Seven Simple Ways to Care for Your Piano Between Tunings

A good tuning is the foundation — but how a piano is cared for day to day decides how long that tuning lasts and how well the instrument ages. Here are seven easy habits.

1. Mind the location

Place your piano away from heating and cooling vents, fireplaces, radiators and direct sunlight. Stable surroundings mean a stable tuning.

2. Watch the humidity

Wood loves consistency. In Utah’s dry climate, a room humidifier during winter (targeting 40–45% relative humidity) can protect your soundboard and help pitch hold.

3. Keep the lid closed when not playing

A closed lid keeps dust off the strings and action and protects the keys from light and spills.

4. Clean keys the right way

Use a soft, slightly damp cloth — never spray cleaner directly onto keys. Wipe front to back, and dry immediately. Clean sharps and naturals with separate cloths if your keys are ivory.

5. Nothing on top

Plants, drinks and heavy decorations on the piano risk spills, scratches and buzzing. A cleared lid also sounds better.

6. Play it!

Pianos that get played regularly tend to stay in better health. Sticking keys and small issues are noticed — and fixed — sooner.

7. Stay on schedule

Regular tunings keep the piano close to pitch, which means every tuning is more stable and you avoid the extra cost of a pitch raise later.

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Have a question about your piano? Get in touch — we’re happy to help, even if you’re not due for a tuning yet.