Just like any household equipment, your stairlift needs regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure it runs smoothly and lasts longer. Knowing how to care for your stairlift properly will help reduce breakdowns and keep it safe to use every day. Some tasks can be carried out by yourself or with the help of a friend or family member, while others are best left to a qualified stairlift engineer.
Cleaning Your Stairlift
A stairlift should be cleaned regularly to prevent dust and dirt from affecting its performance.
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Seat and Carriage: Wipe down weekly with a dry cloth or feather duster. For stubborn dust, use a slightly damp cloth but always dry thoroughly afterwards.
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Track: Lightly dust the track, but for more thorough cleaning, it’s best to ask a family member or professional technician.
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Safety Tip: Always clean the stairlift when it is parked at the bottom of the stairs to avoid tripping hazards.
Lubricating the Track
The stairlift track should be lubricated every few months to keep the movement smooth and quiet.
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Always turn off the stairlift before lubricating.
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Start with a clean track—dust and residue should be wiped away using a damp cloth.
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Apply a very small amount of stairlift-specific lubricant. Too much lubricant can cause rollers to slide instead of roll, creating safety issues.
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Avoid lubricating the chain, as this can damage the mechanism.
Tip: If you experience finger or joint pain, ask a family member or a professional engineer to assist, as this process requires precision.
Listen to the sound of a stairlift before it is serviced and lubricated in the video below.
After Servicing & Lubricating Your Stairlift
Listen to the sound of the stairlift after it is serviced and lubricated in the video below.
It sounds a lot cleaner and smoother.
Lubricating the Track
The stairlift track should be lubricated every few months to keep the movement smooth and quiet.
-
Always turn off the stairlift before lubricating.
-
Start with a clean track—dust and residue should be wiped away using a damp cloth.
-
Apply a very small amount of stairlift-specific lubricant. Too much lubricant can cause rollers to slide instead of roll, creating safety issues.
-
Avoid lubricating the chain, as this can damage the mechanism.
Tip: If you experience finger or joint pain, ask a family member or a professional engineer to assist, as this process requires precision.
Why Servicing is Essential
Even with regular cleaning, stairlifts benefit from an annual professional service. A trained engineer can:
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Carry out deep cleaning and correct lubrication
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Spot worn or damaged parts early
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Ensure safety features are working correctly
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Prevent costly emergency repairs
Just like a car service, routine stairlift maintenance greatly reduces the risk of unexpected problems.
What Not to Do
One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong cleaning products.
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Never use solvents, bleaches, or abrasive cleaners; they can damage delicate parts, reduce roller friction, and even cause the stairlift to shut down.
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Only use soft, non-abrasive cloths and stairlift-safe cleaning solutions if needed.
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Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual before attempting any maintenance.
Professional Stairlift Servicing in Ireland
A well-maintained stairlift ensures years of safe, reliable service. Regular cleaning, proper lubrication, and annual professional servicing will keep it running smoothly while giving you peace of mind.
👉 At Irish Stairlifts, we don’t just provide stairlift services — we offer complete mobility solutions to help you live comfortably and independently at home. From stairlifts, wet rooms, and through-floor lifts to ramps, rails, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and electric wheelchairs, our team is here to support every need.
👉 Call us today on 016167079 or 045 892696, or book online today.