Stairlift Maintenance: How To Care for Your Stair Lift

Stair lifts are highly reliable and do not require much maintenance. But to prolong the lifespan of your stairlift, there are a few general maintenance tasks you should remember to do:

• Have your stair lift inspected and serviced once a year by a qualified technician
• Clean your stair lift weekly, especially the rail
• Only have your stair lift maintained or repaired by a qualified technician to protect your safety

Routine Stair Lift Cleaning & Inspection

To keep your stair lift in top condition, your stair lift should be cleaned once a week, if possible. Debris like dust and pet hair can get dragged and compacted under the carriage, causing black marks on the rail. This debris can be easily cleaned, but if it’s left to build up for a long time, it can eventually clog up the carriage and cause damage.

Here are three simple steps to clean your stair lift:

• Use a mild all-purpose cleaner and a rag or damp cloth to wipe down the rail while being careful not to touch the teeth or the rack. If you do so, you could remove the lubrication that these parts need to carry the chair up and down.
• Gently clean the charge strips on the rail. If they become too dusty, they can limit the recharging of the batteries in your lift.
• Wipe down the chair and the outside of the carriage to remove debris and keep it looking nice.

Should I Lubricate My Stair Lift?

This will be done during regular stairlift service and maintenance. It’s unlikely that your stair lift will get stuck on the track, but keeping it lubricated will eliminate any friction that can make your stair lift work harder.

Stairlift Battery Maintenance & Power Issues

With normal use, about 6-10 times a day, your stair lift should remain charged at all times, and you shouldn’t run into any issues with the batteries. You should always leave your stair lift on a charging point between uses.

If you don’t use your lift at least once a day, it is recommended that you do so to keep the batteries topped up.

You should never switch your lift off at the main power point because it will cause the batteries to go flat, which requires battery replacement and is not covered under the warranty.

Don’t forget about maintaining your remote control batteries. They’re standard household batteries and need to be replaced about once a year or more often if used more frequently.

Professional Stairlift Servicing & Scheduled Maintenance

It’s recommended that you get your stair lift inspected annually to ensure all parts are functioning properly and providing a safe and comfortable ride. An inspection should be performed by a trained and qualified stair lift technician.

Maintenance should include the following:

Stair Lift Warranties & Service Contracts

Stairlift companies offer warranties with several layers of coverage. During the initial warranty period, lift companies cover parts, labor, the rail and motor, and the gearbox. Be sure to check your warranty period and what kind of repairs are covered.

In addition to providing safe operation, maintaining your lift also means that repairs will be covered under your warranty.

To get all the benefits of your warranty, there are maintenance requirements and conditions you have to meet:

• Your stairlift must be installed by an authorized installer
• You cannot misuse or abuse your stair lift, for example, by loading it with more weight than it is designed to carry
• You cannot have third-party or unauthorized alterations made to your stair lift—any modification made after installation by an unauthorized installer voids the warranty
• You must receive proper maintenance—stair lifts need to be maintained annually and serviced when needed

Remember to keep track of when you purchased your stair lift and to schedule annual maintenance.

Safety Tips for Stair Lift Users

• Don’t exceed the capacity limit: Stair lifts are designed to carry only one person at a time. Never attempt to carry another person, including a child, and never exceed the maximum weight limit of your lift, specified in the user’s manual.
• Keep your staircase free of obstacles: Objects left on the stairs, torn carpeting, or loose boards can cause your lift to get stuck, and they make it dangerous to use the stairs.
• Maintain a stable floor surface: Make sure all carpets and rugs are flat and secured to the floor. They can be slippery when exiting a stair lift, so be sure to wear slippers or other shoes with a grip on the bottom.
• Keep your stairs and stair lift clean: Dust or liquids can damage your stair lift. Keep liquids away from your stair lift.
• Beware of loose items: Scarves, long skirts, blankets, pet toys, and long jackets can become trapped under the mechanism and cause injury or damage to your stair lift. Keep these items clear of the stair lift.
• Do not let children use a stair lift without supervision: Stair lifts come with a child-proof immobilization feature that prevents children from using the stair lift without proper supervision. Make sure that children do not play with the stair lift or use it without supervision/.
• Fold the seat: Stairlifts are designed with foldable seats so they don’t get in the way of people using the stairs. Fold up the seat after each use to prevent trips.

Get Trusted Stairlift Maintenance & Repair From DME Elevators & Lifts

When you choose DME Elevators & Lifts to install your stairlift, you can rest assured that you will receive continued maintenance and service. Our in-house technicians are licensed and factory-trained to perform regular maintenance and any necessary repairs to keep your lift up and running.
We’ve been helping people in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin regain independence in their homes for over 45 years. If you’re considering installing a stair lift in your home, contact us today for a free, in-home assessment.