CARING FOR YOUR PIANO: 10 DO'S AND DON'TS

​1.Do have your piano tuned at least twice a year and after each major relocation. Full regulations are recommended every 2 to 5 years.

2. Do protect your hardwood floors. Consider placing caster cups or felt pads under all the legs of the piano as well as the legs of the bench in order to prevent scratches and damage to the floor.

3.Do consider using a piano humidifier/dehumidifier to help regulate the temperate on your instrument. Pianos are best kept in 40 to 45 percent humidity levels. This will help extend the life and quality of your instrument.

4. Do leave the keylid open occasionally. If the lid is closed for too long you may notice the accumulation of dust, dirt, air particles and mold inside the piano.

5.Do use the best seating at the piano. Chairs or stools will limit the space your body may need for movement during practice. A height adjustable bench is the best option; it will provide more space while saving the trouble of stacking pillows, uncomfortable books or other attempts at achieving optimum height or seating at the piano. 

6. Do keep your piano clean. Be sure to only use cloths that are made with soft fabrics and clean with products made specifically for piano. You may use a mild solution of soap diluted with filtered water for the keys. Spray or dab products onto a fabric or cloth instead of directly on the piano in order to protect the instrument and produce a more polished finish.

7. Don't position your piano close to heating or air conditioning vents, radiators, or fireplaces. It is best to have consistent and moderate temperatures in the piano room, this is especially true during season changes. 

8.Don't keep your piano in direct sunlight. You may need to tune it more frequently and notice warping, cracking, and splitting of the wood over time. Some sunlight may prevent ivory keys from yellowing, but you may notice discoloration in other parts of the piano that is exposed to too much light.

9.Don't keep liquid on the piano. This includes drinks, plants, or anything that may spill or damage the instrument.

10. Don't put too many books in your piano bench. Too many books, or heavy material may weigh down the bottom of the piano bench and cause it to fall apart with time. It you decide to keep anything on the piano, be sure it is not too sharp or heavy and that it is placed on a soft cloth or protective felt material.