The Hidden Hygiene Gaps in Home Care

When it comes to caring for someone at home, hygiene is always front of mind. Bedding is washed, bathrooms are scrubbed, and mobility aids are wiped regularly. But even with the best intentions, there’s one area that often slips through the cracks, the deep hygiene of wheelchairs and other assistive equipment.

These aids are part of daily life. They travel through rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes outdoors. They come into contact with food, skin, clothing, and all sorts of surfaces. Yet, because they look “clean enough”, they’re rarely given the same level of attention as other personal care items.

Over time, that oversight can quietly affect health, comfort, and even confidence.

Where Hidden Contamination Builds Up

Mobility equipment is designed for durability, not necessarily for easy cleaning. This means bacteria, dirt, and odours can linger in areas that don’t get much attention during a quick wipe-down.

1. Straps and Belts

These absorb sweat, body oils, and skin cells, the perfect mix for bacterial growth. Most straps are made from woven or padded material, which traps grime in its fibres. Even if they look clean, odours or skin irritation can develop over time.

2. Joysticks and Controls

For power wheelchair users, joysticks and control panels are constantly touched. Oils and residue from hands collect around buttons and edges, especially where sanitising wipes can’t reach. Those same controls are also one of the highest-risk spots for cross-contamination between carers and users.

3. Upholstery Seams and Cushions

The stitching and folds in seat covers often hold crumbs, sweat, and moisture. They’re dark, warm, and almost impossible to dry completely with household wipes. That makes them a breeding ground for bacteria and mould, especially in warmer months or if spills occur.

4. Undersides and Frame Joints

Under frames, hinges, and brake levers can build up grime that’s rarely seen but often touched. When moisture or outdoor dirt mixes with household dust, it can cause corrosion and harbour hidden germs.

Why Invisible Biofilms Form Faster at Home

Biofilms are one of the biggest hidden hygiene risks, and they can’t be removed with a simple wipe.

A biofilm is a thin, sticky layer formed when bacteria attach to a surface and start multiplying. Once established, this layer protects bacteria from standard cleaning methods. Even hospital teams use specialised steam or chemical processes to destroy them.

At home, several factors make biofilms more likely to form on mobility aids:

• Low-humidity cleaning: Household wipes and sprays remove surface dirt but leave a small film behind, perfect for bacteria to grow on.

• Warm, enclosed environments: Upholstery, cushions, and control areas stay warm and damp from daily use, encouraging bacterial colonies.

• Inconsistent cleaning frequency: Even regular carers may focus on visible dirt rather than hidden build-up, letting microbes thrive unnoticed.

  
  

The result? A mobility aid that looks clean but isn’t truly hygienic.

Why This Matters for Home Care Users

Many people receiving home care have weakened immune systems or skin sensitivities. Even minor bacterial exposure can cause rashes, infections, or odour issues that affect comfort and confidence.

And it’s not just about physical health. Sitting in a clean, fresh chair can make a genuine difference to emotional well-being. It’s about dignity, independence, and feeling good in your own space.

Just like bedding or medical equipment, wheelchairs and mobility aids deserve the same level of care, because they’re in contact with the user for hours each day.

Bridging the Gap Between Household Cleaning and Clinical Hygiene

That’s where professional deep cleaning makes all the difference.

A quarterly deep clean acts as a reset, eliminating the bacteria, odours, and invisible build-up that home care routines can’t reach. Using super-heated dry steam and hospital-grade microfibre, equipment is sanitised safely without harsh chemicals. This method is clinically proven to destroy 99.9% of pathogens, including COVID-19, and break through stubborn biofilms that standard wipes can’t remove.

For items like cushions and straps, this not only restores cleanliness but also extends the lifespan of expensive equipment. Over time, it reduces the need for replacements and helps maintain comfort and functionality.

At Pure Wheelchairs, these deep cleans are delivered as a mobile service, brought directly to homes, clinics, and group facilities across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Wollongong, and Newcastle. It’s a practical solution designed for accessibility and peace of mind.

How Deep Cleaning Complements Everyday Care

A good routine doesn’t replace home cleaning, it strengthens it.

Between professional visits, users and carers can maintain hygiene by:

• Wiping high-touch areas daily like controls, armrests, and tray tables.

• Allowing upholstery to air out after cleaning to prevent moisture build-up.

• Using natural maintenance products like Pure Wheelchairs’ Pure One range, enzyme-based cleaners that safely remove odours and organic stains between deep cleans.

• Checking for early signs of build-up, such as musty smells, sticky surfaces, or discolouration around seams.

When combined, these small steps help keep equipment fresher for longer and ensure each professional's cleaning achieves optimal results.

A Cleaner Chair, A Healthier Routine

Home care should always feel safe, comfortable, and dignified, and hygiene plays a big part in that. By paying attention to the areas most often missed, carers and families can protect both well-being and equipment.

A quarterly deep clean bridges the unseen gap between household care and hospital-grade hygiene, offering reassurance that every surface truly is clean, not just to the eye, but at a microscopic level too.

For those wanting to make this part of their care routine, Pure Wheelchairs makes it simple. Their mobile team comes to you, whether at home, a clinic, or a care facility, using hospital-grade methods that leave equipment clean, dry, and ready to use within minutes.