Pianos are life-long musical instruments that are often passed down from one generation to 
another. For this reason, many piano owners are extremely cautious when it comes to taking care of their precious musical instrument. Here-after follows a number of important things that can effectively be used to extend your musical instrument’s life without having to call a RPT every other month.
Leave the Lid Closed
It is actually a good habit to leave your piano closed for at least 70% to 80% of the time, particularly if it is not being used frequently. Air particles and dust can build up into a huge sticky mess between the piano keys, which can cause mobility problems. Nonetheless, if the lid is kept closed for too long, it can cause mold to grow inside your musical instrument. This is especially possible if you keep the instrument predominantly in a humid or dark room, such as the basement.
Therefore, you should make a point to keep the lid open about twice a week during the day. Proper air circulation and indirect sunlight will discourage ugly molds from growing inside the instrument. To clear off unwanted dust and air particles, you should use a good quality feather duster or a vacuum cleaner attachment.
No Drinks Should Come Near the Instrument
This is quite a common occurrence among owners, as they feel there is nothing wrong with playing the piano and having some drinks in between. While it is common, it is not something that you should do. Accidents happen and if a person knocks a drink onto the instrument accidently, the liquid that seeps in between the keys can eventually reach the interior. This can cause major damage to the unit and it would be very costly to repair the damages.
If water or any beverage drips onto your keyboard, you need to wipe the excess liquid from the surface as soon as possible. To avoid further dripping and damage to the unit, try not to press down any keys while wiping them. I would recommend that you contact a highly experienced RPT immediately if you find that liquid has seeped through and in between the keys. Do not even try to remove the keys and attempt to fix the issue by yourself.
Ideal Humidity Levels for the Instrument
Pianos are usually extremely sensitive to any oscillation in humidity. High levels of humidity can cause the piano wood to warp and low levels of moisture can cause the instrument’s material to dry and eventually crack. The wood is positioned and crafted intricately, and the tonal quality relies deeply on it. Any alteration to the wood can also influence tuning – if the wood tenses up or loosens, the strings will go out of tune.
To avoid the aforementioned, it is imperative that you monitor the indoor humidity levels. You can easily regulate the levels of humidity by investing in a humidifier or dehumidifier. Keep in mind that 50% of humidity is accepted. At the same time, you need to keep your piano away from any windows, vents, and make sure that the door is closed, especially if the instrument is situated close to a kitchen or a bathroom. You should also close windows in the room (where the instrument is located) to prevent condensation.
These are merely a few practical examples that can help to extend the life of any piano. It is important to keep the musical instrument in the best possible condition, so that it can be part of your family heirloom and retain its value.
What other tips have you used successfully to help prolong the instrument’s life?