Keeping your Piano Clean and Germ-Free this Flu Season

by Cassie Winterhalter on January 17, 2013

Getting sick bites- especially the flu! I can tell you first hand, as I came down with the flu over winter break and was in bed and out of commission for a few days.

While it’s impossible to avoid being exposed to every illness going around, keeping your piano clean and germ free does help tremendously.

The homes I visit for lessons are very clean themselves; however, the piano keys are often neglected. Sometimes when I demonstrate a passage on a student’s piano, the keys will feel sticky and grimey. Ewww!

Here are my recommendations to keep your piano clean and germ-free this winter:

piano keys1. Always play the piano with CLEAN hands.

Never play right after you’ve been eating. Make a habit of washing your hands immediately before playing each and every time to ensure that the piano stays clean.

2. Clean your piano keys often.

Add a small amount of dishwashing detergent to a clean, damp, not wet cloth. Wipe the keys going towards you rather than sideways, as you want to prevent water from going between the keys. Immediately dry the keys with a separate dry cloth. Avoid using paper towels, as they could damage your piano. Clean the keys a minimum of every 2 weeks. In the winter I recommend once a week.

3. Keep the rest of the piano clean and dust free.

Use another clean, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the piano. I personally use Cory piano polish spray. Just spray some of the polish on the cloth, not on the piano and wipe the piano until the dust is gone. If you don’t have Cory spray, a dry cloth works fine. Using regular cleaning products or furniture polish is not a good idea to use on a piano, as the chemicals can hurt the piano’s finish.

*** Important Note: Do not under any circumstances touch anywhere inside your piano. This includes the strings. Your piano can be harmed. If the inside of your piano becomes dusty tell your piano tuner at your next tuning. He or she can vacuum the dust away! Click here to learn more about how often to schedule a tuning.

Thanks for reading this article! Take action now and go clean your piano! Leave a comment below with additional piano cleaning tips that you have used. Subscribe to the newsletter and share this with your friends.

Here’s to a healthy, germ-free winter!

Sincerely,

Cassie

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