Stairlifts are fantastic for making any home more accessible and empowering people with the freedom to navigate any stairway in their property safely. You or a loved one may depend on a stairlift every day, so it’s crucial that it always runs smoothly.
However, technical issues may affect stairlifts from time to time, and some can be avoided through regular maintenance. Keeping your stairlift in optimal condition may seem daunting, though, especially if yours is a new addition to your home.
To help make maintaining your stairlift easier, we’ll answer seven common questions about this complex topic below.
Should I Clean the Stairlift?
Even the shiniest, cleanest new stairlifts gather dust and potential dirt over months of frequent usage. Cleaning your stairlift will keep it looking and running at its best, as dust, grime, and pet hair could affect its operation over time.
However, you need to be careful with your choice of products and techniques.
Use a dusting cloth, such as a slightly damp microfiber cloth, or a feather duster to clear dust and hairs from the chair. Avoid strong cleaning products, though, as certain chemicals could interfere with the stairlift’s mechanisms. Your supplier or manufacturer should be able to advise you on which products are safe to use.
How Should I Clean My Stairlift Rail?
Keeping your stairlift rail clean and obstruction-free is paramount. Your stairlift must be able to move along the rail smoothly for a safe, secure ride.
Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the rail down from top to bottom. Depending on how dusty or dirty the rail has become, you may need to go over it two or three times for an effective clean.
Dust your stairlift rail once per week to prevent dust, hair, and dirt buildup.
Do I Need to Lubricate My Stairlift Rail?
As movement is fundamental for stairlifts, occasional lubrication is important for keeping essential components operating properly year after year. In some cases, people may wonder if they should apply lubrication to their stairlift and the rail themselves to maintain good performance.
However, you don’t need to lubricate the stairlift, rail, or any part of either yourself. You could actually apply too much oil or grease, which would cause the chair to become unstable and possibly unsafe to use.
If lubrication is necessary for your stairlift, a professional stairlift technician will take care of it during a service visit.
How Can I Keep My Stairlift Batteries Running Properly?
Stairlifts run on batteries, which recharge when the stairlift returns to its base at the bottom of the stairs. Your power supply is made to keep your stairlift batteries full with the energy they need to keep it moving while using very little electricity.
If you only use your stairlift occasionally, rather than multiple times per day, it may be best to start running it up and down the stairs just once daily. This can keep your batteries topped up and in optimal condition.
Remember to change the batteries in your stairlift’s remote control as needed, too. Once per year should be fine, though more changes will be necessary if you use your stairlift several times daily.
Should I Try to Fix Stairlift Issues Myself?
Stairlifts are machines like any other, and even the best models on the market may be affected by technical issues. Any problems that prevent you from using your stairlift can disrupt your daily routine in serious ways. You may be unable to get up or down stairs at all without assistance and rely on your stairlift to move from floor to floor safely.
In that case, getting your stairlift working again is vital. You may feel tempted to open your stairlift up to check it out, but you should never do this nor try to solve the problem yourself.
That could be dangerous for you and your stairlift but could also void the warranty. Not only could opening up your stairlift and exploring its internal components be risky, but you might cause damage that prevents your stairlift from working as it should (or at all).
Always call in a professional to check and service stairlifts. They have the training, experience, and tools to handle anything that affects your stairlift. You can leave the hard work to them and enjoy peace of mind that your stairlift is in safe hands.
Is It Best to Leave My Stairlift Turned Off or On?
If you’re concerned about wasting electricity or you plan to take a long vacation, your instinct might be to switch your stairlift off when you’re not using it. However, it’s generally best to leave stairlifts switched on at all times.
Why? Stairlifts are designed to be switched on round the clock, and you need to make sure the batteries are fully charged whenever you need to use the stairlift. That’s crucial in power cuts: topped-up batteries will keep your stairlift running for quite a while even when your home has no electricity.
How Frequently Should I Have My Stairlift Serviced Professionally?
Regular servicing is important for all stairlifts, even the top models on the market. Stairlifts contain many components, and gradual wear and tear is natural over time. Professional servicing is essential to make sure stairlifts are working as they need to, identify any parts that may need replacing, and generally keep your stairlift in the best condition possible.
Where Can I Get a High-Quality Stairlift for My Home?
Investing in a stairlift is a big decision, but it’s one that can make a hugely positive impact on your life. If you or a loved one struggles to climb stairs, a stairlift will make things easier, safer, and more convenient. However, it’s important to take care of your stairlift to ensure it continues to operate properly.
If you’re looking for a stairlift from a top manufacturer, Total Access Solutions is here to help. We stock a wide range of stairlifts for inside and outside use, and we provide expert servicing to maintain your stairlift for years to come.
To learn more about how our stairlifts can help you, call our friendly team today.