How to care for your riser recliner chair

Riser recliner chairs are an essential mobility aid for anyone who needs a bit of extra help getting in and out of a seated position. Like most mechanical mobility aids, safety and proper care are really important if you want to get the most out of your chair.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through some simple checks and tips to help you look after your riser recliner. While we always recommend having it professionally serviced once in a while, there are plenty of things you or your carer can do to keep it in great working order.

How to use it safely

It's important to take care when using a riser recliner as it will it give you more years of enjoyment and also reduce risk of injuries:

• Ideally, always plug directly into a wall socket.
• Alternatively, use a good-quality extension lead.
• Don’t cover or place anything near the external transformer.
• Store the controller in the side pocket to avoid sitting on it.
• Leave the chair in its upright position when not in use.
• Keep the area around the chair clear.
• Ensure the chair is level before operating it after moving.

Looking After the Mechanism

The mechanics inside a riser recliner chair are more complex than you might think. Using the chair in a way it wasn’t designed for can cause serious damage — and repairs can be costly.

• Don’t lean on the back of the chair when fully reclined.
• Avoid sitting or kneeling on the footrest.
• Keep the remote control out of the way before sitting down.

Fabric and Upholstery Care

A clean chair is not only more pleasant to sit in; it can also help extend its life. 

• Clean regularly to remove grime and crumbs.
• Check for signs of wear and repair them early.
• Use upholstery-safe cleaners such as the CareCo Fabric Care Kit and Leather Care Kits.
• Call a professional cleaner or upholsterer for serious damage or stains.

Caring for the Electronics

The chair's electrics need to be maintained and checked.

• Check cables and the controller for signs of wear or damage.
• Replace the backup battery (usually 9V) regularly.
• Check electrics are fully dry after accidental spillages.
• Only use the chair indoors.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Setting it up correctly

Ensuring it is set up correctly to start will help keep it in good condition too. Watch our video guide here:

A Few Final Thoughts

It's not hard to look after your riser recliner, and following the above tips will add years to your enjoyment and comfort, and mean you won't need to replace it in a hurry. 

Although it is easy to do the basics yourself, it is a good idea to have your chair serviced annually by a professional who can check the motor, cables and upholstery for you. 

A good riser recliner, when looked after well, can last for many years, even decades. Look after your chair, and it will look after you.

Shop our range of riser recliners here.