Digital Piano Upkeep

Digital piano maintenance is essential to preserving the sound quality and value of your instrument. Keeping your piano in great condition means you will be able to play it for many years to come. In this guide, we will share our top tips on digital piano upkeep in order to lengthen its lifespan, maintain its sound quality and reduce the need for repairs.

Cleaning Your Digital Piano

While this may seem obvious, regularly cleaning your digital piano is vital to keeping it in good condition. Most dirt on pianos comes from the player’s hands, so while you can’t totally prevent this from happening, it is good practice to wash your hands every time before using your piano.

Dusting Your Digital Piano

When cleaning your digital piano, the first step is to dust it. Dust holds excess moisture and can often get trapped in the mechanisms and soundboard, potentially causing functional damage. It is important to use a gentle dusting tool, such as a lint-free microfibre cloth or a feather duster, to avoid scratches. It is good practice to dust your digital piano every week to avoid any buildup.

Wiping Your Digital Piano

Plastic keys on a digital piano should be cleaned each month lightly, using specialist products. It’s important to never use a cleaning solution that contains alcohol or any harsh chemicals, as this can damage the finish by causing cracking on the keys or damage the electrical components.

After mixing the gentle cleaning solution with water, you should use it to dampen a clean cloth, making sure to remove any excess liquid. Gently wipe the keys vertically so that no moisture gets trapped between them.

Once you have done this, take a clean, dry cloth and wipe over the keys once more, ensuring there is no solution left on the keys.

Storing Your Digital Piano

Many people don’t realise that how you choose to store your digital piano can have a big impact on its quality and lifespan. Many elements can cause damage to pianos, such as moisture, humidity, temperature and sunlight. Therefore, it is important to store your digital piano in the right location and with the right equipment.

Finding a Location For Your Digital Piano

Digital pianos should always be placed away from windows. This is because direct sunlight can cause the plastic components of the piano to weaken, leading to malfunctions. Not only that, but prolonged exposure to sunlight can also cause discolouration to your digital piano.

Any heat sources should also be avoided when choosing a location for your digital piano. Heat can cause damage to many piano components, including internal circuit boards and sensors. Again, this can lead to faulty sound production, uneven key movement and even total malfunctions.

Ideally, your digital piano should be placed in a room with a fairly consistent temperature, preferably around 20℃. This reduces the chance of your piano being exposed to moisture or dryness, which can be detrimental to its quality and lifespan.

Covering Your Digital Piano

Digital piano dust covers are available to purchase and are a great way to protect your instrument. As the name suggests, these covers help to protect your piano from dust, as well as pet hair and other debris. They can also prevent your piano from being scratched.

Make sure to measure your digital piano before purchasing a dust cover to ensure you have the right size. This prevents any gaps from forming in the cover where dust and debris could potentially enter.

FAQ’s

How often should you clean a digital piano?

As a general rule, digital pianos should be dusted each week. They should also receive a light clean every month and a deep clean every 3-6 months. This will ensure that you are keeping on top of any dust and debris buildup, reducing the chance of any damage. High-use digital pianos may require more frequent cleans.

How long does a digital piano typically last?

The average lifespan of a digital piano can vary depending on the model. For example, entry-level models typically last between 3-7 years, while mid-range models have an average lifespan of 5-10 years. High-end models can even last for upwards of 15 years. Of course, these timeframes do depend on how well-maintained the digital piano is.

Should you unplug a digital piano when not in use?

While it isn’t essential to unplug a digital piano when you aren’t using it, it is recommended. This is so the sensitive electric components in your piano are protected from the likes of power surges, declining battery health and voltage fluctuations.
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Blog By Graham Blackledge
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