A rollator is more than just a financial investment; it's an investment in your health and mobility. While it is important to select the rollator that is going to have the most significant positive impact on your life, it is equally important to maintain that rollator once it arrives. After all, you want a rollator that keeps you mobile for years to come.
We understand what a profound impact a walking aid can have on a person's life, which is why we are proud to stock a wide range of rollators that stand the test of time. However, it helps to know exactly how to get the best out of your equipment. So, let's take a look through our comprehensive rollator maintenance guide.
How Often Should You Service Your Rollator?
Your rollator maintenance should range from daily habits to thorough monthly checks to make sure every single part of your walking aid is operating at full capacity. Catching any potential problems nice and early keeps them from turning into major and expensive issues.
Daily checks:
- Before heading out, give the brakes a quick check to make sure they are in safe and working order.
- Make sure the frame feels stable and secure under your weight.
- Take a few steps with the rollator to make sure the wheels are rolling smoothly.
- Listen out for any strange noises or loose parts.
- Keep an eye out for anything that looks out of the ordinary.
Weekly checks:
- Give the frame and handles a wipe down to promote hygiene and cleanliness.
- Remove any dirt or hair from the wheels to keep them moving.
- Make sure the rollator is dry after use, especially the wheels.
- Check the seat for any wear and tear that may impact use.
- Check any additional accessories to make sure they are securely attached and clean.
Monthly checks:
- Give the brakes a thorough test and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they are effective, especially when travelling downhill.
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts on the rollator to prevent any breakages.
- Check the wheels for wear, wobbles, or uneven rolling that may impact use.
- Make sure the rollator folds as it should without any indications of an upcoming issue.
Yearly checks:
- We advise that you take your rollator to a trained professional for a check-up once a year to adjust the brakes, inspect structural safety, check performance levels, replace worn parts, and more.
- If you use your rollator outdoors and/or on rough terrain, we recommend getting it serviced once every six months to maintain a good level of safety.
Cleaning Your Rollator: What to Use (and What to Avoid)
Cleaning your rollator is such an important step to increase its lifespan. You should also treat your rollator as an extension of yourself. After all, drivers often show pride in the cleanliness of their cars, so why wouldn't you show the same level of respect towards your walking aid?
Fortunately, cleaning a rollator could not be any easier. All you need is the following:
- Warm water with mild soap
- A soft cloth
- A gentle all-purpose cleaner and/or disinfectant
- A soft brush
Remember, different parts of your rollator are made using different materials, and so may require a slightly different approach when cleaning. Don't worry, we've got you covered.
- Frame – Wipe the frame down with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth, including all joints and connections. Remember to dry the rollator after cleaning to prevent rust.
- Handlebars – Use disinfectant spray or wipes to prevent any pesky germs. If the handlebars are padded or foam, do not soak them. You should also dry them after disinfecting to maintain the grip.
- Wheels – Use a soft brush to get rid of any dirt that may impact performance. Wipe away any mud and make sure to get in and around the wheel axles too, where a build-up of debris can stop the wheels performing properly.
- Seat and bag – Wipe the seat down with warm, soapy water. Make sure to dry it after washing. Fabric bags often only need mild spot cleaning with detergent. We also recommend shaking the bag out to get rid of any fluff and dirt lingering at the bottom.
- Accessories – Depending on the material, it is usually a good idea to wipe down, disinfect, and dry your rollator accessories too.
Do not use the following products when cleaning your rollator:
- Avoid using any harsh cleaning products or bleaches, as they may damage your rollator.
- Wire wool or rough sponges can scratch the frame. The last thing you want to do is damage the paint.
- Avoid soaking handlebars or padded seats to keep them firm and grippy.
- Do not use oil-based cleaners on the brakes or handles, as they may negatively impact performance and safety.
Checking and Adjusting the Brakes
It is so important to regularly test your rollator brakes, and to know when a professional is required to return them to a safe standard. We recommend carrying out the following daily or weekly checks:
- Squeeze the brakes to make sure they respond.
- Test the rollator on a downward slope to make sure the brakes work.
- The rollator should not pull to one side, and the brake should stop the wheel it is connected to from moving.
- Any parking brakes should remain firmly locked without movement or resistance.
If you notice any of the following, we urge you to take your rollator to a professional for maintenance:
- Loose or spongy brakes
- Rollator pulls to one side under braking
- Parking brake does not remain on
- Damaged cables
- Loose bolts
- Worn brake pads
- Cracked brake housing
The vast majority of rollators allow you to use the cable adjuster near the handle or wheel to adjust your brakes yourself. Make small adjustments, test, and repeat until your brakes work perfectly. If the brakes still do not work properly after a DIY fix, or you notice significant damage to the cables, please call in a professional, as your rollator may require new parts.
Wheels: Keeping Things Rolling Smoothly
Your rollator's wheels take on a lot of the strain of day-to-day movement, so it is critically important to take care of them. We recommend carrying out daily or weekly checks to clean, remove debris, and tighten any loose wheels. The wheels should spin smoothly without any wobble or resistance. If a wheel is not moving as it should, try tightening any loose fittings. You may require brand-new wheels if you notice any of the following issues:
- There is significant physical damage to the wheels.
- The fittings are broken or missing.
- The wheels are unstable and unsafe.
- The rollator pulls in one direction.
- The wheel tread is severely worn down.
Height and Posture Adjustments
It is important to maintain the correct rollator height to promote good posture and comfortable use. Your rollator should not only be able to get you from A to B, but do so without significant pain. A gentle reminder that a poorly adjusted rollator can cause as many problems as a worn one. Your posture may also change over time, so it is important to keep an eye on things and adjust accordingly.
Folding Mechanisms and Moving Parts
If you have a rollator that folds for easy transport, it is important to look after all the moving parts. That means maintaining the frame mounts, locking clips, folding cross frame, hinges, bolts, and more. Keep the moving parts of your rollator clean and free from dirt or debris to prevent malfunctions. You should also keep them lubricated for ease of motion. Ensure that all nuts and bolts are tight and use a thread locker where needed. Your rollator should always remain securely in the correct position while you are using it or folding it. Just make sure you have the correct tools for your specific rollator.
When to Replace Parts and When to Replace the Rollator
The simple answer is that parts should be replaced as and when they stop working to a high standard. Keep an eye on your rollator's performance levels and invest in manufacturer replacement parts accordingly.
If and when you need replacement rollator parts, or a brand-new rollator itself, you can find the very best products on the market at Assist Mobility. All products listed on our website are rigorously researched and approved by our team of experts.
Final Thoughts
Buying a rollator that will improve your life is only step one. Keeping it in good working order is just as important as the initial investment. You wouldn't drive a car on the road without an MOT, so make sure you carry out your daily, weekly, and monthly rollator checks, whilst also taking your walking aid to a professional at least once per year.
For any questions, advice, replacement parts, or brand-new rollators, please do not hesitate to contact us