The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having a major impact throughout the world including on music teachers and piano owners.
The Piano Technicians Guild is making the following suggestions during this period.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has specific tips for preparation, protection, and care. You can view this information at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html
- Special care should be taken when using disinfectant products on a piano.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Generally speaking, a soft disposable towel, using warm water and hand/dish soap is safe to use on virtually every finish, key, and case parts. Always follow up with a dry soft disposable towel to dry any standing liquid.
Cleaning a piano finish or the keys of a piano – is a gentle process, not a scrubbing process.
Pressing hard or vigorous scrubbing may lead to scratching or removing the finish.
Always proceed with caution and use common sense. Remember to wash your hands after you completed the cleaning process.
IF USING DISINFECTANT PRODUCTS
- Use alcohol-based disinfectants, do not use bleach-based disinfectants or any product containing citrus.
- If using a spray or liquid bottle, use disposable towels and spray the towels NOT the piano parts or keys directly.
- After use, immediately dispose of the towel or disinfectant hand wipe. Do not use reusable towels or cloths.
- Wick all excess moisture from the keys or case parts with a dry towel.
KEYS
- The keys are the most important part. Generally speaking, most disinfecting wipes or sprays are safe for use on key materials.* Check and know the materials of your piano keys before applying any cleaning agent or solutions.
CASE PARTS
- Case parts finishes* vary greatly and can be easily damaged by disinfectant wipes and sprays. A soft disposable towel, using warm water and hand/dish soap is safe to use on virtually every finish, key, and case parts. Always follow up with a dry soft disposable towel to dry any standing liquid. *Check and know the type of finish your piano has on its case parts before applying any cleaning agent or solutions.
Cleaning pianos is a gentle process:
Pressing hard or vigorous scrubbing may lead to scratching or removing the finish.
Always be gentle and use common sense. * Remember to wash your hands and dispose of all towels or wipes when completed.
We hope you find this information helpful.
The staff at Piano Solutions
