You spend
practically all day in your wheelchair, which is why maintaining proper
cleaning procedures is crucial to its overall care. Whether you drive a manual
or electric wheelchair or scooter, making sure to disinfect its surfaces and
wheels can greatly lengthen its lifetime. While it may not seem like it, dirt
and grime can greatly affect the efficiency of your chair or scooter’s wheels
and brakes, so it is important that you wipe down its frame often depending on
how often the wheelchair or scooter is used. While cleaning your wheelchair may
seem like a long and burdensome task, it is actually quite easy and typically
takes only a few minutes! In this blog, we will go over how to clean a
wheelchair and keep it in prime condition!
All you
need to effectively clean your chair is a washcloth or rag and a nonabrasive
cleaner. Keep in mind that wax-based cleaners are usually more effective
because it makes the metal parts shinier and more resistant to scratches or
other superficial damages. Do not use abrasive cleaners like furniture polishes.
These cleaners can wear down the wheelchair cushions and can harden the frames
or footrests, making them more prone to dirt and grime accumulation.
Cleaning a Manual (Non-Electric Wheelchair)
The vast
majority of those with disabilities use manual wheelchairs, which are simply wheelchairs that do not run on electricity.
Maintaining these chairs is typically easier than electric equipment because
you do not need to worry about damaging cords or other digital components. The
best place to start cleaning is the wheels. If you use your wheelchair
outdoors, it is likely that dirt, mud, or even leaves build up in the spokes
and crevices of the wheels. This buildup can affect the riding capability of
the chair and make it much harder to get the proper traction. To clean the
wheels, simply take a rag and a nonabrasive cleaner or soap and gently scrub
away at any dirt on the wheels. If there is dirt in the small crevices of the
wheels, you can use a cleaning brush to gently dig in and release any built up
dirt easily. Once the wheels are squeaky clean, you can move on to the chair’s
base and metal components.
During
this part, take a clean rag or cloth and a nonabrasive cleaner and wipe down
all surfaces of the metal. As aforementioned, wipe down these parts gently and
be careful not to scratch the metal surfaces. Also, be sure to focus cleaning
around any bolts or screws—the accumulation of dirt around these areas can make
future repairs much more difficult. You will instantly notice the difference
your cleaning has made and your wheelchair will begin shining as if it were
brand new!
Next,
focus your attention on the chair’s footrests. These areas are prone to grime
because they are regularly exposed to the bottoms of your shoes. Use
nonabrasive cleaner or mild disinfectant spray to wipe away any grime that may
have built up over time.
Finally,
it is time to clean the seat and cushion! Wheelchair cushions and seats often
get an odor after periods of extended use even if there were no spills on the
chair itself. Both mild and severe odors can build up from sweating or spilt
food and drinks if the wheelchair cushion is not properly maintained. Keep in
mind that chairs featuring waterproof cushions are much more likely to develop
odors due to their ability to absorb moisture and liquids. The end of the day
is the best time to clean a chair’s cushion, for this is when the user is
typically finished with the wheelchair and you can be sure there is enough time
for it to dry out completely. Cleaning is a cinch and can be done in a few
seconds or minutes. Simply take the wash cloth and once again cover the surface
with the same cleaner or soap and water solution. Scrub the cushion cautiously
being sure to avoid causing rips or tears. Be sure to give the cushion time to
dry before using it again—no one wants to sit on a wet seat!
Cleaning a Power Chair (Electric Wheelchair/Scooter)
You
generally use the same methods practiced with cleaning a manual wheelchair in
cleaning a power
chair or scooter, but extra care must be taken to
prevent any damage to its electrical components, including its battery or power
outlets. Begin by removing any protective cover shielding the battery and then
remove the battery itself to avoid any possible damage from cleaning solutions
or water. Blow or gently wipe away any collected dust from the hard-to-reach
areas near the battery and any other crevices on the wheelchair’s base.
Similarly to manual chair care, use a cloth and a nonabrasive cleaner to spray
and wipe down the wheels and spokes. Again, be sure to clean away any build-up
that may impede the chair’s mobility functions. Spray the remaining metal
surfaces with the same cleaner and cloth, being sure to avoid any electrical
areas or scratching the paint. Once done, move on to the footrests and follow
the same steps. Next, use a small bristled cleaning brush (or toothbrush) to
scrub the joystick area. Either vacuum or spray the seat cushion thoroughly. If
the chair has a vinyl cushion, consider hand washing it with a mild dish
detergent and warm water. If the seat cushion is made of leather, try spraying
a mixture of three-quarters vinegar, one-quarter water onto its surface and
wipe thoroughly with a cloth. An optional step that may preserve the appearance
of your chair for an extended time is applying a thin layer of nonabrasive wax
to the power chair’s paint. This will achieve a long-lasting shine that will
keep your chair looking brand new!
Whether
you have a manual or electric wheelchair, maintaining the proper cleaning care
is extremely important in ensuring it stays in optimal working condition for a
long time. Being diligent about wheelchair cleaning can make your experience
with your chair more pleasurable and can prevent future problems—both technical
and mechanical—from occurring. Have your own wheelchair care methods? Share your
knowledge in the comments section below!
No comments:
Post a Comment