How to Properly Clean your Wheelchair

Published: August 18, 2014

If you currently rely on an electric wheelchair for mobility needs, it will be important to learn and know how to properly keep your chair clean. In doing so, you will be able to get more use out of your chair. If you keep your wheelchair in good condition, then your chair will most likely last longer. Follow these tips:

Gather the Right Tools

Before you get started, you will need to gather the right tools to successfully complete the job. To properly handle this task, make sure you have the following items:

• Cleaning Rag(s)
• Dish Detergent (Soap)
• Wax
• Lubricant

The Process

Once you have the utensils that are listed above, you will be ready to start cleaning your electric wheelchair. First, you will want to take a cloth and get it damp with warm water to wipe down the exterior parts of the chair. You will want to do this often, as it will help keep your wheelchair in good condition — perhaps every day or every other day. Don’t skip over the wheels or axles of the chair, either.

Your next step will be to add dish detergent or soap to your damp rag. The soap will assistance you with the cleaning process and allow you to scrub and get dirt or grime off the chair that necessarily won't come off with just warm water. After this is complete, wipe the chair down with a dry cloth — make sure you get your wheelchair completely dry.

Though you don’t have to, you may choose to apply small coat of wax to the exterior of your wheelchair, just to protect the chair from scratches and such. If you decide to do this, make sure you only do it every month or so. You don’t need a lot of wax and you don’t have to do to the chore often. Make sure the chair isn’t slipper — you don’t want to harm yourself.

Lastly, once a year, you may need to spray the wheels, axles, and ball bearings with a lubricant. This will help to keep the wheelchair functionally properly. If you ever hear the wheels squeaking, then you know it's time for lubrication.

Take Care of your Chair

Electric wheelchairs are quite expensive. If you rely on yours to get around, then you know how important the piece is to your daily life. Therefore, make sure you take care of your chair!