Your guide to stairlift maintenance and servicing

We know how stairlifts have made a world of difference to our customers’ day-to-day life. From improving your mobility to enhancing independence at home, they’re an investment that many will never regret. However, to ensure your stairlift remains on top form, maintenance and servicing shouldn’t be put on the back-burner. After all, proper upkeep can extend the life of your stairlift and ensure your safety. 

At SpotDif, we help you compare stairlift models and quotes to find the best option for your needs. To help you find the best stairlift for your needs, we've put together some expert tips on maintaining and servicing different types of stairlifts available in the UK. 

Some general stairlift maintenance tips to help you get started

Regular maintenance is key for all stairlifts — no matter which type you have. Here are a few pointers to carry out regularly

1. Cleaning: Keep the track and seat of your stairlift clean. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth regularly to prevent any dust and dirt buildup to keep the mechanism running smoothly. This is also because dust can interfere with your stairlift’s sensors and other delicate parts.
2. Lubrication: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to the track to keep operation smooth and reduce the risk of wear and tear. Over time, dust and debris can cause friction, so keeping the track lubricated can slow the process down.
3. Safety checks: Regularly inspect the seatbelt, armrests, and footrests of your stairlift to make sure they look and feel secure. Any loose or damaged parts could lead to accidents, so it's important to ensure everything is tightly secured.
4. Battery care: For battery-operated stairlifts, check the battery regularly. Batteries can lose efficiency over time, so we recommend keeping an eye on the battery’s health and replacing it when necessary.
5. Professional servicing: While these maintenance tips will help you out, you should always schedule a professional stairlift servicing at least once a year. A professional will be able to spot any potential issues before they become serious problems, and regular check-ups can save you from expensive repairs down the line.

How to look after your seated stairlift

Seated stairlifts are probably the most popular and common stairlift type for our customers. They come with a padded chair that travels up and down a rail fixed to your staircase.

To keep yours in good condition:

• Check the seat mechanism for any signs of wear. If you have a swivel-chair stairlift, check that it swivels smoothly and locks in place securely. A broken seat mechanism can cause discomfort and pose a safety risk to you as you’re in motion.
• Clean the upholstery regularly to keep it in good condition. Use mild soap and water with a damp cloth. This means the shiny appearance of your new stairlift will look good, and last longer
• Ensure the seatbelt functions properly. Test it periodically to make sure it locks and releases smoothly. The seatbelt is a critical safety feature, so this should be a priority when it comes to maintenance.
• Check the armrests and footrests for stability and cleanliness. Ensure they provide solid support and are free from damage or obstructions when in motion.

Maintaining your perched stairlift

Perch seat stairlifts are an effective alternative if you find sitting uncomfortable, or you may find that you don’t have the flexibility needed to sit and stand on a seated stairlift.

They’re especially great if you have limited knee flexibility, however, there are extra safety checks needed as you’ll be in more of a standing position when in motion.

• Perch seat: Make sure your perch seat is firmly attached to the rest of the structure and shows no signs of wear. A wobbly perch seat can be dangerous, so never skip on this point!

• Mechanism: Check the perch standing stair lift mechanism. It should operate smoothly without any unusual noises or clunkiness. Noise can be an indicator of wear and tear or the need for extra lubrication.
• Support handles: Check that your support handles are secure and not wobbly. These handles will be essential for keeping you balanced during use, especially since you’ll be in a perch position.

How to maintain your standing stairlift

If your home has quite a narrow staircase, you may find standing staircases are your best match. They’re also a good option if you struggle bending your knees at all. With this in mind, you’ll need to be confident that you have enough balance and strength to stay upright throughout the whole journey.

• Platform: The platform will hold your weight as you travel up and down the stairs, so it’s important that it is secure and stable. Check for any wobbling or instability, and do not use the stairlift until it feels secure.

• Handrails: Your handrails should be firmly attached and free of any damage.

• Footplates: The platform should have a grip-enhancing flooring to prevent slips. Ensure it’s not slippery or worn down. If it is, then it may be worth investing in a new anti-slip mat for your stairlift.

• Safety features: Test all safety features that you have on your stairlift, including stop sensors and emergency buttons. 

How to care for your curved stairlift

Many staircases in the UK have a curved or bent stair structure. Curved stairlifts are specifically customised for this kind of stair. They can be costly due to their customised nature, but are worth it due to their seamless travel experience.

• Custom rail: Due to the custom nature of the rail, you should make sure that it always remains properly aligned. Misalignments could cause operational issues.

• Joint mechanisms: Check all of the joints where the rail curves. These areas can be prone to wear and may need regular lubrication for smooth transitions around any bends.

• Motor and battery: Check the motor and battery health regularly. Curved stairlifts often have more complex systems, so keeping these components in top shape is always a good idea.

How to maintain your outdoor stairlift

Did you know that you can also get an outdoor stairlift installed in your home? This is a great option if you have green fingers or you enjoy your time outdoors. Due to them being more exposed to the elements, their maintenance and servicing routine can look a little different from indoor stairlift models.

• Check the weatherproofing seals regularly. It’s vital that your stairlift’s mechanisms are protected from any moisture, which could lead to rust and electrical issues. Which leads us on nicely to…

• Inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion. If you do find any signs of wear, clean and treat any affected areas as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

• We always recommend using a protective cover when the stairlift isn’t in use. They’re usually quite budget-friendly, and they work wonders for protecting your stairlift from the UK weather (which could speed up any corrosion or rusting!)

• Regularly lubricate your stairlift’s moving parts to prevent them from seizing up from weather exposure.

Maintaining your wheelchair stairlift

Wheelchair stairlifts require specific care. They come with a few extra parts to help make the journey up or downstairs as smooth and safe as possible.

• Platform and handrails: Ensure the platform for your wheelchair remains level and secure. Check the flooring of the platform to ensure it still has decent grip. Make sure that any support handrails are secure and sturdy.

• Safety features: Regularly test all of the extra safety features included on your wheelchair stairlift. Make sure all edges, seatbelts and gates function as they should. Bear in mind that your safety gates should always lock securely when the lift is in use!

• Wheelchair ramp: Check the wheelchair ramp mechanism for smooth operation. It should deploy and retract without any problems or alarming noises.

• Wheelchair securement: Ensure that any wheelchair securement features are working correctly. These will keep your wheelchair (and you!) stable during transit.

Maintaining these aspects will keep your platform stairlift safe and user-friendly. Regular checks and proper care ensure that it provides reliable and secure transport for wheelchair users.

Find your stairlift match at the best price with SpotDif

We hope these stairlift servicing and maintenance tips have helped you make the most of your stairlift. Remember — if there’s anything on your stairlift that you’re not sure about, it’s always worth contacting your manufacturer so they can take a better look for you to identify any issues. Who knows, it may even save you some time and money in the long-run!

Don’t forget — if you’re considering buying a new stairlift or need to compare the different models, we’re here to help. Visit our stairlift comparison form today to help you get started with your search.