How to Maintain an Accordion

All musical instruments need to be maintained and taken care of so that they play well and the accordion is no exception. An accordion is very delicate with several parts on the outside (keys and buttons) and inside (like reeds). Follow these tips so your accordion keeps its best sound.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep the accordion out of very hot areas like the inside of a car. The beeswax in the accordion will melt and cause the reeds to fall out. Moist, damp areas will also damage the reeds.

2. Rest the accordion with the keyboard standing vertically. If it lays horizontally, half the reed valves inside will hang upside down and eventually sag, causing rattling sounds when you play it.

3. Wipe the accordion clean with a towel after you play it. Your fingers leave oil and sweat on the keys, so it's important to remove these substances.

4. Push the bellows all the way in after use and lock them in place with the bellows strap. This keeps the bellows from stretching out of place when you transport your accordion.

5. Store the accordion in its case when not in use. A hard case will weigh more than a softer one, but it may protect the accordion better.

6. Fold the straps on the back of the accordion, not over the keys. The strap could catch on a key and bend it up out of place.

Tips & Warnings

• Polish your accordion with care if you choose to do so. Apply the polish to the cloth, not to the accordion directly.
• It is good to store the accordion out of its case once in a while to give it air. When doing this, cover it with a cloth to protect it from dust.