The Care and Hygiene of Your Wheelchair Cushion

It’s likely that you spend a good part of your morning dressing and grooming yourself. Appearance is important for maintaining your self confidence. How much attention do you give to the cleanliness of your wheelchair? Spending just a few minutes wiping down your chair with a damp cloth can do wonders for your appearance. Even the wheelchair cushion needs attention if you want to make a good impression wherever you go.

wheelchair cushion

Source: custom designs – FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Just how do you take care of your wheelchair cushion? It’s easy once you know the steps.

Clean the Cover

Start by washing the cushion cover regularly. Plan to buy two covers so you can swap them out every couple of days. Wash them on the “delicate” or “gentle” cycle and line dry them to help them last longer.

Wash the Cushion

Next, it’s important to wash the cushion itself every week or two. You can do this easily while bathing or showering. Remove the cushion cover and take the cushion with you into the tub or shower stall. Rinse the cushion and wipe it down with a washcloth and soap. Rinse it thoroughly to remove all the soap and towel dry the cushion. The entire process only takes three to five minutes.

Deep Clean the Cushion

To deodorize your wheelchair cushion, which is important for getting rid of stubborn odors, you need to clean it more thoroughly. If you have an inflatable cushion, first deflate it and close the valves. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one quart of water in a deep wash basin. Another option is to mix one part vinegar with 10 parts water.

Whichever mixture you choose, soak your wheelchair cushion in the solution for several hours. Placing something small and heavy on the cushion, such as a small dumbbell, keeps it fully submerged. Rinse the cushion and let it dry. You may need to repeat the process if the odor continues to linger.

For more tips on taking care of your mobility equipment, please contact MAR-J Medical Supply today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

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