Advice on Cleaning Your Equipment – Covid-19
Maintenance/Works Policy
It is policy of Stylite Designs to refuse to complete scheduled or unscheduled works to a Stylite frame/seating system if it is brought to us in an unsatisfactory condition. This is to prevent cross contamination.
We do not offer a cleaning service for wheelchairs or seat covers and will not work on seating systems which have an odour and/or appear unclean.
The decision of refusal will be made at the discretion of an appointed Stylite Designs employee. The works will then be rescheduled.
To avoid this from occurring in the future, it is highly recommended that you take good care of your Stylite Designs product by following the guidelines outlined in the above document and keep it in good condition.
Donal Buckley
Managing Director
DECONTAMINATION OF WHEELCHAIRS, CUSHIONS & MOULDED SEATING
1. INTRODUCTION:
In recent times, with Covid-19, it is extremely important you clean and disinfect your equipment and frequently touched surfaces and objects regularly.
The absence of an infection control process between patients using equipment can lead to cross contamination where contagious diseases are spread from surfaces to hands and mouth particularly evident in group settings. Thorough cleaning of your wheelchair is highly recommended.
Everyday use can cause the build up of dirt and grime on a wheelchair. Medical conditions, incontinence, and illness can cause other material to need to be cleaned off the wheelchair. Regularly wiping down the wheelchair will prevent build up. It can be done daily or every few days depending on the amount of use. Simply wiping down the wheelchair will keep it clean and prevent build-up from affecting function. Build up can affect the efficiency of the wheelchair and its lifespan.
Wheelchairs must last because they allow users to function independently and cleaning is an important part of wheelchair maintenance.
2. OBJECTIVES OF POLICY:
(i) To identify and minimize the occurrence of potential infection control risks to wheelchair users and staff associated in dealing with the equipment.
(ii) To ensure that all wheelchair users and/or designated persons are aware of the procedures that must be followed when cleaning equipment on a regular basis.
3. PARTS TO BE CLEANED:
Frame
Cushion covers & upholstery
Wheels, castors
Armrests
Brakes
4. CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT:
(i) Frame:
Dirt and grime can affect the efficiency of wheels and brakes so wheelchair frames should be wiped down regularly, or at the very least weekly, depending on how often the wheelchair is used. A soft washcloth and a nonabrasive cleaner works best to clean the frame. Abrasive cleaners, such as furniture polishes, should not be used because such cleaners could damage wheelchair cushions and harden frames or footrests. If these parts harden they could become more prone to dirt accumulation. A mild detergent can also be used to remove any dirt, grime or sticky spots.
NOTE: for power wheelchairs it is best to avoid water or other fluids to come in contact with electrical parts. This could void the warranty and also be a safety hazard. The non-electrical parts can be wiped down and cleaned regularly. Be sure cleaner doesn’t drip onto electrical parts.
(ii) Wheelchair Cushions & Moulded Seating Covers:
Even if there are no problems with incontinence or food spills, wheelchair cushions can have an odor after a while. It may just be from sweating or from spills, but eventually a seat cushion that is not cleaned regularly will acquire an odor. Even waterproof cushions can absorb moisture or liquids, which can result in odor. Usually cleaning a cushion as soon as the user goes to bed will allow enough time for the cushion to dry after cleaning. In the case that it isn’t, an alternative cushion cover would be recommended for the wheelchair user. Bleach can damage material and cause bleach stains. Be sure all of the cleaner is rinsed off to avoid irritation of the skin when the person is able to have their cushion back on their chair.
Cleaning Recommendations: The cushion cover should be wiped over with warm water and detergent. If the cushion has been exposed to bodily fluids, it should also be wiped over with alcohol wipes.
Where the cushion/mould cover can be removed, it can be machined on a gentle cycle of 30° and left to dry at room temperature (never tumble dry). Wheelchair cushions should be cleaned whenever a user spills something or has a medical emergency that may cause odor.
• Canvas: back canvases should be wiped down with warm water and detergent. If required a soft scrubbing brush can be used for heavy soiling.
(iii) Wheels & Castors:
The wheels of wheelchairs should be wiped down as often as the frames are. The same type of cleaner used on bicycle tires or another type of cleaner that will not leave residue should be used. In addition to dirt and grime, over time wheelchairs can accumulate hair, string, and other materials in the wheel axle or casters. A sharp tool or pick should be used to remove such items. If spot cleaning and wiping down the rear wheels regularly does not clean it to the owner’s liking, try high pressure cleaning with a hose and hot water (remove rear wheels from the frame first). Never use oil-based products on the wheels and castors.
(iv) Armrests:
The area between the armrests and seat cushion accumulate quite a lot of food, dirt and dust particles. Remove the armrests on a regular basis to clean the side of the cushion surface and seat frame.
(v) Brakes:
For the wheelchair brakes or locks they should be kept free of debris and to prevent a loose fit when the chair is locked. Wiping regularly will prevent this from happening.