Academy of Music Service: Care & Maintenance

Steinway & Sons

Boston Pianos

Testimonials


What has made it a wonderful gift is also the excellent and very professional experience with the staff of Irene Besse.

   Dr. Jacqueline Samperi Mangan

Care and Maintenance of Your Piano

Where to Place the Piano in the Home

Pianos are sensitive to their environments, so a little thought and planning when deciding where to place your piano in your home will help protect your investment for years to come.

  • Do not place the piano near a window or against an un-insulated wall. These locations will not provide the necessary protection from sunlight and climate changes.
  • It is also advisable not to put the piano near a fireplace, radiator, stove, or any hot/cold air duct that might dry the piano out. Close the vent or use a vent hood to direct the air away from the piano.
  • Avoid placing the piano on a concrete floor or near a cinderblock wall, since both retain moisture.

Cleaning Your Piano

We recommend using a damp cleaning cloth and a dry one, to follow up. Ensure that the cloths are clean and free of any small particles that can scratch the piano while dusting. Always wipe the piano in the same direction as the grain in one fluid motion. For example, on the lid of the piano, start at one edge and in one continuous motion, finish at the opposite edge.

Avoid placing drinks on or near the finish (this includes plants), and use polish designed for your piano's finish, sparingly if at all. We carry a selection of piano polish, specific to each finish type, available at our South Location or by mail-order.

Remember that the piano strings are made of steel; therefore, do not use a damp cloth on any steel parts or they will rust.

Should you experience finger marks on the cabinet that do not come off with a damp cloth, we suggest a piano polish formulated specifically for your piano's finish. In extreme cases, use a solution of 5 parts water to 1 part vinegar.

We advise against using furniture polishes or spray cleaners on your piano, as build-up will start to occur over a short period of time with these heavier cleaning products. Any product containing silicon, (i.e. pledge) should be avoided to prevent VERY expensive repairs to the pinblock of your piano.  For your convenience, we stock a supply of silicon-free piano polishes for both satin and polished piano finishes.

How Often Should A Piano Be Thoroughly Cleaned?

A piano should be thoroughly cleaned at least once every three years. This entails vacuuming the keybed, and cleaning the strings and soundboard. This complete periodic cleaning should be done by a qualified technician, to avoid damage to the delicate workings of the piano.

Cleaning the Keys

The best way to clean the keys, both white and black, is with any of the above cleaning methods. It is important to note that excess moisture could be harmful to the wood and felt bushings on which the keys are mounted. A light touch of a damp cloth is all that is required to clean the keys. Be sure to dry the keys thoroughly after cleaning to avoid moisture damage and to give them a well-polished look.

Note: Use seperate cloths for both black and white keys or you'll end up with 88 grey keys!

We carry a quality key cleaner, which cleans, brightens and preserves all types of piano keys. Unlike other furniture polishes, it will not build up, but actually dissolves wax build-up.


Cleaning Brass on the Piano

We also carry a brass cleaner which cleans the pedals of your piano. The best form of application is a soft, clean cloth. Follow the directions on the bottle.

- Back to Services Main Page