Grand Piano Care

If you have a grand piano, then you need to know how to take care of it. While it may seem that taking care of your grand piano is a complicated and involved process, it couldn't be further from the truth. If you know how to dust your furniture, then you can take care of the basics of grand piano care. Use these guidelines to help you take care of your musical investment.

• Dusting. As with any other kind of piece of wooden furniture, you will need to regularly dust your grand piano. Without regular dusting, you will find your grand piano quickly losing its gleam, and becoming dull. When dusting your piano, you are going to want to avoid using any harsh chemicals, and most often warm water and a mild soap will be all that you need to use for any in depth cleaning. However, it is also safe to use such things as a mild form of Murphy's Soap Oil, and Pledge. If you want to use a cloth to dust your piano, only use a microfiber cloth as it will reduce the possibility of scratching the wood.
• Tuning. Every six months, or twice a year, you should get your piano professionally tuned. Professional tuning your grand piano will help to keep the strings and keys working properly, and counter the affects from wear, tear and humidity. By having your piano tuned you will be able to find out if there is a problem that has to be fixed by a specialist, while keeping your piano sounding pleasant when played.
• Play. Regularly playing your piano keeps your piano working properly. For example, it will ensure that all the moving parts are moving regularly, and won't become stiff with lack of use. On the plus side, by regularly playing your piano, you will be filling your home with the beautiful sounds of music.
• Bugs. At least once a week, open up the hood of your piano to take a look inside. This will allow you to check for any bug infestations that may be in the process of eating the felt lining. Also keep an eye out for any infestation of termites, or carpenter ants. If you find any, immediately call a professional exterminator to ensure that all the bugs are removed.
• Full Service. Once every three or four years you should get your grand piano professionally serviced. This is more than a simple tuning. It will include such things as a full regulation tuning, as well as checking all the internal workings to make sure that they are working properly. This would also be a good time to have the piano fixed or repaired, if necessary.