How to Maintain and Extend the Lifespan of Your Pilates Reformer Machine
If you own a Pilates reformer machine at your home, you must clearly understand the need for its maintenance. The reformer machine is a costly piece of equipment, and it comes with several different mechanisms and parts. The parts and mechanisms of a Pilates reformer machine need regular cleaning and maintenance.
Whether you are a relatively new owner of a Pilates machine or doing some research before investing in it, we have compiled some basics of Pilates reformer machine maintenance. These tips will guide and help you keep your machine in good shape for years.
Regular Cleaning for Pilates Reformer Machine
As with any other workout equipment, it is also essential to clean your Pilates reformer machine regularly. Wipe down the metal frame parts with a soapy, wet cloth. For this purpose, you can also use baby wipes for antibacterial cleaning.
Now move on to remove and wash cotton hand loops with a gentle washing machine cycle, and wipe down the carriage tracks with wheels with a household Degreaser. Furthermore, remember to wipe down the upholstery, too.
Keeping your Reformer Machine Well-Oiled
There are plenty of moving parts in a Pilates reformer machine, so you must keep these parts well-oiled. This way, the moving parts will glide smoothly with every use. Apply a light coat of oil to all metal-to-metal contact parts. Furthermore, use white Lithium grease for cleaning the wheels. This process can be repeated every three months to keep your machine in excellent condition.
Maintaining Optimum Performance of Pilates Reformer Machine
Follow our basic guidelines and tools to self-service your Pilates Reformer Machine at home:
Maintaining Hardware
It is essential to periodically ensure that all bolts, nuts, and screws are securely latched. Furthermore, inspect your machine to ensure that all feet are correctly attached, and lock in all the push pins.
Cleansing Upholstery
Clean all upholstery of your machine regularly. Use a soft cloth and couple it with a non-abrasive solution; it must not contain any silicone. Furthermore, a few drops of eucalyptus oil are also a safer option. Use it with a spray bottle; it is an excellent way to keep your upholstery fresh and clean. Make use of it sparingly, and ensure you wipe it down properly with a dry rag afterward.
Note: Be vigilant that some antibacterial and cleaning products may dry out the machine’s vinyl, voiding any warranty.
Maintaining Wheels
Removing all debris that might get caught between the metal housing and the wheels is essential. Furthermore, tighten up the axles if the wheel play is evident. You can also regularly clean the tracks with mild, soapy, and lukewarm solutions; remember to dry them thoroughly with a soft cloth. If you miss or ignore this part, it could affect the smoothness of your ride.
Pilates Reformer Machine - Ropes and Springs
Make regular inspections of springs for signs of wear and tear. One must look for kinks, deformations, and corrosion. The springs that are showing signs of damage must be replaced immediately.
Furthermore, ensure that all ropes are adequately secured, and the rope adjustment system is appropriately engaged and locked. Inspect the eyelets on the pulleys to ensure that these cannot rotate. If you find them loose, remove and replace them immediately. With use, you might experience a bit of fraying on the ropes. However, any ropes that tear or fail should be replaced instantly.
Conclusion
Maintaining a Pilates reformer machine is important for many reasons. First, Pilates machines are costly, so to maximize your use of the equipment, you need to clean and maintain it regularly. Secondly, repairing or replacing loose or squeaky parts is also necessary to prevent injuries and ensure a power workout. Follow all cleaning and maintenance tips above, and your machine will last you in near-perfect shape for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to disinfect the Pilates Reformer Machine?
Spray your Pilates reformer machine thoroughly and wipe it down with a cotton cloth. Let the solution of bleach and water stay in contact for 10 minutes. Then, rinse with warm and clean water to remove any residue. It is important to note that leaving the solution on for over 10 minutes has no added benefit.
When to do Reformer Pilates?
Most experts agree that doing a Pilates routine in the morning is the best way to prepare yourself for the day. Pilates has many great health benefits that will stay with you throughout the day. These benefits include boosting your metabolism by including exercise just before you eat.
How to clean reformer springs?
Take a damp piece of cloth and keep it against the moving wheels to thoroughly clean them. Keep ropes and wheels clear from dust particles, and even use spring covers if those come with your Pilates machine. Removing debris or hair that might get caught up between the wheels and metal housing is also important.
