys73 2 жыл бұрын

I have a Kawai K5000w that needs some whitening. Thank's bro

@northw1nd 3 жыл бұрын

thanks for your sharing ~~

@luisjo819 3 жыл бұрын

thaaanks!

@Drumdnc0 2 жыл бұрын

👌🏼 Amazing English 🤝

@cardotaduran7797 2 жыл бұрын

How come 4 people dislike this very helful video?

@freesubscribe3761 2 жыл бұрын

Hi brother u saved my keyboard. Thanks so much. God bless u. Have few questions to ask u about music but dunno how to reach u.

@NicolasMelis 5 ай бұрын

Hello, thanks for the video, If i use Hydrogen Peroxide cream 9% volume 30 will have the same results?

@Tcowvn 9 ай бұрын

Thank a lot

@briancherenaacosta923 3 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@reubenchng 3 ай бұрын

Welcome!

@FirKezzy 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this tutorial... just need it to clean my korg X50...

@fusionistaaaa 3 жыл бұрын

I'm ajout to buy a used x50 with yellow keys! Do you recommend it? Did you whiten it? Thanks

@reubenchng 3 жыл бұрын

@@fusionistaaaa haggle for a good price, then restore it!

@austinjoiner5968 Жыл бұрын

Would a uvb light bulb work? I live in an apartment so cant really do the outside thing long term

@MediaMusik777 2 жыл бұрын

does it remove the clear coat ? I have performant clear coat finger print over time now there is wear on the keys that look like finger prints. Basically the the clear coat has been remove overtime by my finger oils and now its looks uneven.

@aomine6817 3 ай бұрын

I did it on a bargain Axiom 49 I bought used, happy with the result but it took pretty long, I wish I bought a UV lamp but they are expensive. also I regret dumping entire bottle of the oxydant creme on the keys - it got into tight spaces on the back of the keys and it was a pain to clean it

@mystikron2302 Жыл бұрын

Hey thats great. I have the same problem and now can fix it. But there is another Problem with the two pitch wheels on the left. The black (like a tire on a wheel) Plastic is going sticky gluey, Feels like desolving. Maybe the Softmaker in the Plastic. Did you got a solution for that also? :-) Thank you so much.

@lesterfalcon1350 Жыл бұрын

Nice, my Novation Bass station 2 suffered the same consequence from the Vietnamese sun. I'll give the a go.

@lesterfalcon1350 10 ай бұрын

Finally got around to doing this, the Bass Station keys are a different design than the Launchkey. So for anyone attempting this, the keys are held in place individually, by a spring and a plastic hook. You don't need to touch the black keys, as the white keys come out first. I used a slim metal chopstick, that fits through the centre of the spring. extend the spring a little and push the far end away from you and it will come out easily. (and do the reverse to put it back. There is a small square hole in front of the spring that hooks the key in. With a little pressure pulling up on the back of the key, and a flat screwdriver in the square hole press the hook back just a little to loosen the key. There are 2 rubber pads inside the front of the key so maneuver around these to remove.

@ET2carbon 2 жыл бұрын

Did it change the feeling of the keys?

@txddyfarquh3916 3 ай бұрын

Oh, i nearly 4got to Sub😂 thanks for this helpful vid

@PatrikAdolfsson 2 ай бұрын

Great vid. Did the keys stay white? 😅

@ianbarber2937 Жыл бұрын

I like the yellow keys

@txddyfarquh3916 3 ай бұрын

So once the keys hv been brought back to white, would spraying a "clear coat" over the keys so that they dont stain again?

@aomine6817 3 ай бұрын

I have an AKAI LPK 25 which was sitting on a shelf for years without any cover and not really hidden and the keys are perfectly white while my other controller - Nektar LX49 which was on my desk - the keys look like something peed on them. that makes me wonder - is it only because of direct exposure to sunlight or did AKAI use plastic that's completely resistant to yellowing and why didn't other midi keyboard makers use the same plastic? Nektar keys turn yellow, I saw M-audio keys also turn yellow, here is a Novation controller with yellow keys

@hy0chan 4 ай бұрын

can I use baking soda or bleachers / whitening?

@kamilekapel 2 жыл бұрын

would painting liquid hydrogen peroxide on keys work?

@PauloAndreasMusic 2 жыл бұрын

My M-Audio Keystation Pro 88 needs this doing as they look gross (very yukky). Sometimes I think they go yellow also in darker rooms like White Gloss Paint does if there's not much sunlight. But also I think depends on the manufacturer of the keyboard as some stay white and don't yellow...So far I've tried toothpaste, Meguiar's PlastX headlight cleaner (New Formula) does not work. Will try this method appreciate the great video :-)

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe its the UV rays from your lights in the room? Glad that it helped you. Let us know how it turns out for you. And good luck!

@cesarjain 2 жыл бұрын

Any update?

@ET2carbon 2 жыл бұрын

My keystation pro 88 also! That’s why I’m here

@ET2carbon 2 жыл бұрын

@@reubenchng does this process change how the keys feel?

@Riverandsun 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video! I thought it was strange that it went yellow, but that makes sense if it is a chemical reaction over time with some plastics! I’m doing this today.. It’s been four hours with keys in the sun. Probably need another four. Believe it or not the hardest part was taking apart the keyboard. I’ll come back here and say if it worked and managed to put the keyboard back together in two days lol. Keyboard: Maudio keystation 61 ES. NB. Anyone trying this at home (unless you know how to disassemble the keyboard) remember that even tutorials with similar keyboards are not always helpful and it could damage it. But this is one of the better tutorials I’ve found! TY OP! 🎉

@reubenchng 8 ай бұрын

That's the MIDI controller I started off with! Love that one. All the best, good luck!

@Riverandsun 8 ай бұрын

⁠@@reubenchng I cannot believe that I managed to do this. When I unscrewed the outer case the keyboard fell out and one of the ribbons and a clip got disconnected but I figured out where they were meant to plug back in and thought well I’ll try anyway. Took a couple of days with the keys in the sun.. then plugged it all back in and some how it worked! Good as new. Thanks for your video! 😊 Yay 😀

@reubenchng 8 ай бұрын

@@Riverandsun so glad that turned out well for you.

@ChanceDevlin Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the GREAT video!! Very helpful. I think i'm going to try this with-OUT taking the board apart. Has anyone tried this? If it's a bad idea please tell me now LOL.

@naqi_zariz 10 ай бұрын

How'd it go?

@solankikaushik1550 2 жыл бұрын

sir can roland xp30 do use that on keyboard?

@Truther00 7 ай бұрын

The best way is to stop smoking 😂

@reubenchng 7 ай бұрын

No smokes here... ever

@wreignone 2 жыл бұрын

I left my octatrack in thesunlight with my window curtain drawn. I had no idea but after just 1 week its function key which is grey turned yellow!

@TranceHeed Жыл бұрын

Does it need to be in sunlight when you put the cream on? I’m in Scotland so that could be a problem.

@jundar73 Ай бұрын

Just use UV lamps instead.

@YeahNoTellTheTruth 4 ай бұрын

Windows generally stop uv light so I wonder how you achieved that result...

@benabdallahmehdi7624 11 ай бұрын

Can i use 30 vol ?

@visitor9408 2 жыл бұрын

That's cool, make sure you use sun lotion on your keyboard next time. 😀

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

*applies sun lotion to keyboard*

@iamflatley 2 жыл бұрын

One question, is it the same result now as almost year ago, so still white? Because I heard that after couple of times (months maybe year) white colour is getting into yellow again.

@beatchef 26 күн бұрын

5 years since I 'retrobright'ed my computer keyboard, it's started to turn yellow again. It's not a permanent fix, just a very slowly reversing one.

@copperstaterocketguy1640 9 ай бұрын

Do u think an Maudio is that easy too?

@JitendraWagh73179 Жыл бұрын

looking at my yellow midi keys really made me sad. but now I have a solution. but I have never opened a midi earlier.

@pkeric2626 2 жыл бұрын

I thought glass windows blocked uv-rays?

@vjreimedia Жыл бұрын

You need to leave them for two days under scortching sun. I use liquid hydrogen peroxide, the cream is not as good. I sumerge everything in a transparent box or if is small, in a clip bag hanging on the window. If you can leave it for 3 days, better.

@whutsoevur Ай бұрын

hello! may i ask, did it work for you?

@vjreimedia Ай бұрын

@@whutsoevur Yes, but you need to leave it under a lot of sun for a few days, is not as fast. If the stain is because of cigarette, it won't work. And certain plastics will turn back to yellow after a few weeks. They keys won't but buttons and such will turn yellowish, not as old but no white anymore.

@JTAITSINGER Жыл бұрын

I wonder if this will work on my yellowing shoe soles? I’m gonna try it on some that I don’t wear anymore.

@reubenchng Жыл бұрын

Haha i don't know! But please try and let us know here.

@alainszyller615 7 ай бұрын

Most importantly; never go to a dentist for that, they will want to follow up every 3 months 😁

@akshaypratap3366 8 ай бұрын

Can you please tell how to clean black plastic part..?

@reubenchng 8 ай бұрын

Never found the need to clean that part.

@redscvr 19 күн бұрын

how about yellow drum pads?

@reubenchng 17 күн бұрын

Pads are different type of material. Those are silicon if not mistaken

@shokdj1 4 күн бұрын

Mine are in a dark room and went well yellow

@user-qy8lu6gk2l 3 жыл бұрын

this cream is same as the hydrogen peroxide cream use on the hair?

@reubenchng 3 жыл бұрын

Yes that is the one!

@user-qy8lu6gk2l 3 жыл бұрын

@@reubenchng it works!!!!!! that is awsome!!!this is the best way to make it white again.thank you bro. My keyboard brand new again!!!!

@Ajuktion 10 ай бұрын

can we use this for drumpads ?

@reubenchng 10 ай бұрын

I'll be a little afraid.. But for the love of experimenting, I'd try it.

@Ajuktion 10 ай бұрын

@@reubenchng thanks man !

@JohnSmith-pn2vl 19 күн бұрын

yes but get the hydrogen peroxide in clear watery form not cream, just leave it fully submerged for days and days and it will turn fully transparent again, i used 35% one on huge NI maschine pads which where yellow brownish and turned like new. unfortunately the stupid EU banned 35% and only 12% is available i guess it just needs to stay longer with that

@philly440 2 жыл бұрын

I mean if you have to completely dismantle the keyboard there's no telling if it will work the same when you reassemble it wouldn't it just be easier to buy a new one? that novation is like $100...

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

Unless you're rough, it's quite hard to damage the sensors. Yes, you're right - buying a new one would save much hassle. I did this for three reasons: 1. I just enjoy doing it. 2. To demonstrate to others who might wanna restore their collector keyboards. 3. I feel bad about landfills.

@sarys73 2 жыл бұрын

You will be amazed as to how easy it is to take these things apart. The only hard part is finding all the screw holes, not losing a screw, and reconnecting the springs that a lot of keyboards use ont he keys to give them tention. It's not difficult as in intellegence, just that your fingers will get really tired halfway through the respringing process. lol If worried, just look up how to disassemble your model. Someone online must have a video.

@Esach711 4 ай бұрын

You said you left them in the sun for 6-8 hours, then you said you let them sit for 24 hours. Is that right? Mine have been sitting in direct UV light for over 24 hours and still have a ways to go before I can call them clean. Is direct sunlight simply faster?

@reubenchng 4 ай бұрын

I let them sit longer because I noticed they weren't as white yet. Direct sunlight would be faster if you get more of that UV rays.

@Esach711 4 ай бұрын

@@reubenchng Thanks

@carlnikolov Жыл бұрын

Don't windows filter out UV light? I figured that was a safety feature in modern glass.

@peter_gaspar 3 жыл бұрын

I performed the same process but after few weeks the keys went back to yellow color.

@reubenchng 3 жыл бұрын

I read that's because of some bromine particles still in the plastic. Will see if mine turns yellow again.

@sarys73 2 жыл бұрын

@@reubenchng It's been 3 months Rueben. Did they turn yellow again?

@reubenchng 2 жыл бұрын

@@sarys73 They did turn a slightly yellowish again. But not that initial yellow I started with. I'm really happy.

@kniti27x 2 жыл бұрын

I painted mine black x)

@AngeloGuardia 2 жыл бұрын

thinking to do that to my Korg Karma... the years are starting no to be kind to him :(

@TheZullyfer 2 жыл бұрын

What type of paint did you use?? Enamel?

@spacecamel3844 2 ай бұрын

Please tell us how you did it!!!! I'm planning on doing the same

@stampy696969 Жыл бұрын

Probably not a good idea to use a metal screwdriver when disconnecting the ribbon cables....one slip or gouge to the PCB and it's bye bye midi controller 😃

@reubenchng Жыл бұрын

True! Thanks for the reminder

@solankikaushik1550 2 жыл бұрын

Pls 🙏 reply sir it's urgently

@Scripture-Man 2 жыл бұрын

My keyboard turned yellow after being in a dark cupboard for a couple of years! No sunlight exposure at all! Strange, huh? :-)

@NikolajLindChristensen 2 жыл бұрын

Same here!

@AudioAtmos 2 жыл бұрын

I keep my midi keyboard covered with an opaque cover and still turned yellow. I think it’s more of an oxidation process. UV will accelerate it, but it will happen whether exposed to sun or not. The plastics used is crap these days. I have an high end Yamaha workstation that’s 20 years old near a window (I keep it covered too) and the plastic keys are white like the day I bought it.

@EclipseSound Жыл бұрын

thats why i buy only black key keyboards

@kirion111 Жыл бұрын

im having the same problem on the PS5 controller 😂

@myofusion99 Жыл бұрын

Or we can mix hydrogen peroxide 3% solution with sodium hypochloride.. hydrogen peroxide is actually from bombadier beetle is acid compound and the only one keys active ingredients for teeth whitening in human technology but the beetle is know earlier than us bcz we using their technologies actually.

@JohnSmith-pn2vl 19 күн бұрын

3% is nothing, i used 35% für drum pads