Roberts Pianos Houston | Piano Care
Piano Care Guide
Professional tips and guidelines to keep your piano in optimal condition for years to come
Your piano is a sophisticated musical instrument that requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its beauty, functionality, and value. At Roberts Pianos Houston, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you maintain your instrument in peak condition.
Caring for Your Piano
Congratulations on acquiring your piano! We hope it brings you many years of enjoyment. Drawing on our experience as piano tuners and restorers, we have compiled this short guide to help you care for your instrument and keep it in optimal condition.
Pitch
All pianos naturally go flat over time due to the constant tension in the strings. To monitor the pitch, you can download a free tuning app such as Pano Tuner. Check the piano now and check again after two weeks. If you notice a significant drop (and it has not recently been restrung), the room humidity may be too high or the environment unstable.
Tuning and Servicing
A piano that is out of tune produces an unpleasant sound. The piano tuner can also check for signs of humidity damage or moth infestation. For these reasons, we recommend having your piano tuned twice yearly, but possibly more frequently depending on the stability of your piano and the conditions in your home.
Over time your piano will also require action regulation to maintain a consistent and responsive touch. This is typically necessary after around 5000 hours of normal playing.
Humidity Control
This is absolutely essential. In Texas, high humidity can be particularly damaging to pianos. The felt components inside the piano are especially sensitive to excessive moisture, which can cause swelling, sticking keys, and other serious problems.
You must keep the humidity in the room where your piano is located below 65% at all times. This is a requirement of your piano's guarantee. To achieve this in Texas, you will typically need to use a dehumidifier. We can provide a dehumidifier suitable for your space, or you may use your own space dehumidifier. It is very important to monitor humidity levels regularly using a digital hygrometer.
Place the dehumidifier in the same room as your piano and ensure it is running consistently, especially during the humid summer months. Monitor the humidity gauge regularly to ensure it stays below 65%. If you notice the humidity rising above this level, adjust your dehumidifier settings or consider additional dehumidification methods.
Preventing Moth Damage
Moth damage is one of the most serious issues a piano can suffer from. Common clothes moths are attracted to the felt components inside the piano, particularly under the keys, which provide ideal conditions for breeding. If left unattended, an infestation can render a piano unplayable and significantly reduce its value, as restoration costs often exceed the instrument's worth.
The most effective way to prevent significant moth damage is through regular inspection by your piano tuner, allowing any infestation to be identified and treated at an early stage. Pheromone traps can also be used to help reduce moth activity.
Thank you for taking time to read this guide. Paying attention to the above will help ensure that your piano remains in good condition and serves you well for many years.
If you have any further questions, please contact us. We're here to help ensure your piano continues to perform beautifully for years to come.
Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes. We do not accept responsibility for personal injury or damage to property that may occur in connection with the piano or its care.
Regular Tuning
- • Every 6 months minimum for optimal performance
- • New pianos may need tuning 3-4 times in the first year
- • Heavy use requires more frequent tuning
- • Schedule after seasonal temperature changes
Humidity Control
- • Maintain 35-50% relative humidity year-round
- • Use a piano humidity control system if needed
- • Avoid placing near heating/cooling vents
- • Monitor with a digital hygrometer
Placement & Light
- • Avoid direct sunlight on the piano
- • Keep away from windows and exterior walls
- • Position on an interior wall when possible
- • UV rays can fade and damage wood finishes
Wood Finish Care
- • Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
- • Use piano-specific polish sparingly
- • Avoid aerosol sprays and harsh chemicals
- • Clean spills immediately to prevent staining
Detailed Care Instructions
Weekly Care
- • Dust the exterior with a microfiber cloth
- • Wipe keys with a slightly damp cloth
- • Check humidity levels
- • Vacuum around the piano base
Seasonal Care
- • Schedule professional tuning
- • Deep clean the interior (professional recommended)
- • Check and adjust humidity control systems
- • Inspect for any damage or wear
Annual Care
- • Professional inspection and regulation
- • Action adjustment if needed
- • Pedal mechanism lubrication
When to Call a Professional
Immediate Attention Needed:
- • Keys sticking or not returning
- • Broken strings or hammers
- • Pedals not functioning properly
- • Visible damage to the case
Schedule Soon:
- • Piano significantly out of tune
- • Uneven key response
- • Strange sounds or rattling
- • More than 6 months since last tuning
Professional Piano Services
At Roberts Pianos Houston, we provide comprehensive piano care services to keep your instrument in perfect condition.