If you and many people across the nation have piano lessons in your youth, you know how beneficial the piano could be. Perhaps your family had their piano at home, or you have been to a neighbour’s residence for lessons. Regardless of the reason, you take note of the instrument whenever you house a home with one.
Pianos possess a specific luster, and if you continue to use a piano or have taken it from a grandparent or parent, you’ll want to keep it as long as possible. Keep reading to learn more about piano storage!
Cleaning Your Piano Before Storage
Storing your piano storage and ensuring it’s cleaned first is essential. Any dirt that remains on the piano may cause permanent damage.
Make use of a damp and non-lint cloth to wipe the keys. Clean them using a dry, clean cloth to eliminate any moisture the wet fabric leaves behind. Always clean with an upward and downward motion while cleaning piano keys, as wiping from side to side can cause water or dust to enter between keys.
Use a second, damp, soft cloth to wipe the exterior surfaces of your piano. Dry all surfaces when you’re done to eliminate the water.
You should hire an expert if you need more clarification about doing the job yourself.
Find the Perfect Storage Space
Pianos are delicate and particularly sensitive to temperature changes and unfavourable climates. For instance, most piano makers recommend that pianos be kept in a stable environment, with humidity not exceeding 42 per cent. This means that you have to choose your storage space with care.
Self-storage space isn’t equipped with protection from the elements. If the weather is humid, the area is humid. Your piano will likely be affected if there’s a heat or cold moment. In this regard, you must choose secure piano storage that provides climate control and protection from other environmental elements like dust, dirt, or insects.
Thoroughly Clean and Polish Your Piano
The cleaner your piano is, the more likely you will be in better condition when you get it from storage. For cleaning your piano, read the manual of the manufacturer on the proper cleaning of your instrument and its polish before you do the following:
- Use a feather duster to clean any dust off the keys gently. Be sure to work gently, as dust could scratch and permanently leave marks on the surface of your piano.
- Use a soft, lint-free white cloth and soak the fabric with the water (wringing out any liquid left)—Use the damp fabric to wipe the keys to eliminate dust or dirt. Make sure you clean the keys using a dry cloth right away to eliminate any excess water. Use an upward and downward motion instead of the side-to-side motion that can bring dust and dirt between the keys.
- First, ensure you are free of moisture and dust before wrapping or storing it.
Our top piano storage tip? Only try to adjust your piano after it is put in storage. Instead, make sure to tune your piano after having taken it out of storage. Be sure to allow your piano to adjust to its new surroundings before tuning it. Let it lay down for at least two weeks after taking it from storage before tuning it.
Cover The Keys And Keep The DustOut
Keys for pianos are incredibly fragile, so they must be protected when moving in storage. If you don’t have a protector for dust on those keys to your piano, this is the perfect time to buy one. Alternatively, you can use an appropriate-sized, soft, white, clean, lint-free cloth.
Place the cloth or key protector over the piano keys and ensure the lid is closed and secured. You should confirm the lid with tape if there’s no lock. Remember that specific packing tape tends to leave sticky remnants on the piano’s lid.
Attach any of the Music Stands
Be sure that the music stands are set flat and flush with the sides of your piano. Fix the stand on the opposite side of the piano, remembering that certain types of packing tape tend to leave an oily residue over the piano’s surface on your instrument.
Wrap Your Piano In Heavy-Duty Blankets
The piano is completely covered in heavy-duty moving blankets to avoid scratches and scuffs while it’s in transit and stored securely, ensuring each inch of the piano is protected.
Once the bundle is secured, Cover it entirely with plastic wrap to guard against moisture infiltration while in the storage container.
Last Thoughts
While tempting, you shouldn’t play your instrument while it’s stored. Make sure not to remove the protective wrap around it often. Removing it every month to allow it to breathe is sufficient. If you do more than that, it could cause issues instead of protecting the piano.
It’s a good idea to speak to the business that owns the piano storage facility about what security and climate control facilities they have to ensure your piano is secure.
If you’re looking for an area to store your piano, Burton and Wilson Piano can help. Contact us with an expert member of our team to find out more.