A Guide on How to Clean Stairlifts
Find out how to keep your stairlift clean all year round and other pro maintenance tips.
Written by Stannah
Going up and down the stairs can be exhausting and, in some cases, can lead to falls and serious injuries. Senior citizens and people with mobility challenges now have a safe way to overcome this obstacle – using the stairlift.
There are numerous stairlift models available in the market, but you can usually tell them apart by being suited for straight, curved or outdoor stairs. The stairlift is usually installed as per your staircase design, so it can fit your stairs perfectly and help you regain your independence and stay in your own home.
How to clean a stairlift in 5 steps
For you to enjoy the freedom and independence that a stairlift can offer you, it’s important that you maintain your stairlift regularly, just like with any other appliance in your home. We recommend that you clean your stairlift regularly, at least once a week. It helps keep your stairlift spotless, and by doing so you can notice in good time if something is not working properly.
We also recommend that you have an annual routine check by a qualified technician to ensure that your stairlift is properly maintained. Here is a five-step guide to help you clean your stairlift.
Step 1
Go through the user manual. It’s important that you read the user manual that comes with your stairlift and see if the manufacturer offers specific instructions for the cleaning and care of your stairlift.
Go through all the dos and don’ts for when using your stairlift to ensure that your stairlift will keep working properly for years to come. You can also learn more about the different components of your chairlift, which can be useful during the cleaning and maintenance process.
Step 2
Before you start cleaning your stairlift, make sure that it is switched off. This is a precautionary measure so that you do not short-circuit the system and damage the stairlift completely.
Another important tip is to clean your stairlift when it is parked at the bottom of the stairs and not at the top. Attempting to clean it at the top of the stairs is very dangerous as you could easily trip and fall, which could result in serious injury.
Step 3
Once you have done that, you can start cleaning the stairlift. Grab your cleaning products, a soft cloth and put some water in a bucket or other type of container.
After dipping the cloth into the water, squeeze it well so that it’s only damp. If the cloth is too soaked, the water that drips down the chair may damage its circuitry and compromise its normal operation.
Another option you may consider is using an anti-static foaming cleaner. For parts that may be difficult to reach, use a duster to remove any dust.
Step 4
Start by cleaning the rail, since it’s one of the places that may accumulate the most dust over time.
With continuous use, the rails can accumulate other dirt particles, such as pet hair or fibers from our clothes. When these particles build up on the rail over a long period of time, they can start to affect the operation of your stairlift.
Use a damp cloth and wipe the entire rail. You should do this about 2-3 times in a row for a cleaner finish.
Clean the chair, seat belts, controls and footrest using the same damp cloth, non-abrasive detergent or a foam cleaner with an anti-static action. Make sure you also clean the area around the stairlift.
Step 5
After properly cleaning all parts of the stairlift, let the chair dry naturally or if you prefer, you can wipe it with a dry cloth and remove any moisture left.
You may need to lubricate some parts of your stairlift every two or three months to keep it working properly.
Make sure you use a very small amount of lubricant to prevent the chair from sliding across the rail. When your stairlift is first installed, our technical specialists will tell you all about this. But if you don’t remember, you can reach out to us and we will be happy to help you.
Other stairlift cleaning tips
We all know that well-maintained appliances tend to last longer, so here are some more cleaning tips to keep your stairlift in good working order for many years.
Suitable cleaning products for a stairlift
We advise you to use only non-abrasive detergents or anti-static foaming cleaners on your stairlift.
You can use these products to clean the rail, the chair, the footrest and the navigation controls. On the rail, you can also use a degreasing product that does not leave residues.
Everyday household cleaning solutions and bleaches may be too aggressive for your stairlift. By acting as corrosive agents they can easily damage your stairlift and compromise your equipment’s warranty.
Battery and engine care
Even if you do not use the stairlift often, it is important to start it occasionally. This will help to keep the motor and batteries working properly.
We strongly recommend against cleaning the motor or the batteries all by yourself. Contact a specialist to check the condition of the motor and batteries of your stairlift once a year, and if they need to be cleaned, they should take care of that.
We also recommend that you carry out routine checks. This way, you can identify any problems that may compromise your stairlift’s normal operation in time.
How can we help you?
We are stairlift experts, and we offer routine maintenance services to keep your stairlift in good condition. If you face any challenges with your stairlift, inquire about professional advice and services from us.
If you have any general questions about the functioning of your equipment, please contact us and we will also be happy to help you in any way we can.
References
How to keep your stairlift in perfect working order. (2019, May 14). Mobility Living Centre. https://mobilitylivingcentre.co.uk/news/how-to-keep-your-stairlift-in-perfect-working-order/
Taking care of your stairlift. (n.d.). Age UK Mobility | Stairlifts, Mobility Products and Accessories. https://www.ageukmobility.co.uk/mobility-news/article/taking-care-of-your-stairlift
