How Do I Keep My Stairlift Clean and in Good Working Order?
As a stairlift user, you’ll know how important your stairlift is, as it supports your safety and independence at home. Like any mechanical system or piece of equipment, it does benefit from some care and simple maintenance, to ensure it continues to run smoothly. Stairlift upkeep is super straightforward – with regular simple checks and basic cleaning, your stairlift will remain reliable for the years to come!
Why Stairlift Maintenance Matters
Keeping your stairlift clean and well maintained helps you to ensure safe operation and extends its lifespan; it also helps to prevent avoidable faults and issues, plus it will keep it comfortable and hygienic too. You don’t need specialist cleaning goods by any means – just standard products and a consistent routine. Whether you have a straight stairlift, a curved stairlift or an outdoor stairlift (or even a rental stairlift or reconditioned stairlift!) these principles all still apply.
Regular Stairlift Cleaning – What You Should Do
- Wipe Down the Seat and Armrests – use a soft cloth and mild cleaning spray or fluid to keep the seat clean and hygienic, especially if the stairlift is used everyday;
- Keep the Stairlift Rail Free from Dust – dust, crumbs and debris can build up over time. Gently wiping the rail down will ensure its movement remains smooth;
- Clean the Footrest Area – the footrest can collect dirt from shoes, so regular cleaning of the footrest is important for cleanliness, function and appearance.
To prevent any damage, we recommend avoiding using excessive water whilst cleaning, as well as avoiding any harsh or abrasive cleaning products. It’s also important to never interfere with a stairlift’s electrical parts. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to contact your stairlift provider directly.
Simple Checks You Can Do at Home
Alongside regular cleaning, there are a few basic checks that you can carry out from time to time:
- Make sure the stairlift charges correctly when it’s parked;
- Check the controls respond as they should do;
- Ensure the seat belt is working properly and is secure;
- Listen for any unusual noises during movement.
If anything feels different or unusual, it’s always a good idea to have it checked out by your stairlift provider.
Professional Stairlift Servicing and Support
Whilst day-to-day upkeep is simple, regular servicing by a stairlift professional is essential. A good stairlift company will typically offer routine servicing appointments, battery checks and/or replacements, support on parts or repairs and an emergency callout service if customers ever require it; all of these things are particularly important for stairlifts that are in frequent use.
Looking After Outdoor Stairlifts
If you have an outdoor stairlift, additional care may be required. It’s common to keep a cover over an outdoor stairlift when it’s not in use, for example. Leaves and dirt can cause issues, particularly after a bout of bad weather! Wiping the surface of an outdoor stairlift down will be necessary. That being said, outdoor stairlift models are built to withstand the elements, but even so, good care does help to maintain their performance.
Keeping Your Stairlift Reliable Long Term
A well-maintained stairlift should provide years of safe, reliable use! By combining simple cleaning habits with professional maintenance, you can ensure your investment in a stairlift is secure and that your stairlift operates smoothly for some time.
If you ever have any questions about maintenance or are exploring stairlifts more generally, contact us to have a no obligation discussion. Our friendly and knowledgeable team are on hand to help! At Leodis Stairlifts, we also offer a free home survey, for those who don’t yet have a stairlift, but are considering for themselves or a family member – please get in touch to book yours today.
