Once you’ve decided to invest in a good quality stairlift, your next decision should be committing to keeping it in good working order, just as you would with any other piece of expensive machinery such as an automobile or other major, household appliance. Of course, an ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. So before getting into the specifics of chairlift maintenance, make sure you follow these pre-emptive tips:
• Keep the stairway free of obstructions and never operate your stairlift if there are people or pets on the stairs.
• Do not allow children to play on or with the stairlift – ever.
• Do not exceed the stairlift’s maximum weight allowance or try to carry more than one person at a time.
• Do not allow liquids to come into contact with any of the stairlift’s mechanisms.
• Make sure to keep the stairlift on charge when not in use.
Next: Read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the precise model you own. Contact the manufacturer if you have any questions and make sure you understand if there are any specific things your model requires to keep it in good shape. While you can have a professional maintain your stairlift, and, in fact, you should have it checked out, at least yearly, by a qualified technician, you should try to have a family member perform the following upkeep regimen if you can’t manage it, yourself.
• Clean the track regularly to keep it free of dust and dirt. It is usually sufficient to simply wipe it down with a soft, damp cloth every week or so. In some cases, an anti-dust product can be used. Avoid the use of detergents and solvents.
• After cleaning the track, lubricate it with a small amount of lubricant such as petroleum jelly.
• Check that the swivel seat is functioning properly and is not loose or wobbly. Tighten any screws that require it.
• Check the stairlift’s arm and footrests and spray any sticky hinges with some WD40.
• Replace your model’s battery as instructed by the manual in order to keep your stairlift from stopping unexpectedly.
Between normal maintenance, always be on the lookout for any of the following signs of trouble:
• Your stairlift is making more noise than usual when in use.
• Your stairlift is making unusual noises.
• Your stairlift starts slowly or moves in a jerky manner.
• There are error codes in the stairlift’s display unit.
• You hear beeping, which may be an alert to an error code or a sign of a low battery.
Your stairlift allows you to stay in your multi-story home with a measure of independence if you are experiencing a decrease in mobility due to advanced age, illness, or accident. Keeping it in good running order will enable you to utilize it in the safest and most comfortable manner possible.
If you have any questions about your stairlift, or stairlift maintenance, call us at Pacific Mobility. We are always happy to help.
For more information and stairlift troubleshooting, please refer to our Stairlift Troubleshooting page.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)
