For the most part a MIDI keyboard is low maintenance. You seldom will have any complaints as long as you don’t do anything major to it – like dropping it from a 10 story building or get it run over by an 18-wheeler.
OK maybe those are extreme examples but barring any major incidents intentional or unintentional then expect to enjoy a lifetime of use (your keyboard’s lifetime that is). That being said it doesn’t mean your equipment doesn’t have to be cared for. It’s exactly because life is unpredictable that you need to actually take care of your MIDI keyboard.
A simple way you can do this is to make sure you keep everything clean. Now hold on before you grab every cleanser in the house you need to know that cleaning your electronic keyboard is different than cleaning other things. For one thing the fact that it’s an electronic keyboard should give you a sign – it uses electricity so liquids such as water should not be used less you want to fry everything, including yourself.
Don’t spray or use any chemical cleansers either. Your keyboard may not like it and discoloration may just be the least of your problems.
Use a soft lint free cloth to wide everything down. To reach between the keys use those small brushes that they sell in computer shops that pick up dirt and such yet have soft bristles so they don’t scratch your MIDI keyboard.
Compressed or canned air is great to as it can blow those pesky dirt, dust & debris away without doing anything else to your equipment. Or you can use those small vacuum cleaners or the small tube attachment of your regular vacuum cleaner.
To really get those nooks and crannies clean – the knobs and sliders for example – use a cotton swab and some rubbing alcohol. Be gentle and don’t rub hard. Once you’re done make sure to wipe everything dry – again with a soft lint free cloth.
You can also be proactive in caring for your MIDI keyboard. For example before you begin using it wash your hands to remove any body oils and dead skin that can be left on the keys. You can also use a cover when not using your equipment to prevent dust from collecting on it.
It also helps if you don’t eat or drink anything when you’re using or playing with the keyboard. Even if you’re careful you won’t notice all those little crumbs that can fall into the cracks or in between keys which can potentially attract ants that can create havoc with the circuits.
The best way to go about it is to regularly clean everything even if you don’t see any dirt on it. This way you set the routine to clean and not forget it – it also helps to keep things from building up and making it harder to clean in the future.
Keeping your MIDI keyboard clean makes it aesthetically pleasant to look at which can make you feel better using or playing it and can make it last longer to produce more quality music for you.