Spring is just around the corner, which means it time to give everything a clean. Your wheelchair ramp gets heavy use during the winter months, and may not be possible to clean during wet and cold weather. Spring is a great time to give it some TLC. Not only will it look better, but it is a good opportunity to check for damage and wear. Follow the tips below to ensure your ramp is still in great shape.
Choose the right time to clean your wheelchair ramp
Make sure you don’t start cleaning your ramp, or hire someone to clean it, when you know you will need to use it. It may be out of action for an hour or more, so time it for a day when you know you won’t have to leave the house in a hurry. Also check the temperature because excess water may freeze if there is a sudden temperature drop, which will be dangerous. Try to choose a dry day so that it has a chance to dry out, and the person cleaning it doesn’t get wet.
Clear debris from your wheelchair ramp
The first step is to make sure all mud, leaves and dust is removed from the ramp. Brush the ramp with a broom, starting at the top and working your way to the bottom. The edge guards will stop you brushing everything off the side, so it may take a while. A stiff bristled broom is recommended to make sure you get all the dirt out of the grooves of the ramp.
Clean with detergent
After thoroughly brushing the wheelchair ramp, wash it with water and a mild detergent such as washing up liquid. Add the detergent first, spreading generously over the whole ramp. For areas with particularly bad dirt build up, apply a concentrated amount and work in with a sponge or brush. When it has sat for a while use a hose or light pressure washer to remove the soap and dirt. It’s vital that you make sure all the soap is washed off before using the ramp or it could be very slippery and hazardous.
Go over stubborn stains
There may be areas of dirt that can’t be removed with a hose. Use a gentle scourer and washing up liquid to attack these. However, don’t be tempted to use a harsh detergent or bleach to clean these areas. You may end up damaging the materials that the ramp is made of. If you are unsure on how your ramp should be cleaned, contact the manufacturer for advice.