I remember our dad buying my sister a piano. Just a simple upright piano great for kids who were just about to learn playing. It’s still around even if no one really plays it anymore. In playable condition. Now I’ve been thinking if we only took better care of it.

In any case, if you have a piano at home, it’s wise to take care of such instrument. Sometimes, pianos can be heirlooms handed down even if no one in this family’s generation. Antique pianos can even fetch a nice price in the market as long as it’s kept in pristine condition. So here are a few tips on taking care of your piano even if you don’t or can’t play it.

Mind where to place it

A popular place to nest a piano (especially an upright piano) is somewhere against an outside wall or a window. However, mind you that your piano’s innards are made of steel which can corrode when exposed to dampness. Steer it clear from vases and plants. Liquid can also ruin the finish.

Keep it out of the weather

Aside from keeping it dry, be careful not to place it anywhere where it’s exposed to changes in temperature. Wood may also get warped in the cooling and heating process. Warping can greatly affect the sound quality of an instrument, especially a wooden one.

Humidity can also affect the piano. Exposure to constant humidity changes can cause the wood to crack and joints to come loose.

Have a piano technician do the repairs

If ever your piano gets minor damages or is simply out of tune, get i touch with a piano technician. During a routine visit, the piano technician doesn’t only tune the piano, he also checks the overall condition. Sometimes corrosion may have gotten the best of your pianos innards. The technician will definitely suggest appropriate repairs to get your piano back to pristine condition.

Ask for a piano regulation every 2-5 years. A regulation’s like somewhere between and engine tune-up and an overhaul where the technician would go over the piano’s mechanism and make sure every thing’s working as it should be.

Keep mice and rats out

The insides of the piano is a great hiding place for such critters, especially if the piano isn’t played anymore. Sometimes moths can even take shelter inside your piano. These critters can damage the wood and the felt portions.