For men with urinary incontinence who rely on a wheelchair, maintaining cleanliness isn’t just about comfort—it’s a vital part of daily health. Urine and fecal matter can easily soil the wheelchair’s surfaces, leading to unpleasant odors, rapid bacterial growth, skin irritation, and infections. Over time, this can severely impact quality of life and even lead to hospitalization. Despite this, wheelchair cleaning is often overlooked or done incorrectly.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that over half of healthcare facilities failed to clean and disinfect wheelchairs between patients, while many struggled with visibly soiled cushions and lacked clear cleaning protocols. These findings highlight how easy it is for bacteria to spread when proper hygiene is neglected.
The good news? Cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right routine and guidance from real studies and expert recommendations, you can keep your wheelchair clean, safe, and free from harmful pathogens—starting today.
Properly cleaning a wheelchair is not just about appearance—it’s a health necessity, especially for men with urinary incontinence. Urine leaks, fecal matter, and persistent moisture create the perfect environment for bacterial growth, particularly on cushions, footrests, and hand grips. According to Knapp et al. (2020), high-touch areas of wheelchairs harbor significant bacterial loads if not cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
For incontinent users, the risks are even higher. The 2024 study highlights that poor hygiene in mobility devices can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin irritation, and serious healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). When urine or fecal matter remains on a wheelchair surface, it can result in cross-contamination—especially dangerous if the wheelchair is used in shared settings.
In hospitals and care facilities, wheelchairs are often inadequately cleaned due to time constraints, complex designs, or lack of disinfection protocols. Pathogens can survive for weeks on surfaces and spread via hand contact. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HAIs increased by 60%, emphasizing the importance of environmental hygiene.
Whether at home or in a facility, thorough wheelchair cleaning—with gloves, disinfectant, and consistent routines—is essential for preventing infections and protecting the health and dignity of incontinent male users.
For men with urinary incontinence, urine and fecal matter can easily leak onto the wheelchair, especially in hard-to-clean areas. The most bacteria-prone spots include seat cushions, armrests, wheels, brakes, and footplates. Seat cushions, in particular, are often made of porous fabric, which absorbs moisture and traps bacteria deep inside, making them the dirtiest part.
One large study showed that bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis survive longest on soft, padded surfaces. This study found that while rigid materials like plastic or metal cleaned easily, fabric cushions retained the most bacteria—even after strong UVC exposure. The location on the wheelchair also mattered: inward, shaded parts like the seat base had higher bacterial loads due to reduced UVC exposure.
This means special attention should be given to cleaning cushions and tight corners, where bacteria and odors can build up most quickly.
Cleaning your wheelchair at home doesn’t have to be complicated—but it must be done with the right tools to ensure safety and effectiveness. According to the Manual Wheelchair Maintenance Guide, using proper materials helps prevent damage to the wheelchair and reduces your risk of exposure to harmful pathogens.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Disposable gloves – Always wear gloves to protect your hands from bacteria, urine, or cleaning chemicals.
Mild detergent – A gentle soap diluted in warm water is effective for removing dirt and organic matter without damaging wheelchair materials.
Disinfectant spray – Choose an EPA-approved disinfectant or one recommended in clinical settings for killing bacteria and viruses. Avoid harsh bleaches that can corrode surfaces or irritate skin.
Soft cloths or microfiber towels – These are ideal for wiping down surfaces without scratching them.
Bucket with warm water – Used to rinse or mix detergent. Warm water enhances cleaning effectiveness.
Toothbrush or small brush – Perfect for cleaning tight crevices, wheel spokes, and textured areas.
Optional: Portable UV sanitizer – If available, a small UVC device can be used for additional disinfection, especially on high-touch surfaces.
⚠️ Safety tip: Never mix bleach with ammonia-based cleaners, as this creates toxic fumes. Always read product labels and follow instructions carefully.
Step 1: Prepare the area and wear gloves
Choose a well-ventilated space.
Put on gloves to protect from urine/feces pathogens.
Step 2: Remove cushions and washable parts
Detach cushion covers, belts, etc.
Wash fabrics in hot water (>60°C) to kill bacteria.
Step 3: Clean visible dirt and stains
Use mild soap with water to scrub wheels, frame, and seat.
Focus on crevices and high-touch areas.
Step 4: Disinfect
Apply disinfectant spray to all surfaces, especially seat, handles, armrests, and footrests.
Let it sit for the contact time (usually 5–10 minutes).
Step 5: Dry completely
Use clean towels or allow to air dry.
Never store a wheelchair while damp — this encourages mold/bacteria.
Step 6: Clean wheels & brakes
Wipe down wheels and brakes; dirt buildup can reduce safety.
Keeping a regular cleaning routine is essential for preventing odors, stains, and infections—especially for men with urinary incontinence.
After each leak or accident, do a spot clean using disinfectant wipes or spray to remove any urine or fecal matter.
Once a week, perform a more thorough cleaning, wiping down all parts of the wheelchair, including the wheels and frame.
At least once a month, do a deep clean, which may include removing cushions, inspecting hard-to-reach areas, and disassembling parts if needed. Regular care not only protects your health but also extends the life of your wheelchair.
For men with urinary incontinence, odor control and skin protection are just as important as cleaning. Urine can soak into seat cushions and fabric covers, leaving behind lingering smells and increasing the risk of bacterial growth. Using absorbent pads or wraps, like QuickChange, can help catch leaks early and keep both the skin and wheelchair dry.
Moisture left on the skin can cause irritation, redness, or even pressure ulcers, especially for those who sit for long periods. To protect the skin, use barrier creams and check for signs of breakdown daily. Keep the skin clean and dry, and choose breathable clothing and cushions.
Research highlights the need to disinfect porous materials regularly, as bacteria can hide inside them and contribute to both odor and infection risks. A consistent hygiene routine helps maintain comfort, dignity, and health.
Regular maintenance keeps your wheelchair safe, clean, and long-lasting. Lubicate moving parts like wheels and brakes to prevent stiffness. Check brakes and wheel rims for urine residue or debris, which can affect performance and hygiene. Replace seat cushions if they become worn out, smelly, or hard to clean—especially if they’ve absorbed leaks. To prevent bacteria and mold, avoid storing your wheelchair in damp or dirty areas. A dry, clean space extends the life of both the frame and fabrics. Following a monthly maintenance routine helps you stay comfortable and independent.
Keeping a wheelchair clean is not just about appearance—it’s about protecting your health, preserving your dignity, and staying comfortable. For men with urinary incontinence, a wheelchair can quickly become a source of bacteria, odors, and even skin infections if not properly cleaned. Moisture and waste residue can hide in fabric, cracks, and corners, leading to discomfort and risk of illness.
A clean wheelchair lowers the risk of infections, helps reduce skin complications, and boosts confidence in daily life. It also protects your mobility equipment, saving you money and hassle in the long run. With the right tools and a simple routine, both patients and caregivers can stay ahead of problems before they begin.
Using reliable incontinence products, like QuickChange Wraps, adds another layer of protection—keeping both your skin and wheelchair clean and dry throughout the day.
For those seeking support, we invite you to purchase a 10 Count Trial Pack here or request a professional-use sample pack for healthcare institutions here.
(Use this as a reminder or print it out!)
Wipe down seat and armrests
Disinfect handles
Check for urine leaks
Use absorbent covers if needed
Inspect for buildup or odor
Adam, C., Colin, M., Stock, R., Weiss, L., & Gangloff, S. C. (2024, February 16). UVC box: An effective way to quickly decontaminate healthcare facilities' wheelchairs. Life (Basel), 14(2), 256. https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020256
Fathizadeh, H., Maroufi, P., Momen-Heravi, M., Dao, S., Köse, Ş., Ganbarov, K., Pagliano, P., Esposito, S., & Kafil, H. S. (2020). Protection and disinfection policies against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Infezioni in Medicina, 28(2), 185–191. [PMID: 32275260]
Gardner, P., Muller, M. P., Prior, B., So, K., Tooze, J., Eum, L., & Kachur, O. (2014). Wheelchair cleaning and disinfection in Canadian health care facilities: “That’s wheelie gross!” American Journal of Infection Control, 42(11), 1173–1177. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2014.08.007
Gray, M. (2007, December). Incontinence-related skin damage: Essential knowledge. Ostomy Wound Management, 53(12), 28–32. [PMID: 18184980]
Kalliat, K., Kreshewski, A., Sy, J., Giesbrecht, E. M., & Nixdorf, C. (2023, October 2). Manual wheelchair maintenance guide (Preprint). University of Manitoba. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.34657.68962
Knapp, E. (2020). The effects of cleaning solutions on bacteria concentration on hospital wheelchairs. Journal of Student Research, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.47611/jsrhs.v9i1.1106