Pianos are sensitive to moisture. What you may not know is that if a piano is exposed to high moisture over long periods of time, mold can grow inside. Mold is associated with many respiratory illnesses and is generally something you don’t want to have inside your beautiful piano.
Cleaning is one of the main services I offer my clients. This is not ordinary cleaning. I bring special tools which allow me to access parts of the piano which, even though visible, can’t be reached with household cleaning items. Occasionally when I’m cleaning an instrument, especially if it has been in a humid environment for a long time, there is mold inside.
Where Does Mold Grow?
The piano is made of metal, wood, and felt. Wood and felt are porous, which means they provide a great environment for mold to grow. Typically it appears on the hammers, but it can also grow on the wooden action parts such as the hammer shanks, and also inside the bottom of upright pianos.
What Does It Look Like?
Normal dust tends to distribute itself somewhat evenly in a homogenous pattern. Mold however tends to form circles that are slightly raised relative to the material around them. The color is usually light gray or sage green, or sometimes dark brown if it grows on hammer felt.
Can It Be Cleaned?
Yes, but with exceptions. Mold which grows on the surface can be cleaned off. Often though with porous materials it will penetrate beneath the surface of the wood or felt. In those cases a stain will remain, even after most of the mold has been removed.
Why Do Some Instruments Get It and Other Not?
There are several factors that affect why some instruments get mold and others do not. First, time is an issue. A piano does not provide much nutrition for the mold to eat so it grows very slowly. Newer pianos will rarely have mold. Older pianos are more likely to have it. Second, mold needs moisture. If your piano is located next to the water, or was in the past, then it is at higher risk of having mold.
Can I Check for Mold Myself?
On upright pianos, it is usually not too difficult to check by removing the panels on the top and the bottom (unless of course the piano was made in the 50’s in which case it will be like solving a Rubik’s cube). Look for circular spots that resemble dust. On grand pianos it requires removing the action which can easily break the hammers. Therefore on grands it is possible but not recommended. It is best to have a professional do it.
Can I Schedule a Cleaning?
Yes. Simply click HERE to schedule an appointment and check the box that indicates you want a cleaning.
How Do I Prevent Additional Mold From Growing in the Future?
The best thing you can do is contact L.A. Piano Tuning and ask about installing a humidity control system. This will keep your piano dry and prevent mold from growing in the future. It will also help keep the piano in tune and prevent the strings from rusting.