1. Protect your accordion from temperature extremes. Don't leave it in the trunk of a car where the temperature may be too hot or too cold. Accordions should be kept in a clean and dry place where an even temperature prevails. Never put you accordion near a radiator, hot-air register, or by a window with warm sun shining on it.

2. Keep your accordion away from moisture, or damp humid conditions.

3. Your accordion needs air. Occasionally, store it out of the case. However, protect the instrument with a dust cover or cloth to help keep debris and dirt off of the exterior.

4. Wipe down the keys and accordion body with a chamois or cotton cloth.

5. Dust and dirt clog reeds. If reeds won't sound, take your accordion in for a professional cleaning.

6. A furniture polish (i.e. Pledge®) may be used to polish your accordion after the dust has been removed. Remember to spray your cloth directly and not the accordion, to wipe it down.

7. Don't over-force the bellows when you play because reeds may bend or break!

8. The back of the bellows often gets torn and scratched from belts, zippers, or buttons. Protect the bellows by having a backpad installed.

9. If you have leaky bellows you should get them repaired because they can degrade the performance of the reeds. A professional repairman can usually take care of any of these problems.

10. Frequently played accordions in good condition usually need tuning every three to five years. If yours goes out of tune more often, the reeds may be defective or rusty. You should bring your accordion in to get a check-over and to see what the problem is.

11. If you play in a band or ensemble, your accordion will last longer with a special accordion microphone installed so you won't have to play as hard to be heard. Strive for expression and tone colour in your playing-not mere volume. Continued, forced, loud playing puts a strain on the reeds and shortens their period of service. Your accordion is strongly constructed, but like any other fine instrument it must receive careful handling. Never work a new accordion too hard for the first month or two. Get to know your instrument, and it will reward you with longer service.

12. If your accordion is dropped or jarred it is better to bring it in for service. Have it inspected internally even if there appears to be little or no damage. This may prevent further damage that could occur later on, if there is unforeseen damage inside. What if your accordion has been in extreme temperatures? The best thing you can do is allow it to settle to room temperature for at least one hour or longer before playing.