Dealing with Wheelchair Stains

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated December 31, 2018)

For those who have to live with the help of a wheelchair, life is often comes with a double edged sword. While they are able to get around with relative ease, new types of messes are usually produced that have to be dealt with. Some examples of these stains or other problems are nicks, dents, divots, tire tracks, rubber smudges, and so on. All of these are easily dealt with or even prevented if you only keep in mind a few simple guidelines.

  • Protect the lower walls. Take a little bit of time, and prepare the walls to help protect them from any possible damage by installing some plastic molding. There are two basic types that you can use, either stick-on or nail on molding. These two types are also available in clear or colored variations. Use which ever one will work best with your home decor.
  • Have separate wheelchairs. One possible way to prevent dirt tracks, or other problems from the wheels of your wheelchair is to actually have specific wheelchairs for indoor use and for outdoor use. By having these dedicated wheelchairs you can prevent any outdoor mud or dirt from getting inside and on your carpeting and flooring. In addition, if your indoor wheelchair has the right kind of wheels you will be able to prevent rubber marks from getting on the flooring or on the walls.
  • Use Windex, or glass cleaner. By using Windex or some other type of glass cleaner, you can remove most kinds of rubber marks from flooring. Simply spray a little bit of the cleaner onto a plastic scrubbie sheet, and rub away the stain. Be careful when you do this though, so that you do not damage the flooring material, or inadvertently gouge the flooring in any way.
  • Denatured rubbing alcohol will work. You can use denatured rubbing alcohol in much the same way as glass cleaner. Be sure that you are using a soft lint-free rag when cleaning the rubber marks from the floor. This method can often be used to work on most any surface.
  • WD-40 will work if you are careful. WD-40 will also work on removing most types of stains. However, you will need to test sparingly in an inconspicuous are first. The reason for this is that WD-40 can potentially damage the some surfaces. Be aware that WD-40 will make the surface you apply it to very slippery, so you will want to remove as much of the WD-40 as you possibly can after you have cleaned the mess. To do this you will want to use a soft lint-free rag, which has good absorption abilities. Simply moisten the rag with a little bit of rubbing alcohol, and then rub to remove the WD-40.
  • Specialized sprays. You can also purchase a specialized cleaning spray from the wheelchair vendor. This type of spray is extremely effective, but it is also fairly expensive. While it will work, there are often other less expensive cleaning agents that you can use.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

MORE FROM LEE

Environmentally Safe Rodent Repellent

Are you afraid of using harsh chemicals or dangerous traps to get rid of, or prevent rodents from coming around your ...

Discover More

Choosing the Right Shape for Your Greenhouse

Installing a greenhouse can be a great project for any gardener, and can be a wonderful addition to any landscaping ...

Discover More

Making Matzo Bread

Matzo bread is an unleavened bread that has long been an element of a traditional Passover meal. One of the great things ...

Discover More

The Power of Microfiber! Zwipes Microfiber Cleaning Cloths will become your favorite tool for every cleaning task. This 36-cloth package is perfect for hundreds of uses in the garage, kitchen, bathroom, laundry, and all around the house. Each cloth is tough, streak-free, lint-free, reusable, and washable. Check out Microfiber Cleaning Cloths today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Tools

Do you want to make cleaning in your home simpler and more efficient? Be sure you have the right cleaning tools on hand ...

Discover More

Teaching Your Children to Recycle

Recycling can seem like a chore, but getting kids excited about it can help get them to recycle, too. There are many fun ...

Discover More

Top Tips for Spring Cleaning

If you make spring cleaning a family tradition, they will learn that it is expected. Make a schedule for each room, and ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is five less than 6?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.