How to Look After Your Piano | JP Piano Tuning

A well maintained piano can last for generations. Here's a practical guide to keeping yours in the best possible condition between tuning visits.

Position Matters More Than Anything

Where you place your piano has the biggest impact on how well it holds its tuning and how long it lasts. Follow these guidelines:

- Keep it away from radiators and heat sources. Heat dries out the wood, causes the soundboard to crack and makes tuning unstable. A minimum of one metre from any heat source is advisable.

- Avoid direct sunlight. UV light fades the cabinet and keys, and the heat from sunlight causes the same problems as radiators.

- Keep it away from draughts. External doors and draughty windows cause temperature fluctuations that affect tuning stability.

- Don't place it against an outside wall if possible, particularly in older buildings where outside walls can be damp.

- Keep it in a room with stable humidity. Aim for 45–70% relative humidity. In very dry rooms — particularly in winter when central heating is on — consider a room humidifier.

Cleaning the Keys

Piano keys should be cleaned gently and infrequently. Use a slightly damp cloth — not wet — to wipe the keys, then dry immediately. Never use household cleaning products, alcohol or solvents on the keys as these can damage the keytop material.

Ivory keys — found on older pianos — benefit from occasional exposure to indirect sunlight, which helps keep them white. Modern plastic keytops do not need this treatment.

Cleaning the Cabinet

Wipe the cabinet with a soft, dry cloth. For a more thorough clean, a very slightly damp cloth can be used, but always dry immediately afterwards. Avoid furniture polish that contains silicone as this can build up on the surface over time. A proper piano polish, available from music shops, is the safest choice if you want to maintain the finish.

Keep Objects Off the Piano

It's tempting to use the top of a piano as a shelf, but drinks, plants and other objects should never be placed on or near a piano. Moisture from plant pots and glasses is particularly damaging. Ornaments placed on top of an upright piano can also cause buzzing sounds when certain notes are played.

Regulate the Room

If you use the room regularly, try to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year. Dramatic seasonal swings — a cold, unheated room in winter and a hot room in summer — are hard on a piano. If the room is going to be unused and unheated for an extended period, covering the piano with a breathable dust cover is advisable.

Professional Maintenance

No amount of careful home care replaces professional maintenance. Have your piano tuned at least twice a year by a qualified technician. During tuning visits, minor mechanical issues can be identified and addressed before they become expensive problems.

Book Your Next Tuning

JP Piano Tuning serves Belfast, Newry, Banbridge, Armagh and all surrounding areas. Call or text 07955 637736 or book at jppianotuning.com.