Treat your piano like a piece of valuable furniture: keep it clean and never stand drinks, vases of flowers, aquariums or pot plants on it. Spilled liquids can cause serious damage, the repair of which may amount to a major overhaul. New pianos are generally finished in polyester or satin lacquer, which only requires wiping with a damp cloth and then carefully drying. No polish is needed. Older pianos are usually French polished and need greater care; use a polish reviver applied with a clean soft cloth and polish with a soft duster. On no account use spray polish.

The key tops may be made of ivory or various kinds of substitute material. Any marks which cannot be removed with a damp cloth should be left for the piano technician to deal with. Do not use any kind of spirit or polish.

Protect your piano from ingress of dust, especially during decorating or building work.