Reviving a Vintage Ivers & Pond Piano: My Most Challenging Cleaning Experience Yet

Restoring an old piano is always a rewarding task, but cleaning one that has accumulated over three decades of dust inside and out takes patience and care to a whole new level. Recently, I had the opportunity to work on a vintage Ivers & Pond piano that had been collecting dust for years. The layers of dust and grime were thick, and the delicate components inside required a gentle yet thorough approach. This post shares my step-by-step process, the challenges I faced, and tips for anyone interested in piano cleaning or restoration.

Dust-covered top of a vintage Ivers & Pond piano before cleaning

Understanding the Condition of the Piano

The first step was assessing the piano’s condition. This Ivers & Pond model had been sitting unused in a living room for 30 years. The exterior wood finish was dull and covered with a thick layer of dust. Inside, the strings, hammers, and soundboard were coated with heavy dust. Dust buildup like this can affect the piano’s sound quality and mechanical function.

I carefully opened the piano lid and inspected the interior. The dust was so dense that it looked almost like a thin layer of dirt. I knew this cleaning job would require more than just surface wiping.

Preparing for the Cleaning Process

Before starting, I gathered the right tools to avoid damaging the piano:

• Soft microfiber cloths for gentle dusting

• A small vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment

• Soft brushes of varying sizes for detailed cleaning

• Mild wood cleaner safe for piano finishes

• Cotton swabs for tight spaces

• Compressed air for blowing out dust from hard-to-reach areas

  
  

Step-by-Step Cleaning Approach

Exterior Cleaning

I began with the outside of the piano. Using a dry microfiber cloth, I removed the loose dust from the wood surface. Then, I applied a small amount of mild wood cleaner to a cloth and gently wiped the finish. This brought back some of the original shine without stripping the wood.

The keys needed special attention. I wiped each key individually with a damp cloth and mild soap solution, avoiding excess moisture. For stubborn stains, I used a soft brush to scrub gently. This process took time but was essential to avoid damaging the ivory or plastic keys.

Interior Cleaning

Cleaning inside the piano was the most delicate part, and it is advised that you do not attempt this on your own. In order to properly clean the inside of the piano, you must carefully remove intricate parts of the piano that are vital for its performance. One wrong movement and you could be without a hammer before you know it, costing you more money and a big headache. This is just one example of many things that could go wrong if not done by a professional.

To start, I used the vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to carefully remove dust from the strings and soundboard. The brush helped loosen the dust without scratching the metal or wood.

Next, I used compressed air to blow dust out of crevices and between the hammers. Cotton swabs helped clean tight spots around the tuning pins and action parts. I worked slowly to avoid dislodging or damaging any components.

Final Touches

After dust removal, I inspected the piano for any signs of damage or wear that might need repair. The keys moved smoothly, and the strings looked good. I polished the exterior once more with a dry cloth to remove any remaining residue.

Interior of Ivers & Pond piano with clean strings and hammers after dust removal

Challenges Faced During Cleaning

One of the biggest challenges was the sheer amount of dust accumulated over decades. It required patience to avoid rushing and risking damage. Another difficulty was working around fragile parts inside the piano. The action mechanism is complex and sensitive, so I had to use small brushes and compressed air carefully. Any rough handling could have caused misalignment or broken parts.

The Reward of Bringing a Piano Back to Life

After hours of careful cleaning, the Ivers & Pond piano looked and felt much better. The keys responded smoothly, and the wood finish regained some warmth. While it still needs tuning and minor repairs, the transformation was remarkable.

Restored Ivers & Pond piano

Cleaning this piano was my most challenging job yet, but also one of the most satisfying. It reminded me how much care and respect vintage instruments deserve. With patience and the right approach, even decades of neglect can be reversed, giving these beautiful pianos a new chance to make music.