1. Battling the Winter Blues: Humidity and Temperature Control

February’s dry air and fluctuating temps are a piano’s worst enemy. Wood swells and contracts with humidity changes, leading to sticky keys, warped soundboards, or even cracks. Ideal humidity for pianos? 40-50%. Too low (common in heated homes), and your instrument dries out; too high, and mold or rust creeps in.

Pro tip: Invest in a hygrometer (under $20 online) to monitor your piano’s environment. If levels dip below 40%, grab a room humidifier—avoid placing it too close to prevent moisture buildup. And temperature? Keep it steady around 68-72°F. Never park your piano near radiators, vents, or drafty windows. A simple cover can shield it from dust and drafts, but don’t suffocate it—airflow is key.

Countless pianos suffer from winter neglect. One recent client ignored low humidity, and their grand’s action went haywire—costing hundreds in repairs. Don’t let that be you; proactive care saves money and music.

2. Tuning and Action: The Heartbeat of Your Piano

Even if your piano sounds “fine,” February’s a smart time for a tune-up—especially post-holidays when it’s seen extra play. Pianos drift out of tune due to string tension changes from environmental shifts. Aim for professional tuning twice a year; if yours is high-use (lessons, gigs), bump it to quarterly.

Beyond tuning, check the action—the mechanism translating key presses to hammer strikes. Signs of trouble? Uneven touch, clicking noises, or sluggish response. Kelli, our rebuild expert, just refurbished two actions last month, turning clunky keyboards into silky performers. If yours feels off, schedule an appraisal—we catch issues early.

DIY check: Gently press keys and listen for consistency. Dust the keys with a soft cloth (no sprays!), and vacuum the interior carefully to remove debris. But leave internals to pros; poking around can cause more harm.

3. Cleaning and Protection: Sparkle Without Scratches

A clean piano isn’t just pretty—it’s protected. February’s indoor time means more dust from heating systems, so weekly wipe-downs are essential. Use a microfiber cloth for the exterior; for gloss finishes, a piano-specific polish like Cory’s keeps it gleaming without residue.

Keys? Ivory or plastic, wipe with Key-Bright solution also by Cory, drying immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals that yellow keys or damage finishes. For pedals and hardware, a soft brush dislodges grime.

Pest patrol: Mice love cozy piano innards in winter. Store food away and inspect regularly. If you spot signs (droppings, chewed felt), call us stat—we’ve extracted critters more times than I’d like!

Seasonal Fun: February Piano Playlists and Motivation

Care isn’t all chores—celebrate with music! February’s got Valentine’s vibes, so curate a romantic playlist: Think Debussy’s “Clair de Lune” or Chopin’s Nocturnes. Playing keeps you connected to your instrument and spots issues early.

4. Final Chord: Prioritize Prevention

February reminds us: A well-cared-for piano lasts generations. From humidity hacks to regular tunings, these steps ensure your instrument thrives. The Piano Doctor is here—tuning, appraisals, rebuilds, you name it.

Until March’s update—keep playing!