How To Maintain A Digital Piano

You’ve now acquired yourself a nice little piano and have practiced on it a while. But the instrument itself appears to be in need of a good clean and you’re curious about how to maintain such a thing of beauty. You’re unsure what to do as you’re scared you’ll damage your prized possession. Who to trust? Where to go? What must you do to return your treasure to its original state? Not to worry, OnlinePianist has you covered.

We’ve previously discussed how to buy a used piano and how to buy a new piano, but for many of us, the practicality of owning a real piano seems but a luxury, or is something we aim to own only sometime in the future. So, how do you make the most of your piano keyboard? There are some easy ways to ensure it stays sharp, polished and lasts a long time.

Where Do I Keep My Digital Piano?

 

While where to keep it is a subjective choice, where not to keep it is certainly something you should think about. You may want to avoid placing it near windows (that are usually left open), doors or entrances (so that no one bumps into it) and at any other place where you feel it isn’t physically safe (not just for the piano but also for people so as to avoid personal injury). Pool-side or to close to the fireplace are other examples of bad placement. Avoid placing it outside or near openings that expose it to sunlight, dust and/or climate changes. Moisture, humidity, sunlight and a sudden drop or rise in temperature will be detrimental to your digital piano’s health and longevity. They can also cause fading of color, cracks in the finish and expansion or contraction of the material used to construct it. ^[1] A digital piano is also prone to damage due to certain elements, such as heat, water, or even humidity. Therefore, choose the location or part of the house or room for the piano. ^[2]

Do I Need A Digital Piano Cover?

 

Just like you, even your instrument needs a hygienic environment to thrive. A lot of players/musicians underestimate the damage that dust can do to their instrument. Clean/dust your instrument regularly and frequently. A cover is not something to use only when you transport your instrument or put it away for a long period of time. You need to have a cover (even a simple cloth will suffice) that covers your piano for every minute that you aren’t playing it. Digital pianos are more susceptible to damage from dust than real pianos. Dust gets into everything, and can have an adverse affect on sensors, electronics and other sensitive components. Most current models do have sealed actions, but not their controller boards and sound systems.

How Do I Clean My Digital Piano?

 

If you’re looking for how to clean digital piano keyboards, don’t pick up just any old household cleaner.  The harshness of the chemicals can sometimes damage the keyboard. Check the instructions manual or the manufacturer’s notes for specific and acceptable cleaning methods, just to be on the safe side. There are products specifically for cleaning digital piano keyboards, but if you’re looking to save some money, there is a homemade cleaner that is safe to use.

To clean a digital piano keyboard, you will need:

• Warm Water
• A few drops of gentle dish washing soap
• Two soft, clean, white, cloths

Steps:

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of gentle dish washing soap in a small bowl. Be sure to mix well.
2. It is important to use white cloths when cleaning a digital piano keyboard because the chemicals of a colored cloth can cause damage.  Dampen one of the cloths slightly with the mixture.  Wipe the damp cloth gently over each key, remembering to wipe the sides of each key.
3. Use the other cloth to remove any moisture left behind on the keyboard.  Be sure to take time on this step to prevent any damage to the digital piano keyboard due to drops of water or moisture left behind.
4. A Q-tip can be used to clean the corners of the digital piano keyboard that the damp cloth cannot reach.  Simply dip the Q-tip in the small bowl to get it damp.  Carefully clean the corners without allowing drops of water to fall between the keys.

When looking for how to clean digital piano keyboards, you may only have to look as far as your kitchen cabinet.  A gentle dish washing soap and some warm water is a safe and economical alternative to a sometimes expensive commercial cleaner specifically for keyboards. ^[3]

What If My Digital Piano Needs To Be Repaired?

 

When you notice problems for the first time, do not hesitate to approach service centers or qualified service personnel. Avoid going to any random electrician. Check the warranty cards to understand the terms and conditions and then proceed. If you ever experience an issue with the piano that requires someone to work on it, be sure to hire a professional who is experienced with digital pianos, or send it back to the manufacturer. [4]

What Should I Do With The Power Cable For My Digital Piano?

 

Simply observing proper electronic care can go a long ways toward maintaining the electronics of your digital piano. Start by making sure the outlet you are plugging into is in good condition and that you aren’t overloading the outlet by plugging the piano into an outlet that is shared by a number of other electronics. Always turn the digital piano off before you unplug it, and always unplug it when you’re not playing the instrument. Make sure you keep the cords out of the way where they won’t incur any damages. Also, don’t plug your digital piano into an outlet that is shared by a microwave oven, air conditioner, refrigerator or any other major electrical appliance. Interference from such devices can affect the sound of your piano, or interrupt its operation during high-power cycles. In extreme cases it may even damage the piano, cause a fire, or cause an electric shock to person. ^[5]

There are numerous tips on maintaining your digital piano; however we have only given you few basic points. You will find many once you start researching on specific brands, user’s reviews and experiences as every piano is different. Enjoy playing your piano keyboard; if you do so, you will not want it to last as long as possible, so ensure you do your best to take care of it properly. Use it for exploring your creativity by composing your own scores, playing classic tunes and learning from OnlinePianist. After all, this is your prized asset that will bring out the creative and musical you, so go for it!

So readers, share with us your thoughts! Are there any tips you’d like to share with us? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

 

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