Does your home have a sliding shower bench used by an elder or someone else that experiences mobility issues?
These are not cheap devices and sometimes it’s hard to get insurance to cover them. This makes it all the more important to ensure you’re properly caring for your investment.
Here are the high-level pointers to keep that bench clean, dry, and protected against corrosion and mold.
Wipe Dry After Every Use
Water is the enemy here, and unfortunately in the bathroom it’s going to be a problem. Water on exposed metal surfaces can cause rust or corrosion and water on synthetics like vinyl can result in mold and mildew growth.
After every use, wipe the transfer bench clean with a dry rag. Pay close attention to the seat where water can pool, underneath the seat, and the sliding rails. Keeping it clean and dry is the most important step to preventing damage.
Where necessary, you can use warm water and soap or another mild detergent to clean the bench, just make sure as usual to dry it thoroughly afterwards.
Don’t Use Abrasive Cleaners
While it might seem attractive to use abrasive cleaners to get soap scum and scale off of a transfer bench, don’t use them. Prevention is better than removal and keeping the bench clean will serve that end.
Anyway, using abrasive cleaners can damage any protecting coatings on exposed metal parts and can also result in premature degradation to soft components like the seat or seat covers. A little warm water and soap should be all you need if you are fastidious about drying it after every use.
Don’t Use Harsh Chemical Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners like bleach or strong vinegar are a no-go here. They can eat protective coatings, discolor synthetics, and break down polymers, like vinyl, as well. This means if you use them you’ll actually be shortening the lifespan of your sliding shower bench.
On Lubrication and Corrosion Prevention
Special treatments like machine oil and WD-40 can offer two important functions: lubrication and water displacement.
Applying some oil or WD-40 to the rails can help the seat slide smoothly and will also help drive out water and protect against corrosion. At the same time, if the bench has a swivel seat, you might also want to remove the seat periodically and apply some to the pivot mechanism.
However, it is critical to note that some sliding transfer benches specifically advise the owner against the use of lubricants. Read your owner’s manual to be sure before you use any.
Keep the Bathroom As Dry As Practical
The last suggestion has to do more with environmental constancy than it has to do with active maintenance of the sliding shower bench itself, but it will make a difference.
Bathrooms are constantly warm, humid environments, and that’s not good for a sliding shower bench. When in the bathroom, run the fan to help remove excess moisture from the air, and after use, leave the door open to allow it to dry.
Doing so will not make a huge difference, but it will ensure that the environment to which the sliding bench is exposed is not so chronically wet.
Still Shopping for a Sliding Shower Bench?
Did you land here accidentally in your search for a sliding shower bench? Check out SolutionBased. They sell a wide range of transfer benches, small bathroom benches, shower chairs, and much more.
Their products feature simple operation and durable construction and there are many different series to meet the varying layouts of many different bathrooms. Check out their catalog online and get in touch with them directly if you need further assistance.
