Pianos can be a source of so much fun and entertainment. Simply having one can add an element of character to the surrounding space. 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 somewhere that the temperature remains consistent. By keeping the environment steady, your piano will last longer and sound better.
Be Careful What You Put on Your Piano
Plenty of things simply 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 the instrument’s sound. Also, don’t put anything heavy on the piano. Too much weight will cause the instrument to bend out of shape, which will create 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 cloths, 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 specifically to 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. When you are not using your piano, cover it so it stays clean and ready to play.
Have Your Piano Tuned Regularly
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 sounds its best whenever you want to enjoy playing it. While tuning, the technician can also check the general stability and function of your instrument — by having these regular check-ups, you can quickly fix any problems before they become serious.
Following these simple tips will make sure you can enjoy making music at your piano for many years to come.