There are many useful tips that will help you to extend your piano’s overall lifespan without 
seeking advice from RPTs. Piano care needs to be taken seriously if you want the piano to sustain its beautiful aesthetic value and playing condition for many years to come.
Leave the Lid Open
If your piano is kept in a humid or dark area most of the time, it is best to leave the lid open every now and then. In doing so, you can avoid mold from growing inside your piano, which typically happens when the lid remains closed for an extended period of time. You should keep the lid open a few times every week during the day. Proper air circulation and indirect sunlight will discourage mold growth. Make sure that you use a piano cover every time the piano is not used, as this can help fight off dust and dirt buildup, which can be harmful to the instrument’s exterior over time.
No Beverages or Food near the Piano
I had a client who told me about an “insignificant” incident that ended up costing him a lot of money. He had placed his hot drink on the piano, but only for a few seconds before he removed it again. Those few seconds were enough to cause some damage to the piano’s beautiful exterior.
To obtain a new finish again, he had to spend hundreds of dollars. This can be avoided if you have strict rules regarding drinks and food near or on the piano. Drinks, vases with flowers, and potted plants should never be placed on any piano surface.
However, if liquid penetrates your piano keyboard, you need to wipe the excess liquid from the surface as quickly as possible. In order to avoid more dripping, avoid pressing the keys while you are wiping. If water or any type of liquid gets in between the piano keys, I would suggest that you call an RPT immediately. You should not try to remove the keys to clean up the excess liquid alone.
Ideal Moisture Levels for Pianos
The next piano care tip is crucial and it involves monitoring the humidity levels in and around the area where your piano is located. As you may already know, pianos are very sensitive to changes in climatic conditions. High moisture levels can cause the wood to swell, and lower humidity levels can cause it to crack.
The wood of all pianos is meticulously crafted and positioned to produce excellent tonal quality, consequently, any changes in the wood can significantly influence the sound. If the piano wood tenses or loosens up, the piano strings tend to follow suit and your piano will be out of tune.
To avoid your piano from going out of tune, you should regulate your indoor humidity levels by
using a dehumidifier or a humidifier. An indoor humidity level of 40% is ideal for pianos. A useful piano care tip that can help sustain your piano’s condition is to steer clear of placing it close to any heater vents, doors, or windows that you open rather frequently. You definitely should not place it near the kitchen or bathroom.
How to Maintain the Piano Finish
Generally, new pianos are finished in satin lacquer or polyester, which means that they need to be wiped with only a damp cloth and dried carefully. You do not need any polish, as it can damage the finish. If you own an older piano, it is normally finished with French polish and this requires greater care than other units.
If this is the case, you need to use a polish reviver and use a clean soft cloth to apply it to the piano. Thereafter, polish it by using a soft duster. I very much recommend that you avoid using any spray polish!
Do you have any effective piano care tips that you would like to share?