Pianos can be a source of so much fun and entertainment. Simply having one can add an element of class to the surrounding decor. But in order to fully enjoy your piano, you have to take proper care of the instrument. Here are some tips to keep your instrument ready for music-making. 

Keep the temperature as steady as possible.

Wherever you decide to put your piano, it's best if the instrument is stored in a temperature-controlled room. Shifts in temperature will cause the wood and the strings to expand and contract. Over time, this builds up as wear and tear on the instrument. The strings will lose their tuning and the wood will warp. It's best to keep your piano someplace where you can really control the temperature. Set the thermostat to have the same temperature as when the piano was last tuned. By keeping the environment steady, your piano will last longer and sound better.

Be careful what you put on your piano.

Plenty of things just shouldn't be placed on top of the piano. Food or drink shouldn't rest on your piano. Spills and stains are incredibly hard to clean and may cause lasting damage to your instrument's sound. Also, don't put anything heavy on the piano. Too much weight will make the instrument bend out of shape, which will cause all sorts of problems for resonance and tuning. Ultimately, your hands and the music you're playing are the only things that should really be on the piano to begin with.

Clean your instrument properly.

There are specialty clothes, wipes, and cleaners made for pianos that are gentle on the wood, the keys, and the strings. Take care to use these specialty cleaners and only these. Avoid anything not made to specifically clean a piano. Many common household cleaners have chemicals that will degrade the wood or the strings. Make sure you clean your instrument regularly to prevent dust from gathering. Finally when you are not using your piano. Cover it so it stays clean and ready to play.

Have your piano tuned regularly

Lastly, make sure a piano technician checks up on your instrument regularly. At least once a year you should have your piano tuned. This will ensure that your instrument will sound its best whenever you want to enjoy playing it. While tuning, the technician can check the general stability and function of your instrument. By having these regular check-ups, you can quickly fix any problems that might make your piano less desirable to play. A professional piano tuner can give you more information. 

Following these simple tips will make sure you can enjoy making music at your piano for many years to come.