To maintain the life of an instrument , it is very important to maintain its cleanliness. Accumulation of dust results in deterioration of the sound and life of the instrument . Investments in any high quality instruments are very huge especially in Acoustic Pianos and Keyboards , therefore it becomes a responsibility to maintain the instrument and make the most out of it. 

It’s important to learn how to properly clean and maintain your piano so that you do not damage any of the keys, mechanics and pedals. 

There are some things which people should consider while cleaning their piano in order to  avoid its depreciation. Let’s make sure you are cleaning your instrument in the correct way.

1 ) Cleaning the Keys

Always start cleaning with your keys. Use a thin soft  cloth to wipe off the layer of dust on the keys. Try to use a thin, soft , easily bendable brush  or a paintbrush to wipe off the dust in between the keys . Make sure you are brushing in downward movement. 

I suggest you avoid using any chemicals to clean your keys , even though if you feel the need then use lukewarm water with white vinegar. Dip very little of the cloth in the solution and use it on the keys and then reclean it with a thin cloth. 

NEVER wipe the keys sideways as it loosens the overall mechanics and makes the keys wobbly over time allowing moisture to enter it.  

2) Cleaning of the pedals 

While cleaning we often neglect the most important part of the piano – the pedals. Piano pedals play a major role in embracing the sound of piano . We clean the upper part of the pedals but a major amount of dust accumulates underneath the pedals. To remove this dust is very important.

First , use a brush to remove the dust. A great amount of dust will fall off but still little amount of dust will be stuck there. To remove that dust use a thin cloth. The cloth can either be dipped in lukewarm water or not depending upon the stickiness. 

After doing that , wipe off the dust from the upper part of the pedal with a plain thin cloth. 

3) Cleaning of the soundboards

 Cleaning the soundboards is the most important thing. Irrespective of the fact if your entire piano , the dust in the soundboard will detoraite the  sound reducing it effectiveness 

 You have to be  very careful while dusting the soundboards. Always use a dust free thin cloth to dust off the dust. Remember to do this  with very little pressure otherwise it may result in damage to the soundboard.  

4) Cleaning the piano surface

Cleaning the piano surface helps in maintaining the polish of the piano and makes it look new. It is important to remove the smudges , fingerprints and stains.. Mostly the outer surface is made with wood.  To clean this part use plain cloth. Do not use any chemicals , solutions or even water. Clean it with a dry clean cloth. Make sure you are running the cloth through every single part of the outer surface of the piano. 

Remember after cleaning a part of the piano, change the cloth. Do not use a single cloth for cleaning all the parts. Try to avoid all types of chemicals and solutions , in fact even water. Use dry cloth and brush till it’s possible At Purvi Ranka’s Academy , we conduct group sessions on different ways to clean and maintain pianos. Different types of Pianos are given to all children in order to make them  learn the different ways of cleaning