Stairlift Maintenance: What care does a Stairlift need?

The bottom line:

• Once you’ve taken the step of getting your Stairlift installed, there are a few things you should do to ensure it keeps operating smoothly.
• Stairlift maintenance is simple; all you have to do is follow a few simple steps.
• Stairlift aftercare and service visits are usually included when you purchase a new stairlift, so make sure you make the most of them!

A stairlift is a great addition to your home. Enabling you or your loved ones to get up and down the stairs comfortably and with ease, they have been shown to boost wellbeing and independence among users. So, once you’ve taken the step of having a stairlift installed in your home, what do you need to do to ensure that it keeps you moving safely between floors?

Taking Care of your Stairlift 

Once you have a stairlift installed at home, navigating stairs will become far simpler and more convenient. That’s not something you want to lose. With a little general upkeep and a few ground rules, your stairlift should run smoothly. Here’s what you can do:

• Prevent dust from building up on and around your stairlift by dusting it regularly with a dry cloth or feather duster.
• Keep the stairway and areas around the top and bottom of the stairs clear of any obstructions.
• Don’t use any cleaning sprays, soaps, or products on your stairlift. If necessary, you can use a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the seat, footrest, and armrests, just make sure everything is completely dry before using it next.
• When seating yourself, try to lower yourself gently so as not to put extra strain on your stairlift seat.
• Take note of the weight limit and be sure not to exceed it by carrying heavy items up or down stairs with you.
• Keep the charger plugged in and the batteries properly charged to ensure your stairlift is running on full steam.
• Avoid letting pets sit on the seat and keep the rail clean of any pet hair.
• Don’t let children use it for a ride or to play with the controls.

All stairlifts come with a user manual which we recommend reading and having handy. They have all the information you need to know regarding safe use and maintenance advice to keep your stairlift running smoothly.

Does a stairlift need servicing?

Many people who use stairlifts rely on them to get around their homes, so keeping them running properly is absolutely vital. Apart from general cleaning, you should also book your stairlift in for a service checkup. Most retailers and stairlift companies recommend a yearly stairlift maintenance service if installed brand new, with refurbished or older stairlifts having more regular maintenance checks.

How does a stairlift service work?

Firstly, you’ll need to book a service with a reputable stairlift service provider. A technician will come out to you and run some checks to make sure your stairlift is in good shape to keep you mobile. A general checkup shouldn’t take more than an hour, but if any parts need to be replaced, the technician may take longer or have to order the part and come back another day to install it. Whatever the case, technicians will do their job quickly and efficiently, causing as little disruption as possible whilst ensuring your stairlift runs safely.

Do I need to pay for a stairlift maintenance service?

Brand new stairlifts from reputable providers come with a warranty, so all your stairlift aftercare is included within the timeframe of your warranty. This should include at least the first annual service as well as the replacement of any parts and repairs also being covered. After the warranty period is up, servicing and repairs will need to be paid for. However, like many items in your home, you can purchase insurance for your stairlift to ensure any costs are taken care of by the insurance company.

What should I do if my stairlift breaks down?

By keeping the stairlift area clean, unobstructed, and following our suggested ground rules, it is unlikely that your stairlift will break down. However, like any mechanical or electrical item, there is always a slim possibility of it happening. In this case, 24-hour repair teams are on call to come out as soon as possible to get your stairlift up and running again. As with the servicing, costs should be covered under your warranty or insurance for any mechanical or electrical faults.

As you can see, taking care of your stairlift is simple. With a bit of general upkeep and regular servicing, your stairlift should keep you moving between floors for a long time to come.