Why Your Piano Keys Get Sticky in Sydney’s Humid Weather — and How to Fix It

If you’ve ever sat down at your piano on a damp Sydney morning, pressed a key, and noticed it doesn’t spring back like it should, you’re not alone.

Sticky piano keys are one of the most common problems Sydney piano owners face — and humidity is often the culprit.

In this page, we’ll explain why humidity affects your piano, how to prevent sticky keys, and when it’s time to call a professional.

How Humidity Affects Your Piano

Pianos are made primarily from wood and felt, two materials that naturally expand when they absorb moisture from the air.

Sydney’s climate, especially in summer and during coastal rain spells, often has high humidity — which can cause:

  • Swollen wooden parts inside the piano action, slowing down moving parts

  • Keys rubbing against each other because of slight expansion

  • Sticky key bushings (small felt-lined holes in the keys) gripping the balance pins too tightly

  • Rust on metal parts, increasing friction in the action

Even a small change in moisture levels can make a big difference to how smoothly your keys play.

Signs Your Sticky Keys Are Caused by Humidity

While sticky keys can also result from dirt, debris, or a mechanical fault, humidity-related sticking usually shows up with these signs:

  1. Multiple keys sticking at once — often after rain or in summer

  2. Keys feel sluggish rather than completely jammed

  3. The problem improves on drier days

  4. Your piano is located near a window, kitchen, or humid area

Quick Fixes You Can Try

If you suspect humidity is the issue, here are some steps you can take before calling a technician:

  • Move your piano away from damp areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or exterior wall

  • Use a room dehumidifier during very humid weather

  • Keep your piano lid closed to slow down moisture absorption

  • Run an air conditioner in the room to reduce humidity levels

Tip: Avoid DIY dismantling of keys unless you have experience — the action is delicate, and forcing parts can cause damage.

Professional Solutions

If humidity is a recurring problem for your piano, a professional can:

  • Ease swollen bushings or reshape slightly expanded wooden parts

  • Adjust key spacing to prevent rubbing

  • Install a piano humidity control system (such as a Dampp-Chaser)

  • Recommend seasonal tuning to keep your piano in top playing condition

At Magico Piano Tuning, we specialise in diagnosing and fixing sticky keys, whether caused by humidity, wear, or mechanical issues.

Preventing Sticky Keys in Sydney’s Climate

The best way to protect your piano is through preventive care:

  • Tune your piano regularly (at least once a year — more often if it’s near the coast)

  • Maintain stable room humidity between 40–50%

  • Keep your piano away from direct sunlight and open windows

  • Book a professional service every 1–2 years to clean, regulate, and lubricate the action

Final Note

Sticky keys might seem like a small annoyance, but left untreated, they can cause uneven wear on your piano’s action and affect your playing enjoyment.

With Sydney’s humidity, prevention is far easier — and cheaper — than repair.

If you’re struggling with sticky keys or want to protect your piano from humidity damage, book a service with Magico Piano Tuning today.

We’ll get your keys moving freely again and help you enjoy a smooth, responsive touch year-round.