Piano Maintenance Checklist for Singapore Homes

Monthly Tasks

• Wipe down key tops — use a barely-damp soft white cloth to clean ivory or plastic key tops. Wipe from back to front (away from the fallboard edge) to prevent moisture entering the key joint. Use a separate cloth for the black keys
• Wipe the exterior cabinet — use a soft, dry or barely-damp microfibre cloth. Avoid household spray polishes that contain silicone, which build up over time and cloud the finish
• Check for fallen objects between keys — run your fingers carefully between adjacent keys to ensure nothing is lodged there
• Play all 88 keys — a monthly play-through of all notes helps you notice any developing problems (dead notes, sticky keys, unusual sounds) before they worsen
• Close the fallboard when not playing — protects keys from dust; but leave it open during prolonged humid periods to prevent moisture buildup

Every 6 Months

• Book professional piano tuning — schedule in March–April and September–October to align with Singapore's weather patterns. Contact Singapore Piano Shop to book
• Vacuum the area around the piano — dust accumulates around the base and is drawn inside by air movement
• Inspect the piano interior — with the top lid open, shine a torch inside to look for insect evidence, accumulated debris, or obvious loose parts

Annual Tasks

• Professional piano cleaning — every 2–3 years for a thorough internal cleaning; at minimum have the technician check the interior during each tuning visit
• Pest inspection — check for moth, cockroach or silverfish evidence inside the cabinet, particularly in the action, key bed, and under the keys
• Humidity system check — if you have a Dampp-Chaser or similar system installed, replace the humidifier pad and dehumidifier rods according to the manufacturer's schedule
• Piano inspection — ask your tuner to inspect the strings, tuning pins, and action during each visit and flag any developing issues

Every 3–7 Years

• Action regulation — the action mechanism drifts out of regulation as felts compress with use. A full action regulation restores even, responsive touch across all keys
• Piano voicing — hammer felt hardens with use, causing the tone to become harsh or uneven. Professional voicing softens and evens the tone
• Professional deep cleaning — thorough cleaning of strings, soundboard, action and cabinet

What NOT to Do

• Never use furniture polish, pledge, or silicone-based sprays on piano keys or cabinet
• Never use household glass cleaner on lacquered or high-gloss cabinet surfaces
• Never place drinks, vases, or decorative objects on top of the piano — spills cause severe and expensive water damage
• Never use WD-40 or any oil-based lubricant on piano mechanisms
• Never place the piano in direct sunlight or near a heat source
• Never leave the piano closed in a very humid room for extended periods — leave the fallboard open slightly to allow air circulation

Recommended Piano Service Schedule (Singapore)

Learn about our Annual Piano Maintenance service — tuning, inspection, cleaning and minor regulation combined into a single convenient visit.