How to Look After Your Lift Recline Chair (So It Keeps Looking After You)

A lift recline chair isn’t just furniture — it’s a mobility essential. Whether you rely on it for comfort, independence, or safety, keeping your chair in good working order is a must. With a little care, your chair can stay supportive and smooth-moving for years to come.

Here’s your go-to guide for daily use, smart cleaning, and proactive maintenance — straight from the chair care experts (that’s us) and backed by top resources in the industry.

Before You Plug It In: Set It Up for Success

Before the first sit-down, prep your space.

• Power safely: Plug the chair directly into a nearby outlet — no extension cords, no power boards. This minimises fire risk and ensures the motor gets the juice it needs.
• Mind the cord: Route it safely behind or under furniture so it’s never a tripping hazard.
• Leave room to move: Your chair will recline and lift, so make sure there’s enough clearance behind and in front. Don’t place it against a wall or too close to coffee tables.
• Ditch the rugs: Rugs under your chair can jam the mechanism — best to keep the area clear.

According to Ambassador Products, correct positioning and power management are crucial for preventing avoidable wear and tear.

Learn the Controls (Yes, All the Buttons)

Modern lift recliners are powerhouses — some come with up to four motors, each one adjusting a different part of the chair. So take a few minutes to read your manual (we know, not the most thrilling read) and actually test the buttons.

Explore:

• Backrest and legrest control
• Lumbar or headrest adjustment (if available)
• Stand-assist and recline modes
• Backup battery operation

Getting familiar now saves confusion later — especially in urgent situations where you need to change positions quickly.

Daily TLC: How to Clean Your Lift Recline Chair

Lift chairs live in high-traffic spots. That means crumbs, dust, pet fur, and the occasional spill. Routine cleaning helps prevent stains, smells, and mechanical issues.

For All Chairs:

• Vacuum weekly: Use the upholstery brush on your vacuum to go over all cushions, seams, and underneath the chair.
• Wipe the remote: Use a soft damp cloth to wipe the hand control (especially during cold and flu season).
• Clean the power pack: Unplug the chair and gently dust or wipe the transformer box and cord.
• Let it dry: Never plug it back in while wet.

Pride Mobility recommends unplugging your chair before any cleaning and using only damp (not soaked) cloths around electronics.

Fabric Cleaning: Gentle, Not Guesswork

Not all fabrics are created equal. Some lift chairs are upholstered in leather or faux leather. Others come in soft-touch microsuede, velvet, or antibacterial performance fabric.

Always check your care tag, but here’s a general guide:

• Vacuum first to remove surface dust and dirt.
• Spot clean stains with water and a soft cloth — avoid rubbing too hard.
• Avoid harsh chemicals unless your manual specifically says they’re safe.
• Use a fabric protector if you want an extra barrier against spills and smells.

For deep cleans or persistent stains, a professional upholstery cleaner is your safest bet.

Bonus tip: Want to make life even easier? Use a washable lift chair protector — they catch crumbs and are machine-wash friendly.

Keep It Running Smooth: Servicing & Maintenance

Your lift recline chair isn’t just furniture — it’s a powered piece of mobility equipment. And like any moving machine, it needs regular TLC to stay safe, comfy, and reliable.

Why Servicing Matters

Even if your chair feels fine, components like motors, wiring, and reclining mechanisms can wear down over time. Regular servicing helps catch small issues before they become expensive repairs — or worse, safety hazards.

Most manufacturers recommend a professional service every 12 months. Here’s what a typical maintenance check should include:

• Inspecting power cords for frays, wear, or potential trip hazards
• Testing all motors and backup batteries to ensure smooth, consistent performance
• Lubricating moving parts, including hinges and lift mechanisms, to prevent grinding and sticking
• Checking fasteners and joints to ensure your chair’s frame remains stable and supportive
• Reviewing seat and back cushions to make sure they’re still offering proper pressure relief and posture support

And yes — even your backup battery needs attention. According to Electric Wheelchairs USA, a dead battery during a power outage isn’t just frustrating — it can be a real risk if you rely on the lift function to stand safely.

What NOT to Do

It might be tempting to poke around yourself if something seems off — but we strongly recommend against DIY fixes, especially for electrical issues. As Pride Mobility notes, opening the internal components can void your warranty and may do more harm than good.

Pro Tips:

• If you hear grinding, clicking, or humming, unplug the chair and contact the retailer for advice.
• If your chair’s movements are slowing down, it could be the motor or just a simple cleaning/lubrication fix.
• If cushions are sagging or uneven, that’s a cue to check foam integrity or swap out for new support inserts.

Smart Use = Long Life

The best thing you can do for your lift chair? Use it with intention.

✅ Don’t overload it — stick to the weight limit

✅ Don’t yank or force the recline

✅ Don’t let pets burrow into the motorised parts (they will try)

✅ Don’t treat it like a ladder or lean over the back

And remember, even the best chairs have a lifespan. If yours starts losing support or reliability, it might be time to upgrade.

Need Help? We’ve Got You.

At Mobility Hub, we’re not just here to sell you a lift recline chair — we’re here to make sure you get the right one and know how to get the most out of it.

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Got a question? Call us on 1300 60 44 99

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