Day-to-Day Hygiene Tips for Wheelchair Users

When you're constantly on the move, your chair can collect more than just dust. Sweat, spills, dirt, and grime from public places can quickly build up, especially on the parts that come in direct contact with your skin.

So how do you stay on top of wheelchair hygiene without making it a full-time job?

Keep High-Touch Surfaces Clean

Start with the areas that are touched the most, this is where bacteria and grime tend to build up quickly.

If you use a manual wheelchair, hand rims are a big one. You touch them constantly, and they pick up everything your tyres roll over. Make it a habit to wipe them down daily, especially if you've been out in public or on rough terrain.

Armrests, seat belts, and handles are also hotspots. These areas often come into contact with carers, friends, family, and support workers, so it's important to keep them clean to help minimise germ transfer. Disinfectant wipes are a great option for a quick clean. The joystick is a major point of contact for power wheelchair users. To safely reduce grime and bacteria around the joystick without risking damage to the electronics, alcohol-based wipes are best. Antibacterial wipes are more appropriate and effective for seatbelts, straps, and minor spills.

Don’t Forget the Seat and Cushions

Seat and back cushions absorb sweat and body oils over time, which can lead to bacteria buildup, odours, and even skin irritation if left unchecked.

If your cushion has a removable cover, wash it regularly according to the care label instructions. If it doesn’t, you can still give it a wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Some people find it helpful to have a second cushion or cover on hand to rotate while one is being cleaned or air-dried.

Using a moisture-resistant seat protector or barrier can also help extend the life of your cushion and make cleanup easier in case of spills or accidents.

Be Mindful of Food and Drink Spills

Crumbs, juice, milk, and formula spills, if you or your child eats in their chair, chances are bits of food and drink are building up somewhere. Over time, that build-up can lead to mould, attract pests, and create a pretty unpleasant smell.

Make it a habit to do a quick visual check after meals. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove crumbs and disinfectant wipes to clean any sticky spots before they set in.

And if your chair has nooks and crannies where crumbs tend to fall and get stuck? It’s worth giving it a more detailed cleaning every week or so. A handheld vacuum can also help in hard-to-reach corners.

Create a Cleaning Routine That Works for You

The key to staying on top of hygiene is consistency. You don’t have to do a deep clean every day but setting a regular cleaning schedule, even once or twice a week, can prevent small messes from turning into bigger problems.

Here’s a simple rhythm you could try:

• Daily: Quick wipe-down of hand rims, armrests, joystick, and handles.

• Weekly: Check and clean seat cushions, seatbelt, and food areas. Give the wheels and casters a once-over for visible dirt or hair.

• Monthly: Do a more thorough clean of your frame, under the seat, and other parts that don’t get much attention day to day.

You can tweak this schedule depending on your lifestyle and how often you’re out and about. The goal is to keep your wheelchair as clean and comfortable as the rest of your personal care routine.

How Deep Cleaning Makes a Difference

Even with great daily habits, there are parts of a wheelchair that are hard to reach or sanitise properly at home, especially areas affected by long-term build-up, hidden grime, or mould.

That’s where professional deep cleaning comes in. At Pure Wheelchairs, our hospital-grade deep cleaning service goes beyond the surface. We remove grime from tough-to-reach areas, tackle biofilms, eliminate odours, and kill harmful bacteria and mould that regular wipes and sprays may miss.

Staying Clean, Staying Comfortable

By taking a few extra minutes each day to care for your chair, you’re protecting your skin, reducing infection risks, and making sure your equipment stays in great shape.

If your wheelchair is due for a deeper clean, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us to learn more about our deep cleaning service or to book a clean that fits your schedule.