Caring for Your Steinway - General Instructions

• Congratulations!
• The Steinway & Sons Warranty
• General Instructions
• Care of the Piano's Interior
• Maintaining the Steinway Sound: Tuning Voicing and Regulating
• Tuning
• Voicing
• Action Regulation
• Living with Your Steinway Piano
• Storing and Moving Your Steinway Piano

Your Steinway piano is a magnificent instrument. It is also an exquisite example of the cabinet maker's art, and deserves the care and respect you would accord any fine piece of furniture.

In normal circumstances, the exterior of the piano, irrespective of whether a polyester high gloss or satin finish is easy to keep clean. A clean dry soft cotton cloth is the safest thing to use for wiping away dust and finger marks. The cloth can be slightly moistened with plain water if necessary. Never use furniture polish, which may contain waxes and silicone, as this eventually results in a build-up, which must be professionally removed. Keep in mind that we strongly recommend that you contact us for assistance if any question about polishing or polishers should arise.

Don't use solvents of any kind to clean either black or white keys. Solvents can ruin the finish of the keys. Use only a clean piece of soft natural leather or soft cotton cloth, slightly moistened, to wipe the keys. Be very careful that no moisture trickles down the sides of the keys or down into the keybed. Dampness in the keybed can cause swelling and hamper the free play of the keys.

Don't put pots, vases, pictures, drinks or objects of any kind on top of the piano. The finish can be damaged by any foreign objects placed upon it and, in addition, they can have a ruinous effect on the sound of the piano. Liberal application of common sense in the care of your Steinway piano's finish is the wise course, remembering that it is both a delicate instrument and a fine piece of furniture.