You got a piano (or you're thinking about getting one). Great. Now — how do you keep it in shape? Piano maintenance doesn't need to be complicated, but there are a few things every piano-owning household should know.
Tuning: the most important thing
Pianos go out of tune. All of them. Even a well-maintained piano needs tuning at least once a year — and if you've just moved a piano, bought a used one, or had it sitting unplayed for years, it may need tuning immediately.
How often should you tune?
- New piano: twice in the first year (it needs to settle).
- Active household (practiced daily): twice a year.
- Casual use: once a year.
Piano tuning costs $100–$200 for a standard appointment. If a piano has been neglected for years, it may need a "pitch raise" first (a rough tuning to bring it up to pitch) before a proper tune — this costs more. Don't let it get to that point.
Humidity is your piano's enemy
Pianos are mostly wood and felt. Both are sensitive to humidity swings. Too dry and the soundboard can crack; too humid and keys can stick, the action can swell, and tuning stability goes out the window.
- Ideal indoor humidity: 45–50% relative humidity.
- A Dampp-Chaser humidity control system (installed inside the piano) is worth considering if you live somewhere with extreme seasonal swings.
- Keep the piano away from windows, exterior walls, vents, and fireplaces.
- Don't put drinks on a piano. Water damage is serious and expensive.
Cleaning the keys
Ivory keys (on very old pianos) and plastic keys (on virtually all modern pianos) can be cleaned differently:
- Plastic keys: Lightly dampen a cloth with diluted mild soap, wipe each key, dry immediately. Don't let water sit.
- Ivory keys: Wipe dry or with a very lightly damp cloth. Ivory can yellow — occasional sunlight (not direct sun for hours) can actually help with this naturally. Don't bleach or use harsh cleaners.
- Clean each key separately — don't scrub back and forth across keys, as moisture can seep between them.
Digital piano care
Digital pianos are significantly more forgiving. No tuning needed, much less sensitivity to humidity. Maintenance is mostly:
- Keep it dust-free (cover when not in use).
- Check cables and connections periodically.
- Keep it away from heat sources and direct sunlight (for the electronics).
Digital pianos do have a lifespan — the action (weighted keys) can wear out over time, and electronics eventually fail. But for a beginner or intermediate student, a quality digital piano will last years without issues.
When to call a piano technician
Beyond regular tuning, call a technician if:
- A key sticks or doesn't return to position
- The piano is significantly out of tune and playing noticeably wrong notes
- You hear buzzing, rattling, or unusual sounds when playing certain notes
- A key produces no sound
- You're moving the piano (it should be tuned after any move)
A good piano technician is worth finding and keeping. Ask your child's piano teacher for recommendations — they usually know who's reliable in the area.
What about a used piano?
Used pianos can be great value, but they need inspection before you buy. Get a piano technician to look at it first. A bad used piano can cost more to repair than it's worth. Good places to find used pianos: piano teachers who are upgrading, music schools, funeral homes (really — they often have old pianos in good condition), and estate sales.
Your child's piano teacher can advise on all of this. Find a local piano teacher who knows their stuff. Browse ProPulse teachers near you.