Let us just reassure you… alleviate any doubt and ensure you’re fully aware of the fact that, once you’ve purchased your incredible Steinway; the centre piece, the focal point; you’re going to want to keep it in top shape! The fine contours of its grand exterior, equalled only by the emphatic beauty of the sound that reverberates from, and penetrates the interior body with every note precisely, expertly struck, will remain so only with the right care and attention, something we all need now and again! Here are 7 of our tips to help you make sure your Steinway consistently resonates and quite simply looks ‘perfection’!
- Simplicity first then – dust! A humble hand duster will do the job, applied on a regular basis for surprisingly striking effects. The rich woods can attract dust with little effort, so make sure this is seen to routinely!
- Next, put a lid on it! That fancy piano lid isn’t just there for show. Dust and dirt can also easily build up inside the instrument, and this is more of a challenge to clean!
- Clean keys: the first rule of key cleaning is to make sure you never apply liquid directly onto the keys themselves. This can cause damage in the long-run to the internal part of the keys known as the key-bushings
- Tune in! Keeping your piano tuned will also increase its sustainability for the future. If there’s been a big change in the atmosphere in the room, this will highly likely cause it to go out of tune, organise this as promptly as opposed to letting it sit there.
- Placement! When you’re placing what will undoubtedly be the centre piece of your household, keep it away from direct heat sources/radiators etc, and try to keep it away from areas where it will be in prolonged contact with intense sunlight; these will all harm both the aesthetic quality of the instrument, and also it may harm the innermost workings/action etc.
- In regards to humidity, aiming to keep this between 40 and 50 per cent is a good target to aim for. Shifting temperatures and changes in humidity are generally the chief reason pianos go out of tune.
- Do not adhere to the temptation of placing items, drinks or anything else on the piano, they can cause dents, marks, scratches and generally clutter up a beautiful piece of art.
Follow these few rules and your Steinway will remain the fantastic looking, as well as amazing sounding instrument ever! …and be there for you and your guests in its full glory whenever you should require it!
