Piano Care Insights

Why Humidity Matters

Pianos are made primarily of wood, which naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. These movements can cause serious problems including cracked soundboards, loose joints, sticky keys, and tuning instability. Maintaining consistent humidity levels between 42-50% is essential for your piano's longevity.

Signs of Humidity Problems

• Keys sticking or feeling sluggish
• Frequent tuning issues
• Visible cracks in the wood
• Pedals not functioning smoothly
• Unusual buzzing or rattling sounds

Protection Solutions

Install a piano humidity control system, use room humidifiers or dehumidifiers as needed, keep your piano away from heating vents and direct sunlight, and monitor humidity levels with a hygrometer. Regular professional maintenance helps identify humidity-related issues early before they become costly repairs.

Seasonal Considerations

Pacific Northwest homes experience significant humidity changes between seasons. Winter heating can drop humidity levels drastically, while summer can bring excessive moisture. Plan ahead with seasonal adjustments to your humidity control strategy.

General Guidelines

Most pianos should be tuned every 6 months to maintain optimal sound quality and pitch stability. However, this can vary significantly based on your piano's condition, age, usage level, and environmental factors. New pianos may need more frequent tuning during their first year as the strings settle.

Factors Affecting Tuning Frequency

• Usage: Daily practice requires more frequent tuning than occasional playing
• Age: Older pianos may hold tuning longer than newer instruments
• Climate: Humidity changes affect string tension and tuning stability
• Quality: Higher-quality pianos often maintain tuning better
• Maintenance: Well-maintained pianos stay in tune longer

Professional vs. Student Pianos

Concert pianos and professional instruments may need tuning before each performance or recording session. Student pianos used for lessons typically benefit from quarterly tuning, while home pianos played occasionally may only need annual tuning.

Warning Signs You Need Tuning

If your piano sounds obviously out of tune, has notes that don't harmonize well together, or if it's been more than a year since the last tuning, it's time to schedule service. Don't wait until the tuning issues become severe, as this can make the tuning process more difficult and expensive.

Daily Maintenance Routine

Start each practice session by ensuring your hands are clean and dry. After playing, wipe down the keys with a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, then dry immediately. Keep the piano bench at the proper height and close the key cover when not in use to protect from dust.

Cleaning the Keys

For white keys: Use a barely damp cloth with mild soap if necessary. Wipe front to back, not side to side. For black keys: Clean gently with a dry cloth or slightly damp cloth for stubborn spots. Never use alcohol, bleach, or chemical cleaners on piano keys as these can cause damage.

Cabinet Care

• Dust weekly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth
• Follow the wood grain when wiping
• Use piano-specific polish sparingly and only when needed
• Avoid spray polishes that can seep into cracks
• Never place objects on top of the piano

What to Avoid

Never use furniture polish, window cleaners, or abrasive materials on your piano. Don't place drinks, plants, or decorative items on the piano. Avoid direct sunlight, heating vents, and areas with temperature fluctuations. Keep food and drinks away from the piano area to prevent spills and attract pests.

Professional Deep Cleaning

Schedule professional cleaning annually to address internal dust buildup, action cleaning, and detailed cabinet care. Professional technicians can safely clean internal components and identify potential issues during routine maintenance visits.