Piano Cleaning and Polishing Guide: Care for Your Instrument

Introduction

A piano is both a musical instrument and a piece of furniture—and like fine furniture, it benefits from proper cleaning and care. However, pianos aren’t ordinary furniture: their finishes require specific techniques, their keys need careful treatment, and their interiors harbour delicate mechanisms that improper cleaning can damage.

In our 33 years of moving pianos across Gloucestershire and throughout the UK, we’ve seen pianos in every condition—from pristine showpieces to neglected instruments thick with dust. We’ve also seen well-intentioned cleaning cause damage: furniture polish melting lacquer, aggressive cleaning cracking ivory keys, and moisture getting where it shouldn’t.

This guide explains how to clean your piano safely and effectively, what products to use (and avoid), and when to call in professional help. Proper cleaning maintains your piano’s appearance, protects its finish, and can prevent problems that affect playability.

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Understanding Piano Finishes

Why Finish Type Matters

Different finishes require different approaches:

Using the wrong cleaning technique or product on your piano’s finish can cause:

• Permanent dullness
• Streaking that won’t buff out
• Chemical damage to the finish
• Removal of protective coating

High-Gloss (Polyester) Finish

Characteristics:

• Mirror-like reflective surface
• Very hard and durable
• Most common on modern pianos
• Shows fingerprints and dust prominently

Found on: Most black pianos made since 1980s, many coloured pianos, most Asian-made instruments.

Satin/Matte Finishes

Characteristics:

• Non-reflective surface
• Softer appearance
• Hides fingerprints better
• Can mark more easily if cleaned incorrectly

Found on: Many European pianos, some premium instruments, vintage pianos.

Lacquer Finishes

Characteristics:

• Traditional finish (pre-polyester era)
• Less durable than polyester
• Can be damaged by solvents
• Often on vintage instruments

Found on: Pianos made before 1970s, some traditional European makers.

Identifying Your Finish

General guidelines:

• Post-1980s Asian pianos: Usually polyester high-gloss
• European pianos: May be lacquer or satin
• Vintage pianos: Usually lacquer
• If uncertain: Treat as lacquer (most delicate approach)

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Basic Dusting Techniques

Regular Dusting

The foundation of piano care:

Dust should be removed regularly to prevent accumulation that scratches when eventually cleaned.

Method:

1. Use a soft, dry feather duster or very soft microfibre cloth
2. Dust in one direction, not circular motions
3. Use light pressure—let the duster do the work
4. Dust from top to bottom so debris falls down
5. Include music desk, fallboard, and legs

Frequency

How often to dust:

• Weekly in dusty environments
• Every 1-2 weeks in typical homes
• After any disturbance (construction, decorating)

What to Use

Safe dusting tools:

• Feather duster (genuine feather)
• Very soft microfibre cloth (piano-specific if possible)
• Lamb’s wool duster
• Soft-bristle brush for crevices

Avoid:

• Rough cloths
• Paper towels (can scratch)
• Treated dusters (may leave residue)

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Cleaning High-Gloss Finishes

The Cleaning Process

For polyester high-gloss finishes:

Step 1: Dust first Remove loose dust to prevent scratching.

Step 2: Prepare cleaning solution Use piano-specific polish or very dilute solution of distilled water (a few drops of mild detergent optional).

Step 3: Apply to cloth, not piano Spray polish or dampen cloth, then apply to surface. Never spray directly on piano.

Step 4: Clean in straight lines Wipe following wood grain direction (usually lengthwise). Avoid circular motions.

Step 5: Dry immediately Use a separate dry microfibre cloth to remove any moisture.

Step 6: Polish if desired With a third clean cloth, buff to shine.

Products for High-Gloss

Recommended:

• Piano-specific polish (from music shops)
• Distilled water for light cleaning
• Products specifically labelled safe for polyester

Acceptable with care:

• Very mild solution of water and tiny amount of dish soap
• Rinse thoroughly and dry immediately

Avoid:

• Furniture polish (silicone content can build up)
• Glass cleaner (may contain ammonia)
• Any abrasive cleaner
• Wax products

Dealing with Fingerprints

High-gloss pianos show every fingerprint:

Quick method: Breathe lightly on the mark (humidity from breath) and buff with soft microfibre cloth.

Stubborn fingerprints: Use slightly dampened microfibre cloth, then dry immediately.

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Cleaning Satin and Matte Finishes

Different Approach Required

Satin finishes are more delicate than high-gloss:

• Show fewer fingerprints
• Can become shiny if polished aggressively
• Scratch more easily
• May watermark if wet

The Cleaning Process

For satin/matte finishes:

Step 1: Dust carefully Dry dusting is usually sufficient for satin finishes.

Step 2: Damp clean only if needed Use barely damp microfibre cloth if dusting doesn’t suffice.

Step 3: Minimal pressure Light touch only—pressure can create shiny spots.

Step 4: Dry immediately Any moisture must be removed promptly.

Step 5: No buffing Buffing creates shine inconsistent with matte finish.

Products for Satin Finishes

Recommended:

• Dry dusting only where possible
• Distilled water on cloth (minimal)
• Piano-specific satin cleaner (if available)

Avoid:

• Any polish (creates shine)
• Wax products
• Silicone-containing products
• Furniture polish

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Key Cleaning (Ivory and Plastic)

Identifying Your Keys

Ivory keys (pianos made before 1989):

• Slightly off-white colour
• May yellow with age
• Visible grain lines
• Slight texture
• Two-piece construction (visible seam)

Plastic keys (modern pianos):

• Uniform white colour
• No grain pattern
• Smooth texture
• Single-piece construction

Cleaning Ivory Keys

Ivory requires special care:

Method:

1. Dust with soft cloth
2. Clean with cloth barely dampened with mild soap solution
3. Wipe individual keys (not across multiple keys—moisture can seep between)
4. Dry immediately with separate cloth
5. Leave keyboard open for air circulation

Important:

• Never soak ivory
• Don’t use bleach or whiteners
• Avoid direct sunlight (causes yellowing)
• Yellowing is natural and difficult to reverse

Cleaning Plastic Keys

More tolerant but still careful approach:

Method:

1. Dust with soft cloth
2. Wipe with cloth dampened with mild soap solution
3. Can clean across keys more freely than ivory
4. Dry thoroughly
5. For stubborn marks, slightly more pressure acceptable

Products:

• Mild soap and water
• Piano-specific key cleaner
• Avoid: harsh chemicals, bleach, abrasives

Cleaning Between Keys

The sides of keys:

• Use a thin, soft cloth or cotton swab
• Barely damp, not wet
• Don’t force moisture into gaps
• Let keyboard air dry

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Interior Cleaning

A Word of Caution

Interior cleaning is limited for owners:

The piano’s interior contains delicate mechanisms. Cleaning beyond light dusting should be left to technicians.

What You Can Do

Safe interior maintenance:

Light dusting (uprights):

• Open top lid
• Use soft brush or vacuum with soft brush attachment (held above, not touching)
• Remove obvious debris
• Never touch strings, hammers, or dampers

Grand pianos:

• Open lid
• Light dusting of frame (cast iron plate)
• Never touch soundboard, strings, or action

What to Leave to Professionals

Don’t attempt:

• Cleaning soundboard
• Touching strings (even for dusting)
• Cleaning hammers or felts
• Removing debris from action
• Using any liquids inside piano

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What Products to Use (and Avoid)

Recommended Products

Safe for pianos:

Product	Use For
Distilled water	Basic cleaning
Piano-specific polish	High-gloss surfaces
Mild dish soap (tiny amount)	Diluted cleaning solution
Piano key cleaner	Key surfaces
Microfibre cloths (piano-grade)	All surfaces

Products to Avoid

Never use on pianos:

Product	Why Dangerous
Furniture polish	Silicone buildup, finish damage
Glass cleaner	Ammonia damages finishes
All-purpose cleaner	Too harsh, chemical damage
Wax products	Buildup, inconsistent appearance
Abrasive cleaners	Scratches
Paper towels	Can scratch
Water (excess)	Moisture damage to wood and finish
Alcohol	Dissolves lacquer finishes
Bleach	Damages all finishes and keys

Where to Buy Piano Products

Sources:

• Music shops
• Piano technicians
• Piano dealers
• Online specialty retailers

Investment: Piano-specific products cost more than generic cleaners but protect your significant investment.

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Common Cleaning Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using Furniture Polish

The problem: Furniture polish often contains silicone, which builds up over time, creating a filmy residue that’s difficult to remove and can damage the finish.

Solution: Use only piano-specific products or plain water with care.

Mistake 2: Circular Rubbing

The problem: Circular motions on high-gloss surfaces can create swirl marks visible in certain light.

Solution: Clean in straight lines following the wood grain.

Mistake 3: Spraying Directly on Piano

The problem: Overspray gets into crevices, under keys, and onto strings where it doesn’t belong.

Solution: Spray onto cloth, then apply cloth to piano.

Mistake 4: Excess Moisture

The problem: Water damages wood, promotes rust on strings, and can seep into mechanisms.

Solution: Cloths should be barely damp, and surfaces dried immediately.

Mistake 5: Cleaning Interior Without Training

The problem: Well-intentioned cleaning can damage delicate mechanisms, displace components, or leave residue.

Solution: Leave interior cleaning to professional technicians.

Mistake 6: Cleaning When Dusty

The problem: Cleaning a dusty surface grinds dust particles into the finish, creating scratches.

Solution: Always dust before any cleaning.

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Frequency of Cleaning

Recommended Schedule

Task	Frequency
Dusting (exterior)	Weekly
Key surface wiping	Weekly or as needed
Full exterior cleaning	Monthly
Deep cleaning	Annually (or as needed)
Interior dusting	Annually (by technician)
Professional cleaning	Every few years

After Events

Clean after:

• Parties or gatherings (fingerprints, spills risk)
• Housework (extra dust)
• Construction nearby
• Piano moving (our post-delivery care includes wiping down)

Environmental Factors

More frequent cleaning if:

• Dusty environment
• Near roads (particulates)
• Households with children
• Multiple pianists using the instrument

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When to Call a Professional Cleaning

Professional Cleaning Recommended For

Interior cleaning: Soundboard cleaning, action dusting, string care—all require professional technicians.

Deep exterior cleaning: If buildup has accumulated over years, professionals have appropriate products and techniques.

Finish restoration: Scratched, dulled, or damaged finishes need professional attention beyond cleaning.

Antique or valuable pianos: High-value instruments deserve expert care.

Finding Professional Cleaning Services

Options:

• Piano technicians often offer cleaning as part of service
• Piano dealers may offer detailing services
• Specialist piano restoration firms

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Expert Tips from A1 Piano Removals

From Our Piano Handling Experience

1. Less is more: The safest cleaning is minimal cleaning. Dusting regularly prevents the need for aggressive cleaning.
2. Test first: Any new product should be tested on an inconspicuous area before full application.
3. Microfibre quality matters: Cheap microfibre cloths can scratch. Invest in quality, piano-appropriate cloths.
4. Temperature matters: Don’t clean immediately after moving a piano inside in cold weather—let it acclimatise first to prevent condensation.
5. Cover when not in use: A piano cover reduces dust accumulation significantly, reducing cleaning needs.

After We Deliver Your Piano

Post-move cleaning: After transport, we wipe down your piano before leaving. Minor marks from protective wrapping are normal and clean off easily.

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About the Author

Liam

Piano Moving Specialist

Liam is part of the A1 Piano Removals team, bringing professional expertise to every piano move.