Beginner’s Guide to Piano Care
Humidity control, cleaning tips, and how to extend the life of your piano
Proper care ensures your piano stays in tune, looks stunning, and lasts for generations. Here’s a simple guide to help you protect your instrument.
Humidity Control: Protecting the Heart of Your Piano
Pianos are made primarily of wood, felt, and metal, all materials that react to changes in humidity.
Ideal humidity range: Keep your piano in an environment between 40–50% relative humidity.
Avoid extremes: Too much moisture can cause swelling, sticky keys, and rust on strings. Too little can lead to cracks in the soundboard and brittle action parts.
Practical solutions:
Use a room humidifier or dehumidifier depending on your climate.
Consider a piano humidity control system (like a Dampp-Chaser) for consistent protection.
Place your piano away from windows, radiators, and direct sunlight to minimize fluctuations.
Cleaning Tips: Keeping Your Piano Looking Its Best
A piano’s finish and keys require gentle care.
Dusting: Use a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust from the surface. Avoid feather dusters, which can scatter particles inside the piano.
Polishing: If your piano has a high-gloss finish, use a piano-safe polish sparingly. For satin finishes, a dry cloth is best.
Keys:
Clean ivory or plastic keys with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap.
Dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Inside the piano: Leave internal cleaning and maintenance to a professional technician as DIY attempts can damage delicate parts.
Extending the Life of Your Piano
With consistent care, your piano can shine for decades.
Regular tuning: Schedule professional tuning at least twice a year. This keeps the instrument sounding its best and prevents long-term structural issues.
Professional servicing: Have a technician inspect the action, hammers, and pedals every few years.
Play often: A piano that’s played regularly stays in better condition than one left untouched.
Cover when not in use: A piano cover helps protect against dust, sunlight, and accidental scratches.
Piano Care
Caring for your piano doesn’t require advanced knowledge, just consistency and attention to detail. By controlling humidity, cleaning carefully, and scheduling regular maintenance, you’ll ensure your instrument remains a source of joy for years to come.
At Great Plains Piano Company, we believe every piano deserves a long, beautiful life. Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or passing on your instrument to the next generation, proper care is the key to keeping the music alive.