Here's What You Should Clean on Your Wheelchair

If you’re a wheelchair owner, then you know that from time to time, wheelchairs can get dirty- really dirty. When this happens, it’s incredibly easy for filth and bacteria to build up, which can then damage your medical device or cause smelly odors. This is why it’s important to regularly clean your wheelchair. The frequency to which you clean your wheelchair entirely depends on how often you use it. However, we recommend doing it every other day or so. Often times, just wiping down the seat might be helpful in preventing excessive buildup of dust or dirt.

In addition, you should also be closely monitoring your wheelchair for spills. Normally,
most spills on wheelchairs can be cleaned easily. However, not every spill is the same,
and some liquids can cause odors if they aren’t cleaned properly. For example, milk can
leave a nasty spill if you don’t clean it correctly. A good way to avoid spills from
happening in the first place, is by pushing your wheelchair under the table when you’re
eating or drinking.

Here below, we have listed wheelchair areas that accumulate the most dirt and that you
should definitely be cleaning:

Wheelchair Wheels

If you use your wheelchair outdoors, there’s no doubt that it’s going to get dirty. However, even if you use it indoors, it can still get dirty simply from regular use. Fortunately, your easy cleaning solution is going to be: bicycle tire cleaner. You can also purchase wheel covers for your wheelchair to use indoors. If your budget allows, we suggest you buy two wheelchairs- one for indoors and another one for outdoors. Also, wiping down your wheelchair's  wheels before going indoors may help prevent you from tracking dirt in your home. 

Wheelchair Cushion

If you use your wheelchair a lot, you’re going to notice your cushion getting stained,

filthy or smelly. Odors can easily build up from sweat and spills if the cushions aren’t

cleaned on a daily basis. An easy way to clean your wheelchair cushion is by pouring

vinegar and baking soda into a cleaning towel and wiping the surface of the cushion

with it. Try to avoid cleaning your wheelchair cushion with bleach because it can stain it.

We suggest cleaning your wheelchair’s cushion at the end of your day or when you’re

about to go to bed so that it can dry properly and be used the next day. We would also

suggest making an investment in waterproof cushions to absorb moisture and spills!

Brakes and Locks

Another easy place for dirt and debri to get stuck on is on your brakes and locks, which

can prevent them from working properly. If you have a wheelchair, the last thing you

want is to have problems with your brakes and locks! This is why we recommend

cleaning your wheelchair’s brakes and locks regularly. A good way to clean these is with

a basic cleaning solution, such as a multi-purpose cleaner that can be applied on all

types of surfaces. Please note that it’s important to check for this in order to avoid your

tires from staying sticky.

Lastly, another way to keep your wheelchair in great working condition is by checking

for any loose parts that might need replacement.We hope you find these tips helpful in keeping your wheelchair shining and performing at its optimum! It’s crucial that your wheelchair gets cleaned on a regular basis. When left untouched, your wheelchair can deteriorate and even lead to a potential injury.

We would love to hear from you! Please let us know in the comments below if you have

any other tips you would like to share with us.