How To Carefully Clean Your Piano

By John Harvey

If you own a piano you are aware how enjoying playing can be. In many families learning to play the piano is a tradition that is passed down from generation to generation. Much like any other musical instruments, one has to maintain it to keep it in good shape. The most obvious method of care is regularly cleaning the piano without damaging it.

Below is a list of tips on how to clean your piano without damaging it:

1. After a while, piano keys, especially those made with ivory can accumulate dirt and oily fingerprint marks. Use a lint free cloth to gently rub the keys.

2. Use a soft cloth that has been dipped in a mix of warm water and a gentle soap or white toothpaste for washing ivory keys. For plastic keys, use warm water mixed with vinegar. Keep the cloth damp, not soaked, as you do not want any solution running in between the keys and inside the piano. For tougher stains use mild soap or a moist cloth with dish detergent.

3. Dry keys completely using a soft dry cloth. If you are using white toothpaste to clean the ivory keys, you can get rid of the toothpaste by wiping the keys with a fine rag that has been dipped in milk. It is preferable to use milk because chemicals from cleaners can damage the keys.

4. When cleaning the wood finish of a piano, gently wipe the piano with a soft lint free cloth. Then use soft cotton that has been moistened in warm water to clean the instrument. Make sure the cotton is moist, and not completely saturated.

5. Use a piano polisher to polish the instrument. There are specially made polishes for pianos that are made not to damage the piano. Do not utilize any aerosol spray that contains chemicals such as silicone as they can damage the instrument.

6. To reduce heaps of dust from accumulating on the keys as well as any harm from occurring, keep the keyboard cover on when not in use. As well, keep the keys out of the sun as it will yellow the keys.

7. Use a dehumidifier to keep dampness from getting into the piano. High humidly can ruin the instrument and can change its tuning. As well, the strings will when there is too much moisture.

Regularly cleaning the piano with gentle will help prevent dirt and dust build up. Don't wipe the inside of the piano because it has a mesh of strings, sensitive components, and parts that are moving and damage easily. Hire a professional piano service person as they can clean it without harming it.

Pianos have become a well loved addition to millions of homes. To keep your piano in good condition and the tuning at optimum levels, it is advised that you regularly service your instrument with the right cleaning methods and have it checked out by a professional. It will help you enjoy this wonderful instrument for in the future. - 32526

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