Care note • Care & Repair
Bellows and leather care at home
Good storage and gentle handling protect the working folds that make an accordion responsive.
Keep the accordion supported in its case, away from damp, direct heat and rapid temperature changes. Let the instrument acclimatise before playing if it has travelled. Close and open the bellows gently, without twisting the body or pressing the folds against a hard edge.
Use a soft, dry cloth for accessible surfaces and keep liquids away from keys, valves and reed openings. Do not apply household leather products to bellows unless a qualified technician says the material and product are compatible. A glossy finish is not proof of health.
If you hear a new hiss, feel a sudden loss of resistance or see a split, stop escalating the experiment. Photograph the symptom, note when it appears and contact a technician. The aim of home care is to preserve evidence and prevent avoidable damage.
Source note: Editorial care guidance. Accessed August 24, 2026.