As a piano's fan, you must have to know the proper way of cleaning and caring for your piano so that your piano can last for a long time. Take a look on the tips below:
Cleaning the Keys
NEVER use rubbing alcohol, bleach or other commercial cleaning products to clean your piano keys. Most of these products have ingredients that dry out the natural oils in your piano's ivory keys. USE a cleaning solution specially made for pianos, you can ask your dealer or piano technician for specific brands. Gently wipe the keys with a damp cloth and a little cleaning solution. You SHOULD only wipe the key tops and avoid moisture from reaching the sides of the keys. Wipe it dry immediately. In some cases, the dye used on the black keys might come off, so it is ADVISABLE to use different cloths for the white and black keys.Cleaning the Cabinet
The cabinet is the body of the piano and can be made from different types of wood, grains and finishes. The cabinet SHOULD be cared for as you would any other wood furniture. Usually, a soft cloth does well in removing dust and dirt. There are some products made specifically for cleaning your piano cabinet. Ask your dealer for recommendations.Cleaning the Soundboard
The soundboard is perhaps the toughest part of the piano to clean. Dust and debris are drawn to this part of the piano; paper clips, buttons and other small items mysteriously manage to make their way in. Without touching the strings or anything in the soundboard, you CAN position your vacuum cleaner to move any unwanted debris into the vacuum hose. If the debris is lodged tightly inside, NEVER use a sharp object to try and get it out. If you still can't get the object out, call your technician.Ideal Humidity and Temperature
There are some factors which affects the performance of a piano. HUMIDITY plays a big factor. High humidity causes keys to stick or become sluggish and cause strings and tuning pins to rust. Low humidity affects the sound of the keys, cause keys to loosen and soundboards to crack. A humidity range of 35-55% is ideal for the piano. Of course we cannot control humidity, but there are some things we can do to alleviate the conditions such as placing your piano where it won't be exposed to sources of humidity like the kitchen or near a swimming pool. A humidifier and dehumidifier will also help. Likewise, a TEMPERATURE of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is advisable. ADVOID placing your piano where there is a constant change in temperature such as near windows or fireplaces.
Piano Tuning
It is recommended to have your piano tuned TWICE a year. It is best to seek the help of a registered tuner-technician, that way you'll be assured that he knows what he's doing. When looking for a tuner-technician, ask for his credentials, references, and fees. If your piano hasn't been serviced or tuned for several years, your tuner-technician might also perform a pitch raise.
