When I started out as an assistive living devices supplier ten years ago, I quickly learned something that set me apart from so many other providers in this space: most people think buying the device is the hard part. The reality? Keeping that device working safely for years is the real challenge—and cleaning and sanitizing it correctly is the cornerstone of that. I still remember the first time a customer brought back a wheelchair they’d had for just six months, saying it smelled, stuck every time they tried to push it, and their family was worried about germs. When I looked at it, I found dried food under the armrest pads, dirt caked in the wheel spokes, and a grimy residue on the brake levers that had started to rust. That experience stuck with me, because it taught me that good care starts with knowing how to actually clean and sanitize assistive living devices properly—not just wiping them down once a month. Assistive Living Devices
Before I dive into the step-by-step, let’s get one thing straight: cleaning and sanitizing are not the same. Cleaning is the process of removing visible dirt, food, and germs from surfaces, which is essential because sanitizers can’t work as intended on dirty grime. Sanitizing, on the other hand, is reducing the number of harmful microorganisms to safe levels, which is critical for anyone using assistive devices—especially older adults, people with compromised immune systems, or those who use devices that come into direct contact with skin (like wheelchairs, walkers, bath seats, or feeding aids). As a supplier, I’ve spent years testing different products and techniques, and I always tell my customers: the best routine is simple, consistent, and tailored to the specific device they own.
Let’s start with the basics of pre-cleaning, because skipping this step is the most common mistake I see customers make. Whether it’s a wheelchair, a rollator walker, a shower chair, a grab bar, or a communication device, you need to start with a dry wipe to get rid of loose dirt first. For example, when it comes to wheelchairs, I tell customers to use a soft-bristled brush to gently dislodge dirt from wheel spokes, crevices in the frame, and under seat cushions before applying any liquid. Loose dirt is abrasive—if you scrub it around on surfaces with a wet cloth, it can scratch plastic, metal, or upholstery over time, leading to premature wear that makes the device less safe. For devices with soft or fabric parts, like wheelchair seat covers or walker grips, I always recommend a dry lint roller first to pick up crumbs and pet hair that would otherwise turn into sticky, hard-to-remove gunk when wet.
Once you’ve removed loose debris, the next step is cleaning with a gentle, pH-neutral soap and warm water. This is where I see a lot of customers go wrong: they use harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners that are meant for floors or countertops, and those can damage the materials of assistive devices. For instance, bleach can break down the plastic on wheelchair armrests over time, causing it to crack and become unsafe. Ammonia can irritate skin and eyes, which is a big deal for users who spend hours leaning on their walker grips or sitting in their wheelchair. I always recommend a mild dish soap—like the kind you use to wash dishes by hand—or a cleaner specifically formulated for medical devices. These cleaners are gentle enough not to scratch or corrode metal, fade fabric, or damage electronic components.
When cleaning, it’s important to focus on high-touch areas first. These are the parts of the device that come into contact with hands, arms, and bodies multiple times a day, and they’re where germs build up the most. For a wheelchair, that means the brake levers, armrest pads, push handles, seat cushion, and footrests. For a rollator walker, it’s the handgrips, steering bar, and seat. For a shower chair, it’s the seat surface, backrest, and armrests, which get wet every time someone uses it. For feeding aids like weighted utensils or plate guards, it’s the handles and the parts that touch food. I always tell customers to use a soft microfiber cloth—they’re non-abrasive, pick up dirt well, and don’t leave lint behind. For tight crevices, like between wheel spokes or around the bolts on a walker, a old toothbrush works perfectly, just make sure it’s clean before you use it.
After you’ve cleaned all surfaces, it’s time to sanitize. This is a step that’s often skipped for devices that don’t look dirty, but it’s just as important as cleaning, especially in spaces where multiple people might use the same device (like in an assisted living facility or a home where family members share devices) or for users with weaker immune systems. The key here is to use a sanitizer that’s approved for use on medical devices, and to follow the contact time listed on the product label. Contact time is the amount of time the sanitizer needs to stay wet on the surface to kill germs—usually 30 seconds to one minute, but sometimes longer. If you wipe it off too soon, it won’t do its job.
There are two safe, easy sanitizing options that I recommend to all my customers, and they both work for most assistive devices. The first is a solution of ¼ cup of plain, unscented household bleach mixed with one gallon of cool water. It’s cheap, effective, and easy to make, but there are a few rules to follow: never use more bleach than that, because it can discolor fabric and damage metal. Also, don’t mix it with any other cleaners, especially ammonia, because that can create toxic fumes. The second option is rubbing alcohol with at least 70% alcohol content. This works great for electronic components, like the controls on a motorized wheelchair or a communication device, because it evaporates quickly without leaving water damage. Just make sure you don’t use 90% or higher alcohol, because it can dry out and crack rubber parts like grips or wheel tires over time.
Now, let’s break down specific cleaning and sanitizing steps for some of the most common assistive devices, because each one has its own unique needs.
For manual wheelchairs: First, remove any accessories like cup holders or backpacks, and take off the seat cushion if it’s removable. Use a dry brush to get rid of loose dirt, then mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water in a bucket. Dip your microfiber cloth in the solution, wring it out well (you don’t want it dripping wet, because water can get into the wheel bearings and cause rust), and wipe down the frame, armrests, brake levers, push handles, and footrests. For the wheels, you can remove them if they’re easy to take off (most are) and scrub the spokes with a toothbrush in the soapy water. For the seat cushion, if it’s fabric, check the care label—most can be spot cleaned with soap and water, or machine washed on a gentle cycle if they’re removable. Never put a molded foam cushion in the washing machine, because that can damage the foam. Once everything is clean, apply your sanitizer solution to high-touch areas, wait the recommended contact time, then wipe dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots or rust.
For rollator walkers: These are used by people who need a little more support than a wheelchair, and they have moving parts that need extra care. Start by checking all the bolts and joints to make sure they’re tight, because dirt can make them sticky and hard to adjust. Use a dry cloth to wipe off the handgrips, then clean them with soapy water. If the grips are rubber, avoid getting too much water on them, because it can cause them to slip. For the wheels, spin them while you brush dirt away from the axles. When sanitizing, pay extra attention to the steering bar and the seat, since those get a lot of hand contact. If your walker has a basket, take it off and wash it separately—many are fabric and can be machine washed. For moving parts like the brake cables, a light wipe with a dry cloth is usually enough, but if they’re sticky, you can use a tiny bit of silicone lubricant (never oil) to keep them moving smoothly.
For bath and shower devices: Shower chairs, bath seats, and grab bars get wet every time you use them, so cleaning them regularly is extra important because mold and mildew love moist environments. Start by taking the device out of the shower or tub, because cleaning it in place means you’re spreading germs around the area. Use a soft brush to scrub all surfaces with mild soap and warm water, paying close attention to the gaps where the seat meets the frame, because that’s where mold grows. For grab bars, don’t forget the suction cups if they’re suction-style—those can get slimy and lose their grip if not cleaned. When sanitizing, you can use the bleach solution or 70% rubbing alcohol, but make sure you rinse everything thoroughly after sanitizing, because leftover bleach or alcohol can irritate sensitive skin. Let the device dry completely in a well-ventilated area before putting it back—never store a wet bath device, because that will lead to mold and mildew that’s hard to remove.
For motorized devices like power wheelchairs or mobility scooters: These have electronic parts that can be damaged by water, so you need to be extra careful here. Never spray water directly onto the motor, battery, or control panel—use a damp (not wet) cloth to wipe down all surfaces. For the frame, you can use a soft brush to get dirt out of crevices, but avoid getting water on the battery compartment. For the controls and joystick, use 70% rubbing alcohol on a cloth to sanitize, because it evaporates quickly and doesn’t cause water damage. Never use harsh cleaners on electronic parts, and if you’re unsure about a specific component, check the manufacturer’s instructions— I always provide a quick reference guide with every device I sell, and I tell customers to keep it on hand for specific cleaning questions.
There are also some general best practices that apply to all assistive devices, no matter what type they are. First, create a regular cleaning schedule. For devices that are used every day, I recommend a quick clean once a week with soapy water, and a deep sanitize once a month. If the device gets spilled on, has food crumbs, or is used by someone with a weakened immune system, you should clean and sanitize it right away—don’t wait for your scheduled routine. Second, always dry the device completely after cleaning and sanitizing. Water is the enemy of assistive devices— it causes rust, mold, and can damage electronics, so taking a few extra minutes to wipe it down and let it air dry is one of the most important things you can do to extend its life. Third, inspect the device after cleaning. This is a chance to check for any loose bolts, cracked plastic, worn tires, or sticking parts that could become a safety hazard. I always tell customers that if they notice something wrong after cleaning, they should reach out to me before using the device again— I can help with small repairs, or replace a part if needed, to keep the user safe.
As a supplier, I also work closely with customers who use their devices in assisted living facilities, group homes, or shared spaces. For these settings, where multiple people might use the same device, I emphasize daily cleaning and more frequent sanitizing—every three days is a good rule. I also provide bulk sanitizing solutions and easy-to-clean replacement parts for these customers, because they need products that are durable and easy to maintain in high-use environments. One of my recent customers is a small assisted living facility that had been having issues with shared wheelchairs causing skin irritation and even minor infections in some residents. After I walked their staff through the proper cleaning and sanitizing routine, they reported back that not only did they have fewer issues, but their devices were lasting longer too—they replaced two fewer wheelchairs in a year, which saved them a lot of money. That’s the best part of my job: helping people not just buy a device, but care for it in a way that keeps users safe and healthy.
I also want to address a common worry I hear: “I don’t have time to do all this cleaning, and I don’t want to damage my device.” That’s why I always keep the routine simple— it doesn’t have to take more than 10 or 15 minutes a week, and as long as you use the right gentle products, you won’t damage your device. The key is consistency, not perfection. Even a quick wipe down of high-touch areas every day can go a long way in preventing germs and dirt buildup. For people who struggle with mobility, I offer lightweight, easy-to-grip cleaning tools that make the process easier, because I know that caring for a device should be accessible too, just like using it.
At the end of the day, cleaning and sanitizing assistive living devices isn’t just about keeping them looking good—it’s about keeping users safe. Germs on a device can cause illness, worn parts can lead to falls or injuries, and a sticky, uncomfortable grip can make using the device frustrating and lead to less independence. That’s why I’m always here to help customers with any questions about cleaning their specific devices, whether it’s a simple wheelchair or a more complex motorized mobility scooter. If you’re in need of high-quality assistive living devices that are easy to care for, or if you have questions about maintaining the devices you already own, please don’t hesitate to reach out to discuss your needs.
Shoe Dryer References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities.
World Health Organization (WHO). Hand Hygiene in Health Care: A Guide to Improved Practice.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard Practice for Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sterilization of Medical Devices.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Cleaning and Sanitizing in the Workplace.
National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC). Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Assistive Technology Devices.
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