Here’s a conversation I recently had with a piano repairman…

“My name is John and I am a piano repairman – or as I prefer, a piano physician. Over the years, I’ve been blessed to work with a myriad of pianos, from the classic grand pianos gracing concert halls to the humble uprights nestled in home studios. Today, I’d like to talk about something most of us rarely think about: the impact of dust on our cherished instruments.

As invisible as it may seem, dust is one of the most persistent and pervasive threats to your piano. Its effects run deeper than you might think, impacting not just the aesthetic but the mechanical health and longevity of the instrument, and most importantly, the beautiful music it produces.

Dust and Piano Strings

Let’s begin with the strings – the soul of the piano, responsible for the resonant melodies we love. Strings are sensitive, crafted with precision to deliver a specific pitch when struck. Dust, over time, can settle on these strings, subtly adding weight and altering their tension. The result? A gradual detuning that you might not even notice until one day, your beloved piano seems a little out of character. Even worse, dust can also cause corrosion on the strings, reducing their lifespan and necessitating early replacement.

The Mechanism’s Nemesis

The heart of the piano lies in its intricate mechanism, a delicate system of hammers, dampers, keys and more, all working in unison. Dust particles are incredibly small, and they can easily infiltrate this mechanical orchestra. Within, they can wreak havoc, increasing friction in the movement of parts, causing wear, and even leading to sticking or sluggish keys. At its worst, dust can completely jam parts of the mechanism, leading to expensive repairs or part replacements.

Affecting the Finish

Lastly, the impact on the aesthetics – the visual harmony of your piano. Pianos are made to be as beautiful to look at as they are to listen to, and dust is the bane of this beauty. Over time, dust and grime can dull the finish of a piano, robbing it of its lustrous sheen. Worse yet, if left untouched, dust can mix with moisture and create a layer of film that’s hard to remove, potentially damaging the wood underneath.

The Tune of Prevention

The good news? All of this can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance.

A soft, dry cloth can be used to gently wipe away dust from the strings and the body. Use a feather duster or a soft brush for the harder-to-reach places. Regularly dusting the piano will protect its sheen and preserve the integrity of the strings.

For the inner mechanism, though, I strongly advise against trying to clean it yourself unless you are trained in piano maintenance. The internals of a piano are complex and delicate, and improper handling could lead to damage. Instead, consider scheduling regular professional maintenance. Most piano technicians recommend having your piano serviced at least once or twice a year.

So, music lovers, remember – your piano is an investment in joy, and like all investments, it requires care. Keep your piano dust-free and it will thank you with years of beautiful music.

In the grand symphony of piano care, don’t let the silent whispers of dust be the discordant note. Keep the music flowing. Keep the dust at bay. Your piano – and your ears – will thank you.”