Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/8/2009

Question
Hi: I just read your help to Andrea on getting rid of a smell in her piano, can you tell me how to get rid of mold on the inside of a piano, I'm not sure it's mold because it's not black, but it smells really musky.   Thanks Chris

Answer
Hi Chris
Nice to hear from you.
I know we often associate this musty smell with mould Chris but it sounds like you are using your head and giving this some thought when you say "your not sure its mold".
The black mold we all hear about is caused by one thing..moisture.
I would imagine your piano has never been wet but this musty smell can be caused by dampness and lack of ventilation. For instance if a piece of furniture has been stored in a basement or closed up garage or even in an older house in a closed room it gets this musty smell we dislike.
So the first thing the furniture (or a piano) needs is some fresh air and controlled humidity.
Then we should wipe down the piece to remove surface smell.
I often use a citrus based solution or mineral spirits to wipe down the exterior of a piece. The inside unfinished wood can be washed down with a mild household bleach solution (impossible on a piano, but the back can be wiped down for sure).
Then an overall nice waxing of the finished areas.
Once this has been done and the piano is in a good enviorment with lots of ventilation it will be fine.
Great question
Regards
Eileen