A Beginner’s Guide to Proper Piano Maintenance

How to Keep Your Steinway or Acoustic Piano in Concert-Ready Shape

Introduction

Buying a piano—especially a handcrafted Steinway—is not just a purchase; it's a legacy investment. But even the world’s finest piano needs expert care to perform its best over decades. Whether you’re a new owner of an upright piano, a Spirio | r high-resolution technology-enhanced acoustic marvel, or a Model D concert grand, regular maintenance is essential to preserve tone, value, and joy.

In this guide, we’ll cover the piano care steps proven by Steinway craftsmen and trusted piano technicians, helping you extend your piano’s life and keep it sounding sublime.

1. Regular Piano Tuning: Why, When, and How

How Often Should You Tune a Piano?

Even if your piano sounds “in tune,” every Steinway (and every acoustic piano) should be tuned 2-3 times per year or more frequently depending on usage and climate exposure. Did you know? Teaching studio pianos in conservatory settings are often tuned weekly!

Steinway recommends at least four tunings per year for optimal stability, especially for new pianos in their first few years.

Why Tunings Matter

Every piano contains over 200 strings, each under 150–200 pounds of tension. Seasonal humidity changes cause the soundboard to expand and contract, detuning the instrument. Regular tuning prevents string stress and protects the action’s delicate balance.

Pro Tip: Always use a certified piano technician, preferably Steinway-trained. Visit PTG.org to locate a Registered Piano Technician.

2. Humidity Control = Longevity Control

Steinway’s #1 Environmental Recommendation:

Maintain a stable humidity level between 42%–50% at all times.

Why It Matters:

Humidity extremes wreak havoc on wooden components. Excess humidity swells the soundboard and pinblock, while dry air can cause contraction of the wood components which leads to cracking, glue failure, and soundboard shrinkage—lowering tonal quality and resale value. High quality pianos, such as Steinway, can acclimate to their environment over time and can function successfully with a stable level outside the desired range. It is important to ensure stability above all and to mitigate rapid humidity swings.

Best Practices:

• Control the humidity in the entire room using a home humidifier. This can be either integrated to the home’s HVAC system or a more simple stand-alone room humidifier.
• Consider installing a Dampp-Chaser Piano Life Saver System. This is a good solution if the entire room cannot be controlled.
• Use a hygrometer in your piano room.
• Avoid placing the piano near vents, fireplaces, or windows.

3. The Right Location Inside Your Home

Where you place your piano matters as much as how you play it.

Do:

• Choose a room with steady climate control.
• Allow 6 inches of clearance from walls for airflow.
• Consider using carpeted floors or area rugs under grands.

Avoid:

• Basements or uninsulated rooms.
• Direct sunlight exposure.
• Radiators or HVAC blowers.

4. Monthly Cleaning: Do It Right, Or Not at All

Cleaning the Case:

• Avoid general-purpose sprays or furniture polishes not made for pianos.
• For satin finishes, a lambswool duster will be sufficient to remove dust. To remove fingerprints, use a slightly damp cheesecloth and dry immediately with another cheesecloth. Remember to always wipe with the grain.
• For high-polish finishes (like Steinway’s Ebony Polish), use a clean, slightly damp microfiber and dry immediately.

Cleaning the Keys:

• Use only a clean, damp cloth (preferably cheesecloth), avoiding excess moisture and never soap or chemicals.
• Never spray directly on the keys.
• Wipe from back to front (not side to side) to avoid pushing grime between keys.

Pro Tip: Never use alcohol or disinfecting wipes—these can yellow the keys or damage ivory tops.

5. Action Regulation and Voicing: The Secret to a Steinway Touch

Over time, your piano’s mechanical action—the thousands of interconnected parts—requires fine adjustments.

Action Regulation:
Adjusts how the keys respond. Regulation ensures consistent touch, responsiveness, and dynamic range. Most pianos benefit from regulation every 3–5 years. Incremental adjustments to regulation should be performed at every tuning.

Voicing:

This process adjusts hammer hardness to shape tone. If your piano starts to sound too harsh or too mellow, voicing can restore its ideal character.

Pro Tip: Only trained technicians should voice a piano. Always discuss your tonal preferences before this service.

6. Annual Maintenance Checklist

Here’s your basic service rhythm to keep any Steinway in top condition:

Pro Tip: Professional interior cleaning every 2–3 years is recommended to prevent dust buildup and maintain action precision.

7. Special Considerations: Digital & Spirio Systems

• Ensuring your Wi-Fi network is stable for updates.
• Keeping the iPad interface software up to date.
• Scheduling Spirio system maintenance and calibration alongside tuning.

8. When to Call a Technician Immediately

• Keys sticking or repeating
• Buzzing or rattling sounds
• Wild pitch instability after 1–2 months
• Heavy action or sluggish keys
• Cracks in the soundboard or pinblock
• Need for polishing/cleaning beyond normal dusting.

9. Restoration & Rebuilding: Not All Pianos Deserve It, But Steinways Often Do

Restoration & Rebuilding: Can Be Worth It for Steinways — Rarely for Others
While some older pianos may show signs of wear after 30–50+ years, rebuilding is only justifiable in select cases — most often for Steinways. Their enduring craftsmanship, heirloom value, and use of unmatched original materials make them uniquely worthy of restoration.

However, even with Steinways, rebuilding does not make a piano better than it was originally. In fact, today’s new Steinways — built with the finest materials, precision, and innovation — represent the highest standard of piano performance.

It’s important to note: proper rebuilding is not inexpensive, especially when done correctly. Only Steinway & Sons can install a genuine Steinway soundboard or Steinway pinblock — these critical components are not available to independent rebuilders. Any rebuilt Steinway must use 100% genuine Steinway parts to preserve its integrity, performance, and long-term value.

Before considering any restoration, always start with a serial number check and consult a qualified Steinway technician for a detailed evaluation.

10. Choosing Movers and Climate-Controlled Storage

A single wrong move can undo a century of craftsmanship.

• Use dedicated piano movers or bonded specialists.
• For storage, climate control is mandatory. No garages. No basements.

Final Thoughts: Your Piano Deserves the Best

Caring for a Steinway is simpler when you think of it like a performance partner: it needs attention, not obsession. With regular tuning, smart environmental habits, and occasional professional care, your piano will remain a source of joy, expression, and pride for decades to come.

Schedule your next tuning or ask for a maintenance consultation with one of our Steinway piano consultants today.