How To Clean Podiatry Chairs & Couches

A podiatry patient chair or couch is one of the most prominent features of any clinic or surgery. You want it to look clean and presentable, doing all you can to ensure it lasts for many years. As well as an annual service there are several steps you can take to keep the upholstery of a podiatry couch in tip top condition. Whilst more modern coloured vinyl‘s are very durable, marks and stains can be a real eye sore and give patients the impression that a clinic is in some way unclean.

Although some preparations used by podiatrists such as silver nitrate are impossible to remove, we will run through some basic steps for routine cleaning to help keep your podiatry chair or couch, clean and tidy.

Please note that frequency of routine couch cleaning will depend on exact application and practice/clinic location.

To help prevent marks and stains in the first place it is a good idea to cover vinyl with fresh paper or sheet between patients. Some patient chair manufacturers offer covers for vulnerable parts such as leg rests. Ask your supplier for more information. If contamination is known or suspected always decontaminate a couch before use.

Initial Steps:

• Wear suitable protective clothing.
• Disconnect mains supply.
• Disengage any casters or make sure wheels are locked.
• Put paper towel around the base to mop up any fluid spilt from cleaning.

1. Control handsets or foot controls can be wiped over using a 70% Isopropanol alcohol wipe but NOT the upholstery.
2. Prepare a solution of warm water and neutral detergent, or use non alcohol based hard surface wipes.
3. Start at the top of the couch and work your way downwards.
4. Wipe over head end working towards the middle.
5. Wipe over remaining horizontal patient surface, working towards foot and leg pads.
6. Wipe over shroud (if fitted).
7. Wipe over all parts of wheels (if fitted).
8. Ensure all parts of the couch are dry before re-use.
9. Safely discard cleaning materials.
10. Wash hands thoroughly.

If your clinic performs nail surgery or you are undergoing a full decontamination then repeat steps 1) to 10) using a dilute Hypochlorite / warm water mixture (10,000 ppm) instead of warm water and soap.

Top tips for dealing with stains

It is a good idea to remove stains immediately as otherwise they may become permanent or damage the vinyl. Be careful in particular with suntan oil, insect repellents and make-up.

Remove the remains of the soap with a clean damp cloth and then dry the chair with a towel. Use luke warm water and do not saturate the upholstery. Make sure that you dry the seams properly.

Stubborn stains can generally be removed with isopropyl alcohol from the chemist’s or podiatry supplier; make sure that you wipe any excess off with a damp cloth, keeping contact to a minimum.

If the stains cannot be removed from the upholstery, contact your supplier. NEVER use abrasives, pan sponges, bleach or solvents such as methylated spirits, benzene or acetone. These may make the upholstery or plastic housings dull or damage them.

If you have any tips you’ve come across when cleaning your podiatry chair or couch then why not leave a comment below.