Deep Cleaning Your Upright Piano: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 24/06/2025

Your upright piano, a cherished instrument capable of producing beautiful melodies, deserves more than just occasional dusting. Dust, dirt, and grime accumulate over time, impacting not only its aesthetic appeal but also potentially its sound quality and longevity. A thorough deep cleaning goes beyond surface maintenance; it's about preserving your instrument's value and ensuring it remains in optimal playing condition for years to come. Neglecting regular deep cleaning can lead to the build-up of harmful debris, attracting pests and causing damage to delicate internal components.

This guide provides a comprehensive and easy-to-follow method for deep cleaning your upright piano, addressing key areas often overlooked in routine cleaning. From carefully cleaning the keys and exterior surfaces to tackling more intricate areas like the soundboard and pedals, we'll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips. Let's dive into our step-by-step guide to revitalizing your beloved instrument.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Vacuum cleaner with blower and small nozzle attachment
  • Compressor blower (optional, ~90 PSI)
  • Shop vac (optional)
  • Paint brush (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always unplug the piano from the power source before cleaning to prevent electrical shock.
  • Never use excessive water or harsh chemicals on the piano's finish. This can damage the wood and/or the finish.
  • Avoid getting moisture inside the piano. If cleaning near the keys, use a barely damp cloth and avoid spraying any cleaner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare for Cleaning

    • Remove the music desk and fall board to expose the action, keys, and strings.
    Access the piano's interior: Remove the music desk and fall board to expose the action, keys, and strings.
    Prepare for Cleaning

  2. Remove the Action

    • Unscrew the nose bolts and carefully lift the action, being mindful of the dampers.
    Remove the piano action: Unscrew the nose bolts and carefully lift the action, being mindful of the dampers.
    Remove the Action

  3. Clean the Action

    • Use a compressor blower (~90 PSI) to blow out dust and debris from the action mechanism. Avoid getting too close to prevent damage.
    Clean the action: Use a compressor blower (~90 PSI) to blow out dust and debris from the action mechanism. Avoid getting too close to prevent damage.
    Clean the Action

  4. Remove the Keys

    • Carefully lift the keys straight up from their pins to avoid damaging the holes.
    Remove the keys: Carefully lift the keys straight up from their pins to avoid damaging the holes.
    Remove the Keys

  5. Clean the Key Area

    • Use a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle to remove dust and debris from under the keys and around the tuning pins. A brush attachment can help loosen stubborn dirt.
    Clean under the keys and around the tuning pins: Use a vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle to remove dust and debris from under the keys and around the tuning pins. A brush attachment can help loosen stubborn dirt.
    Clean the Key Area

  6. Clean the Lower Section

    • Vacuum the area beneath the strings and around the pedal trap work.
    Clean the lower portion of the piano: Vacuum the area beneath the strings and around the pedal trap work.
    Clean the Lower Section

  7. Final Cleaning

    • Use a compressor blower to remove any remaining dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
    Final blow-out (optional): Use a compressor blower to remove any remaining dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.
    Final Cleaning

  8. Reassemble the Piano

    • Carefully replace the keys, ensuring they are in the correct order, then the action, fall board and music desk.
    Reassemble: Carefully replace the keys, ensuring they are in the correct order, then the action, fall board and music desk.
    Reassemble the Piano

Read more: DIY Piano Bench Cushion: A Comfortable Upgrade

Tips

  • Keep keys in order during cleaning to avoid reassembly difficulties.
  • Avoid vacuuming up the balance rail or front rail felts/punchings. Use a small nozzle to prevent accidental suction.
  • A brush attachment or paintbrush can help loosen and remove stubborn dirt.
  • Consider bringing the piano to a well-ventilated area like a garage for cleaning.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using excessive water or harsh chemicals

Reason: Excess moisture can damage the wood and finish, while harsh chemicals can strip the polish or leave residue that attracts dust.
Solution: Use a slightly damp (not wet) cloth with a mild, piano-safe cleaner or distilled water.

2. Ignoring the interior of the piano

Reason: Dust and debris inside the piano can affect sound quality and attract pests.
Solution: Use a soft brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner to gently remove dust and debris from the interior.

3. Using abrasive cleaning tools

Reason: Abrasive materials like scouring pads or stiff brushes can scratch the delicate finish of the piano.
Solution: Use only soft, microfiber cloths or specialized piano cleaning tools.

FAQs

Can I use commercial cleaning products on my piano?
No, avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the finish and internal components of your piano. Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for wood furniture or a damp microfiber cloth for most surfaces. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
Before we dive into the deep cleaning process, ensuring your comfort while working is key. Proper posture is important to avoid strain while cleaning your piano, so you might want to check out our guide on comfortable piano benches and footrests. This will help you maintain a relaxed and efficient cleaning session. Now, let's get started on cleaning your beautiful instrument!