How to Care for Your Piano at Home

A piano is one of the most complex mechanical objects in a typical home. It has over 12,000 moving parts, all made from wood, felt, leather, and metal. Designed to last a century or more, a piano requires proper care. Here’s a practical guide to caring for your piano at home, with specific advice for Melbourne's climate.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity

Wood is hygroscopic. It absorbs and releases moisture as the air changes. The soundboard, pin block, and action components expand in humid conditions and contract in dry ones. These changes directly affect tuning stability and mechanical performance.

The ideal environment for a piano is a temperature of 18–22°C, kept as stable as possible, and a relative humidity of 45–70%, ideally around 50–55%.

In Melbourne, humidity can swing significantly between seasons. Dry summers can see humidity drop below 30%, while winters can be much wetter. Both extremes stress the instrument. A piano left near a heating vent in winter will dry out faster than one in a more stable environment.

What Damages a Piano

Several factors can damage a piano:

• Direct sunlight: UV exposure bleaches the cabinet finish and dries out wooden components faster than almost anything else. Keep your piano out of direct sun or use curtains or blinds to block it.

• Heaters and air conditioning: Placing a piano directly in front of a reverse-cycle unit, ducted heating vent, or gas heater destabilises it. The forced air movement and temperature swings can cause the soundboard and bridges to move, pulling the tuning out and potentially causing cracking over time.

  
  

• Open windows and external walls: In Melbourne's changeable weather, positioning a piano on an external wall — especially under a window — exposes it to the greatest range of temperature and humidity variation. An internal wall is always preferable.

  
  

• Moisture and water: Keep drinks, vases, and pot plants well away from the piano. Even minor water damage can swell keys, warp the soundboard, and cause serious mechanical problems.

  
  

How Often to Tune Your Piano

The standard recommendation from piano technicians and manufacturers is to tune your piano twice per year. This usually happens once before the cold months (April–May in Melbourne) and once before the warmer months (September–October).

If your piano hasn't been tuned in more than a year, it may need a pitch raise before fine-tuning. This is a coarser first pass to bring the overall pitch back up to A440, followed by a second tuning. Two visits may be needed — this is normal and not a sign of anything wrong with the instrument.

A piano that's tuned regularly stays in tune more easily, sounds better, and is more enjoyable to play. It's also less expensive to maintain over time. Neglected instruments require more corrective work.

Cleaning the Keys

Ivory Keys

For older pianos with ivory keys, wipe them with a barely damp cloth, then dry immediately. Ivory is porous and can absorb moisture and staining, so minimal water is key.

Plastic Keys

For most modern pianos with plastic keys, wipe them with a lightly dampened cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or polishes not designed for piano keys. These can discolour or damage the plastic surface.

General Key Care Tips

• Always wipe along the length of the key, not across it. This prevents moisture from getting into the gaps between keys.

• Don't leave the key cover closed for extended periods in humid conditions. Air circulation helps prevent mould growth on the felt under the keys.

• Wash your hands before playing. Oils, lotions, and food residue can accelerate key discolouration.

  
  

Cleaning the Cabinet

Gloss Finish

For a gloss (polyester) finish, common on modern Japanese pianos, use a soft microfibre cloth. Remove dust first with a dry cloth, then buff with a slightly damp cloth and dry immediately. Avoid spraying any liquid directly onto the cabinet.

Satin or Matte Finish

For a satin or matte finish, use a dry or very lightly damp cloth. Do not use furniture polish or wax unless it's specifically designed for piano finishes. Many products contain silicone, which can penetrate and permanently damage the finish.

Older Pianos

For older pianos with lacquer or shellac finishes, consult your piano technician before applying any product.

What NOT to Do

• Don't place objects on top of the piano. Books, lamps, trophies, and pot plants all add unnecessary weight and vibration.

• Don't leave the key cover closed in persistently humid conditions. Consider leaving it open a few centimetres.

• Don't use furniture polish, wax, or silicone-based sprays on the cabinet.

• Don't attempt to tune, regulate, or repair the piano yourself unless you're a qualified technician.

• Don't move the piano without professional help. Incorrect moving can damage the case, crack the soundboard, or shift internal components.

  
  

A Note on Melbourne's Climate

Melbourne's weather is famously variable. We experience warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, with significant day-to-day swings. This variability is harder on a piano than a consistently humid or consistently dry climate.

In summer, when the humidity drops significantly, you may notice your piano drifts flat. In winter, when heating systems dry out the interior air, the same effect occurs. A Dampp-Chaser humidity control system installed inside the piano can help moderate these swings. It's worth considering if your piano is in a difficult position in the house.

Melbourne Piano Pro serves homes across Melbourne's eastern, northern, and southern suburbs. If you have questions about your piano's environment or care, get in touch. You can also book a tuning and ask at your next visit at melbournepianopro.com.au.

Conclusion

Caring for your piano is essential to ensure it remains a source of joy and inspiration. By following these guidelines, you can protect your investment and enjoy beautiful music for years to come. Remember, a well-maintained piano not only sounds better but also feels better to play.