How To Clean And Care For Your Grand Piano

A grand piano is an investment, and to keep it looking and sounding beautiful you need to know how to properly take care of it. This article will tell you how to maintain your grand, and keep it in top condition.

Where You Keep It
Humidity and temperature both play a part in the performance of your grand piano. Too high humidity will cause rust to form on the tuning pins and strings, and will make the keys sluggish or stick together. Too low humidity, on the other hand, makes the keys loose and distorts their sound, and can lead to cracks in the soundboard.

Keep your grand piano in a room that is not exposed to humidity…so away from the kitchen or laundry room. Put a combination humidifier/dehumidifier in the room to help keep moisture levels from fluctuating too much. Ideally, you want a humidity range of between 35-55%.

Also, keep your piano away from areas that experience drastic changes in temperature, like near a fireplace or a large bay window. The ideal temperature for a piano is around 68 degrees, but as long as the room stays fairly constant throughout the year it should be alright.

Obviously, keeping it in a low-traffic area is preferable, to avoid getting nicks and dings in the casework.

Tuning
Look for a registered piano tuner or technician, and have him come twice a year to tune your grand piano. If you haven’t had your piano tuned in a few years, they may also pitch-raise it. Ask around for reputable technicians, and check references and credentials. Shop around on quality rather than on price. Your dealer may have a list of technicians they can recommend, so it is well worth asking them for advice.

Cleaning
Ivory keys should always be cleaned with a solution specially designed for the purpose. Never use commercial cleaning products or rubbing alcohol on ivory keys, as they will dry out the natural oils. If your grand piano has plastic keys, you can use a damp cloth and a gentle soap. Only wipe the tops of the keys, and wipe them dry immediately.

The body of your piano, or the cabinet, should be cared for like any other piece of precious furniture. Know what material it is made from, and if it requires a special cleaning solution. Most grand piano cabinets can be dusted with a soft cloth or chamois.

The soundboard is a little trickier to keep tidy. Dust will collect and build up there is it isn’t cleaned regularly. This area also has a mysterious ability to attract small items, like paper clips and other little household items. The easiest way to clean the soundboard is with your vacuum cleaner hose…just don’t touch the strings or the actual board. place it close enough to suction up any debris. If there are stubborn bits of stuff lodged inside, it is better to call your technician than try to wedge it out yourself.

A well-cared for grand piano can last for decades and still look and play beautifully. Keeping your grand piano in the best possible shape extends it’s lifetime, and can even make it a valuable family heirloom.