Keeping Your Stairlift Clean: What You Need to Know

Approximately 53 million Americans live with a disability, and according to a recent study, the most common disability is associated with limited mobility. There are countless products available that were designed to improve mobility and elderly independence, but a fitted stairlift is the main product intended to move the user between the various levels of their home quickly and easily. If you’ve recently purchased a fitted stairlift, it’s important to know how to maintain it properly, which includes keeping it clean. Here are just a few quick and easy steps for cleaning your stairlift.

Dusting
If your stairlift is indoors, it needs to be dusted at least once per week using a dry cloth or a feather duster. Preventing dust buildup is important to keep your stairlift running smoothly on the track and up to accessibility standards. Every year, over two million senior citizens visit the emergency room for injuries caused by a fall, so don’t forget to only clean your stairlift when it’s at the bottom of the stairs in order to prevent falls.

Track Lubrication
This is a job that’s often better left to a professional, but it’s another important step that contributes to a safe and smooth stairlift ride. Make sure the stairlift is powered off, then make sure it’s lubricated at least once every few months, depending on how often you use it. Start with a damp cloth and use a very small amount of lubricant so that the rollers don’t start sliding instead of rolling.

Read the Manual
Finally, remember that each stairlift is different, and different manufacturers have varying recommendations for cleaning and servicing. Your stairlift’s manual may contain important information about other cleaning processes or maintenance processes as well as how often they need to be performed for maximum stairlift lifespan, safety and durability. The manufacturer knows best, so always use the manual as a primary resource.

Approximately 6.8 million Americans use assistive devices to aid their mobility. Understanding how to clean your easy to use stairlift is the key to maximizing its safety and usability.