How to Maintain Your Piano Between Tunings

Regular piano tunings are essential for keeping your instrument sounding its best, but your piano also needs care between those professional visits. While tuning ensures the strings are in the correct tension, daily maintenance and proper handling can prevent damage and preserve the piano’s overall health. Here’s how you can maintain your piano between tunings to ensure it stays in optimal condition.

1. Keep Your Piano in a Stable Environment

Pianos are highly sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause the wood and metal components to expand or contract. This movement can lead to tuning instability and, in some cases, long-term damage to parts like the soundboard or action mechanism.

– Temperature: Keep your piano in a room where the temperature remains stable, ideally between 68-72°F. Avoid placing your piano near heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces.

– Humidity: Ideally, the room’s humidity should be kept between 40-50%. Excessive dryness can cause the wood to crack, while too much humidity can cause swelling and affect the tuning. Consider investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on your local climate, to keep the air at a consistent level.

2. Dust Your Piano Regularly

Dust can accumulate inside the piano, on the strings, and even on the keys, affecting its performance and appearance. Keeping the instrument dust-free will help prevent any mechanical problems and ensure the longevity of the finish.

– Keyboard: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the keys after playing. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the keys’ surface.

– Cabinet: Wipe the piano’s exterior with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. If necessary, use a slightly damp cloth for sticky spots, but be sure to dry the surface immediately.

– Inside the Piano: It’s important not to open the piano case unnecessarily, but if dust has accumulated on the strings, consult your piano tuner for advice on safe cleaning methods. Don’t attempt to clean the internal components on your own unless you’re experienced.

3. Avoid Direct Sunlight

Pianos should never be placed in direct sunlight, as it can cause the wood to fade, crack, or warp. The heat from sunlight can also affect the tuning and the materials inside the piano.

If your piano is in a room with a lot of natural light, consider placing it away from the windows or using curtains or blinds to filter the light. Maintaining a consistent environment will help the piano retain its quality over time.

4. Play Your Piano Regularly

Playing your piano regularly helps keep the strings in good condition and maintains the action of the internal parts. When a piano sits unused for long periods, the strings and other components can settle, and this might cause it to go out of tune faster when it is played again.

However, make sure not to pound on the keys or play too aggressively, as this can cause unnecessary strain on the strings and action mechanism. Consistent, moderate use is best for maintaining your piano between tunings.

5. Use the Piano Lid

Closing the piano lid when you’re not playing will protect the keys from dust and damage. Dust buildup can affect the feel of the keys, causing them to become sticky or unresponsive. Additionally, this helps maintain the cleanliness of the action mechanism inside the piano.

For grand pianos, close the full lid when not in use to further protect the interior from dust, debris, and changes in temperature and humidity.

6. Control the Piano’s Humidity with a Humidity Control System

Installing a piano humidity control system can help regulate the moisture levels inside the piano. These systems work by adding or removing moisture as needed, protecting your piano’s delicate components from warping or cracking due to extreme humidity changes.

A humidity control system is especially useful for pianos in areas with significant seasonal changes, as it automatically adjusts to maintain a consistent environment inside the piano.

Here at Clare’s Player Pianos we have a humidity control system that we recommend for your piano.

7. Keep Food and Drinks Away

One of the simplest yet most important rules: never allow food or drinks near your piano. Spills can cause extensive damage to the keys, strings, or action. Liquid spills are particularly dangerous as they can seep into the piano’s internal components, leading to costly repairs.

If a spill does happen, contact a professional immediately. Trying to clean it yourself may cause more harm than good.

8. Monitor the Piano for Unusual Sounds or Key Issues

Between tunings, take note of any unusual sounds, such as buzzing, rattling, or odd noises when playing. These could be early signs of mechanical issues or problems with the strings. If a key feels sticky or sluggish, it could mean dust or debris is affecting the action mechanism.

Bringing up any concerns to your piano tuner at your next appointment can help prevent small problems from escalating into major repairs.

9. Hire a Professional for Any Repairs

While there are simple maintenance tasks you can perform at home, always rely on a professional piano technician for more involved work, such as string replacements, action repairs, or deep cleaning inside the piano. Attempting to fix these issues yourself may lead to more damage or improper adjustments that affect the instrument’s overall performance.

10. Schedule Regular Tunings

Lastly, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your piano between tunings is to stay on top of your tuning schedule. While you can handle day-to-day maintenance, regular professional tuning is essential for the long-term health of your instrument. Most pianos need to be tuned every six months, but your piano tuner may recommend more frequent adjustments depending on the environment and how often the piano is played.

Conclusion

Properly maintaining your piano between tunings not only keeps your instrument in excellent condition but also enhances your playing experience. By following these simple maintenance tips, you’ll ensure that your piano remains in tune and free from damage for years to come. After all, a well-maintained piano is a joy to play and a beautiful investment that will bring music into your home for generations.

When you’re ready to have your instrument tuned, contact us to to get a quote!