How To Clean a Polished Piano That Looks Cloudy | 7 Quick Steps
Have you ever looked at your polished piano and noticed it’s lost its shine? It can be frustrating to see your beautiful instrument looking cloudy and dull. As a fellow piano owner, I know how important it is to keep our pianos looking their best.

With just a little effort, you can restore that stunning shine and elegance. Let me share some easy tips on how to clean a polished piano that looks cloudy.
How To Clean a Polished Piano That Looks Cloudy?
To clean a polished piano that looks cloudy, gently dust it with a microfiber cloth, then apply a specialized piano polish in circular motions, and buff it with a dry cloth for a brilliant shine.
7 Quick Steps Of How To Clean a Polished Piano That Looks Cloudy
Let’s explore How To Clean a Polished Piano That Looks Cloudy. Here are my steps for cleaning a polished piano that looks cloudy:
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before starting the cleaning process, I recommend gathering all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Microfiber Cloths: These are soft and non-abrasive, perfect for polishing without scratching the surface.
- Piano Polish: I prefer using a high-quality piano polish like Cory Super High Gloss Polish, which is specifically designed for pianos.
- Soft Brush: A small, soft brush helps remove dust from tight spots and crevices.
- Distilled Water: This is useful if you need to dilute your cleaner or create a gentle cleaning solution.
Step 2: Dusting the Piano
The first step in how to clean a polished piano that looks cloudy is dusting. Here’s how I do it:

- Use a Soft Brush: Start by using a soft brush to gently sweep away any dust from the surface of the piano. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where dust tends to accumulate.
- Microfiber Cloth: After brushing, take a dry microfiber cloth and wipe down the entire surface of the piano. This will help remove any remaining dust and prepare it for cleaning.
Step 3: Prepare Your Cleaning Solution
Now that your piano is dust-free, it’s time to prepare your cleaning solution. For light cloudiness, I often use distilled water mixed with a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar.
However, for more stubborn cloudiness, I recommend using your chosen piano polish directly.
- Mixing Solution (if needed): If you’re using water and lemon juice or vinegar, mix about one part lemon juice or vinegar with three parts distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Test First: Before applying any solution to your piano, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.
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Step 4: Applying the Cleaner
With your cleaning solution ready, it’s time to apply it to the piano:
- Dampen Your Cloth: Lightly dampen one microfiber cloth with your cleaning solution or polish. Be careful not to soak it; you want it just moist enough to clean effectively.
- Wipe in Circular Motions: Gently rub the surface of your piano using circular motions. This technique helps lift dirt without leaving streaks or damaging the finish. I find that working in small sections makes it easier to manage.
- Focus on Cloudy Areas: If you notice particularly cloudy spots, spend a little extra time buffing those areas with your damp cloth.
Step 5: Buffing the Surface
After applying the cleaner, it’s crucial to buff the surface for that perfect shine:

- Use a Dry Microfiber Cloth: Take another dry microfiber cloth and gently buff the area you just cleaned.
- Circular Buffing Motion: Continue using circular motions as you buff. This step helps remove any excess cleaner and enhances the shine of the polished surface.
- Inspect Your Work: After buffing an area, step back and inspect it from different angles to see if any remaining cloudy spots need attention.
Step 6: Cleaning the Keys
Don’t forget about the keys! They can also accumulate dirt and fingerprints:
- Dampen Another Cloth: Use a separate microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water or a bit of piano polish.
- Wipe Each Key: Gently wipe each key individually with your damp cloth, being careful not to let moisture seep into any cracks or crevices.
- Buff Dry: After wiping down the keys, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff them until they shine.
Step 7: Regular Maintenance
To keep your piano looking its best after cleaning, establish a regular maintenance routine:
- Weekly Dusting: I recommend dusting your piano weekly with a soft brush or microfiber cloth.
- Monthly Deep Cleaning: Every month, perform a more thorough cleaning using the steps outlined above.
- Cover Your Piano: When not in use, consider covering your piano with a soft cloth or blanket to protect it from dust and sunlight.
Do’s
✔️Use microfiber
✔️Apply polish
✔️Clean gently
✔️Dust regularly
✔️Test solutions
Don’ts
❌Avoid chemicals
❌No soaking
❌Skip keys
❌Don’t rush
❌TAvoid abrasives
How Often Should I Clean My Piano?
I recommend cleaning your piano at least once every two weeks. However, if you have pets or live in a dusty environment, you might want to clean it weekly.
Regular maintenance prevents dirt from building up and keeps your piano looking pristine.
What If My Piano Is Dirty?
If your piano is excessively dirty or has not been cleaned in a long time, don’t worry! Start with a thorough dusting using a soft brush or cloth. Then follow the steps outlined above for cleaning.

If necessary, apply more polish or use a slightly damp cloth with distilled water to tackle stubborn spots.
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How To Clean High-Gloss Piano?
Cleaning a high-gloss piano follows similar steps as mentioned earlier:
- Dust regularly.
- Use a dedicated high-gloss polish.
- Buff gently after applying cleaner.
This ensures that your high-gloss finish remains shiny and beautiful.
How To Clean a Piano Black Finish?
For pianos with black finishes, follow these steps:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth for dusting.
- Apply your chosen polish in circular motions.
- Buff with another dry cloth for maximum shine.
This method will help maintain that stunning black finish!
How To Clean Fingerprints off Piano?
Fingerprints can be particularly annoying on polished surfaces. Here’s how I tackle them:
- Dampen your microfiber cloth with distilled water or polish.
- Gently rub the area with fingerprints in circular motions.
- Buff dry with another cloth.
This method effectively removes fingerprints without damaging the finish.
How To Clean a Wooden Piano?
Cleaning wooden pianos requires extra care:
- Dust regularly using a soft cloth.
- Use wood-specific polish if needed.
- Avoid excess moisture; always use a barely damp cloth.
This approach preserves the wood’s natural beauty while keeping it clean.
Can I Use Cory Super High Gloss Polish on Piano Keys?
Yes! Cory Super High Gloss Polish is safe for use on piano keys as well as the body of the piano. Just be careful not to apply too much polish on the keys; a little goes a long way!
Why Piano Cleaning is Important?
Let’s discuss why cleaning is so crucial. A piano is not just an instrument; it’s often the centerpiece of your home. Regular cleaning helps:
- Preserve the Finish: Dust and grime can dull the glossy surface over time.
- Enhance Longevity: Proper maintenance can extend the life of your piano.
- Maintain Sound Quality: A clean piano can produce better sound quality as dust can affect the mechanics.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to clean a polished piano that looks cloudy, you can bring back its stunning shine! Regular maintenance not only enhances its beauty but also protects its sound quality and longevity. Remember, a clean piano is a happy piano!
It’s essential to use the right products and techniques to avoid damaging the finish. By investing just a little time in cleaning, you can ensure your instrument remains a cherished centerpiece in your home for years to come.