Lift Chair Care and Maintenance Tips

Chair Lift Care and Maintenance

A lift chair may look like a regular armchair, but if you have one in your home, you know it’s far more than that. This type of motorized chair allows people with limited mobility, or who are recovering from surgery, to get a lift when moving from sitting to standing. A lift chair is a boon, allowing people to stand safely, and helping those with severe arthritis in the knees or hips. Additionally, these chairs have settings that provide relief from leg swelling and pain and can help improve posture. Lift chairs have many benefits, but they won’t last very long without regular care and maintenance.

Importance of Regular Care for a Lift Chair

As with any piece of motorized equipment, a lift chair needs to be well maintained to function properly. Typically, about once a month is a good interval for scheduling your regular lift chair maintenance. However, it is important to note that it’s just as important to respond to bumps and spills properly as it is to perform this monthly care. Spending a little bit of time, when necessary, will protect your chair and keep it running smoothly for many years.

General Chair Lift Maintenance Tips

• Check the User Manual: Because lift chairs differ, as soon as you get your home, you spend some time reading the user manual. This will give you a more thorough understanding of your chair’s settings and features, along with model-specific instructions on operation and maintenance. Pay attention to things like the weight limit, because it’s important to know what could damage the chair or cause injury.
• Remove the Batteries and Battery Backup for Lift Chair Maintenance Safety: It should go without saying that whenever you work on something that involves electricity, it must be disconnected from its power source before you begin any maintenance. This is true for lift chairs, which may need to be unplugged and have batteries removed before you get started. Again, this differs between models, but it should be covered in the manual. Before you disconnect the power, move your chair into the upright position.
• Maintain the Lift Chair Motor and Electronics: The lift chair will involve a motor and other electronics that allow it to change positions, heat up, offer a massage feature, or whatever else your particular model does. These components should be cleaned with a microfiber cloth, or a vacuum on a low setting, once a month. As you clean the electronic components, inspect them carefully for signs of wear and tear, and get parts repaired or replaced as soon as you notice a problem. Additionally, listen to the motor carefully while you are using your chair. If there are any strange noises or something seems awry, contact your provider or manufacturer even if you didn’t notice anything strange during your last scheduled maintenance session.
• Maintain the Upholstery: Your user manual will give you specifics about cleaning the upholstery, but in general, clean spills as soon as they happen, using an absorbent cloth or paper towel. Even if you don’t see any dirt or stains, though, give the upholstery a good monthly cleaning. Typically, the upholstery should be vacuumed using a soft brush attachment, after which spots and stains can be removed using mild soap and water. Your manufacturer’s manual will likely have information about the preferred cleaning product, because using the wrong cleaning products could ruin the upholstery. While you are cleaning it, check the upholstery for fabric tears, loose threads, and broken seams, because these may mean the chair needs to be reupholstered. Before you reattach the chair to a power source, make sure it has dried completely.
• Protect Your Lift Chair from Damage: Treat your chair with care, as it is a delicate piece of equipment. Place it somewhere out of direct sunlight, which could overheat it or fade the upholstery. It should be positioned on a flat, stable surface, with plenty of space around it, away from heat sources like fireplaces or radiators. Never let children or pets play on it, don’t stand on it, and keep your hands away from moving parts when the chair is connected to power.

When in Need of a Lift Chair or Chair Lift Maintenance, Call Texas Medical Supply

From lift chairs to wheelchairs to adjustable beds and beyond, Texas Medical Supply has the supplies you need. Our locally owned and operated medical supply company, located in Houston, TX, offers an extensive selection of hospital beds, lift chairs, mobility scooters, power wheelchairs, and more. Whether you are looking to buy or rent medical equipment, we have something to fit your budget and lifestyle, including used equipment at affordable prices. Our team of experts is here for you every step of the way, from helping you make the most of your equipment by delivering equipment directly to your home, to assembling your equipment for you. Shop now to find the medical equipment you need, or contact us through our website for more information.