Wheelchairs are one of the most widely used mobility aids. A functional wheelchair can improve the user's physical and mental health in many ways. It can have a positive impact on a person's quality of life. Studies show that people with reduced mobility who use wheelchairs have higher self-esteem and retain their independent longer than those who don’t.

Like everything else, wheelchairs need periodic maintenance. An effective preventive maintenance plan is the key to keeping your wheelchair in operable condition.

Whether you want to create a wheelchair maintenance plan from scratch or plan to revamp an existing maintenance strategy, you need to understand different aspects of wheelchair maintenance. To help you get started, we try to answer some wheelchair maintenance and cleaning FAQs.

What type of oil should I use to lubricate different parts of my wheelchair?

Use a silicon-based spray to lubricate different wheelchair parts. Never use WD-40 or other petroleum-based oils as they can negatively impact the functionality of moving parts. Do not oil the bearings on your wheelchair. This is a task best left to experts.

How to care for the wheels of my wheelchair?

Tires are one of the essential parts of your wheelchair. They support the weight of your wheelchair and help maintain or change direction.

Inspect your tires regularly. Check for signs of uneven tire wear and ensure you maintain the right tire pressure. Never inflate wheelchair tires at a gas station as the high pressure can damage them. Instead, use a hand pump or bicycle pump.

Check your wheel alignment regularly. Ride your wheelchair on a smooth surface. If it veers to either side, bring the problem to our attention and our team at Mobility Masters can help you. Check the tires periodically to ensure that wheel brakes do not rub against tires.

How frequently should I lubricate backrests, leg rests, and other parts of my power wheelchair?

There are several benefits of lubricating wheelchair parts. Regular lubrication reduces friction between different parts, slowing down wear and tear. Wheelchair parts should be lubricated every two months. Do not ignore strange noises coming from your wheelchair. Before things get from bad to worse, have us inspect it.

Should I deflate the ROHO cushion before disinfecting?

Many wheelchair users believe that deflating the cushion before cleaning prevents the cells from coming too close to each other. If your ROHO cushion is set properly, you do not have to deflate it before disinfecting.

What is the right way to clean wheel locks, hand rims, and center hubs of rear wheels on a manual wheelchair?

Clean high touch areas of your manual wheelchair regularly. Use a mild soap to clean wheel locks, hand rims, and center hubs. Rinse off the water/soap mixture properly. Use mild cleaners to clean spokes and center hubs. Once you have cleaned these parts, wipe them down with a soft cloth instead of rinsing with water as you do not want to get a lot of water in these areas.

Can I use a power washer to clean my wheelchair?

No. Most manufacturers advise against using power washers as the high water pressure can damage different parts.

Do I need to completely remove the caster on my manual wheelchair to get hair and debris out or to lubricate it?

Yes. Wheelchair casters are easier to clean when removed from the wheelchair.

What are some things to check when inspecting a wheelchair?

Inspect nuts, bolts, and screws every week and tighten if necessary. Check the front casters. Make sure they are not too tight or too loose.

If your casters are too tight, they will flutter. Loose casters, on the other hand, will make your wheelchair difficult to steer. Inspect the frame regularly and if you notice any cracks, get in touch with us.

How to clean my wheelchair’s upholstery?

Deep clean your wheelchair's upholstery at least once every month. To clean wheelchair upholstery, first, remove it and the white plastic tube. Wipe them clean with water. The fabric should be hand washed. Put the cushion into a laundry bag and dry it in a well ventilated area.

Vacuum wheelchair upholstery once every week. Never wash your chair in the shower or car wash as the excess humidity can damage parts. Before replacing your wheelchair upholstery, remove dust from the grooves of the upholstery tube with a vacuum cleaner or broom.

How to maintain power wheelchair batteries?

Follow these tips to maintain the batteries of your power wheelchair.

➢ Always use the original charger for charging your batteries.

➢Charge your batteries each night. Never allow them to discharge completely

➢Do not drain new batteries by more than 30 percent the first week

➢Avoid overcharging batteries

➢Clean the terminals periodically

How should I care for electronic controls of a power wheelchair?

To avoid water damage, wrap a clear plastic bag over the controls of your wheelchair. Do not operate your wheelchair in the rain.

Mobility Masters offers world class mobility aids by a variety of prominent brands including Golden Technologies, Pride, and Joerns. Our mobility aids are designed to help people with restricted mobility move around with minimal assistance. To discuss your mobility needs , call us at (800) 936-7006.