What Makes Up the Perfect Handy Hygiene Kit?

Let’s face it, life happens in motion. And when you use a wheelchair every day, there’s no such thing as a mess-free routine. From morning coffees and snack breaks to unexpected weather or quick bathroom trips, things get a little messy sometimes, and that’s completely normal.

But keeping your wheelchair clean and fresh, especially when you’re out and about, doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools close at hand, you can quickly manage spills, tackle odours, and avoid grime building up in all the wrong places. 

At Pure Wheelchairs, we believe everyone deserves to sit in a chair that feels good to use. That’s why we’ve put together our expert-backed guide to building your own Handy Hygiene Kit, a practical, portable solution designed to help you stay on top of day-to-day messes, wherever you go.

Why a Hygiene Kit Matters More Than You Think

Wheelchairs go through a lot. Daily use means exposure to all kinds of bacteria, food particles, skin oils, pet hair, dust, and even the occasional spill or incontinence accident. Over time, these layers of debris don’t just look or smell unpleasant, they can contribute to the formation of biofilms. These thin layers of bacteria cling to surfaces like armrests, rims, and seat cushions, and once they form, they’re notoriously hard to remove with a basic wipe down.

A good hygiene kit won’t replace regular deep cleaning, but it can certainly prevent minor issues from turning into stubborn problems. With the right tools, you can:

• Freshen up your wheelchair between deep cleans

• Reduce bacteria that contribute to skin irritation

• Stay confident in public settings

• Minimise the spread of odours

• Protect your chair’s fabric, electronics, and components from long-term damage

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Let’s walk through exactly what you’ll need.

What to Include in Your Hygiene Kit?

Here’s what our team recommends keeping in a small, easily portable kit that fits neatly into your backpack or a side pouch on your wheelchair.

1. A Small Pack of Antibacterial Wipes

These are your all-rounder. Great for spills, sweat, sticky fingers, or anything else the day throws your way. Choose a gentle, skin-safe brand, one you’d be comfortable using on your hands or arms, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Antibacterial wipes are perfect for:

• Cleaning seatbelt straps and buckles

• Wiping down armrests and tyres after outdoor use

• Freshening up push handles after a trip through a busy public area

• Tackling minor toileting or incontinence messes

Just remember, avoid using these on your joystick or other electrical parts. For those, you’ll need something a little different.

2. A Clean, Dry Microfibre Cloth

This might be the unsung hero of your kit. A dry, clean microfibre cloth is excellent for absorbing moisture in a pinch. Use it to:

• Gently dry off any areas that got splashed, including electronics

• Mop up spills or rainwater

• Buff out smudges on metal or plastic frames

• Use with a spray cleaner for a more targeted clean

Be sure to wash and fully dry your cloth between uses, and only store it in your kit if it’s completely clean and dry. You don’t want to introduce extra bacteria into your kit.

3. Travel-Size Enzyme-Based Cleaner and Sanitiser

Some messes are more than just surface-level. Sweat, urine, or drink spills can seep into fabric cushions or seat covers, causing lingering odours and hidden hygiene issues. A natural enzyme-based cleaner, like our Pure One Step One and Step Two products, can break down the organic proteins that cause stubborn smells and stains.

These cleaners are:

• Gentle on soft surfaces

• Highly effective at targeting odour-causing bacteria

• Safe for most fabrics and wheelchair materials

Even just a small spray bottle of each can make a big difference. They’re ideal for treating seat covers, cushions, or armrests right when something happens, before it can set in.

4. A Soft, Long-Handled Paint Brush

Yes, you read that right.

A soft-bristled paintbrush (the kind you’d use for skirting boards) is the perfect lightweight tool for dusting crumbs, pet hair, and fluff out of your wheelchair’s nooks and crannies. Use it around:

• Joystick surrounds and crevices

• Seat edges and seams

• Cupholders or side trays

• Wheel spokes or brake arms

Just remember: only use this brush on dry surfaces, and wash it regularly in warm, soapy water. Let it dry fully before putting it back in your kit.

Extra Handy Add-On: A Rain Cover or Poncho

This one isn’t about cleaning, but it’s about prevention.

Keeping a lightweight, waterproof poncho or rain cover in your kit can protect both you and your chair from unexpected showers. Even a simple disposable poncho can do the job, just make sure you let it air dry before packing it away again.

When water gets into your chair’s fabric, seams, or electrical components, it can lead to rust, bacteria, or mould, so staying dry in the first place is one of the best forms of protection.

Making Your Kit Work for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to a hygiene kit. What matters is that it fits your lifestyle.

Do you go out every day or only occasionally? Do you eat and drink in your chair? Are you dealing with incontinence, allergies, or a sensitive immune system? Your answers will shape what you include, but the basics above offer a solid foundation for most people.

If you like to travel light, you could trim your kit down to just the essentials: a wipe pack, microfibre cloth, and travel spray. If you prefer to be prepared for anything, build out your kit further with gloves, extra cushion covers, or even a mask and hand sanitiser if you’re in a clinical setting.

How a Hygiene Kit Works With Deep Cleaning

Your Handy Hygiene Kit is perfect for day-to-day spills, smells, and spot cleaning, but it won’t replace a full deep clean.

Even equipment that’s wiped over regularly can develop bacteria, grime, and mould deep in cushions, joints, and control panels. That’s why, depending on your lifestyle, we recommend a professional deep clean every 3 to 6 months.

At Pure Wheelchairs, we’re committed to making hygiene accessible and simple for every wheelchair user. Our mobile service comes to you, cleaning your equipment to hospital-grade standards using safe, effective products that extend the life of your chair and improve your daily comfort.

We’re also excited to launch a dedicated home cleaning kit soon, so you can top up your Handy Hygiene Kit with our recommended products. Stay tuned!

Take the First Step Toward a Fresher Ride

You deserve to sit in a chair that feels fresh, clean, and comfortable every single day. By keeping a simple Handy Hygiene Kit within reach, you’ll have everything you need to manage messes on the go and maintain your equipment between deep cleans.

Want to learn more or book your next deep clean? We’re just a call or click away.