Pilates Machine Maintenance
Reformer Care and Maintenance
It is essential that you undertake regular inspection of all hardware on all the equipment to make sure
every nut, bolt and fastener is secure. Pilates Master equipment can last you many years only if it is regularly maintained and examined for any damage or wear and tear. This guide was created as a reference that will help maintain your equipment and keep it in the best possible condition for your safety and enjoyment. To maintain optimum performance of your Pilates Master equipment we provide some basic tools that will help you service your equipment. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in a malfunction that could lead to an unsatisfactory reformer or serious injury.
Hardware
Ensure that all nuts, bolts and screws are securely fastened. Inspect and make sure all feet are securely attached and make sure to lock in any push pins.
Cleaning Upholstery
Regularly clean all upholstery on your equipment. We suggest using a soft cloth with a mild non abrasive solution that does not contain silicone. A few drops of eucalyptus oil is a safe option in a water spray bottle as a good way to keep your upholstery fresh. Use it sparingly and make sure you wipe with a dry cloth after use. Beware that some anti-bacterials and strong cleaning products may dry out the vinyl and void any warranty.
- The cotton loops (commonly on half and full trapezes) should be machine washed regularly. Place in a delicates bag or a pillow case and wash on gentle. Hang to air dry.
- Tip! If you are sharing the machine, consider rotating several pairs for each person, or clients with their own hand loops.
Cleaning Framework and Tracking Systems
If your equipment has metal frames then you need to take care to keep all equipment dust and hair free. Uses a mild detergent and wipe down the surface with a damp cloth.
- Wipe the frame, footbar, carriage pad, headrest and shoulder rests.
- Keep the carriage tracks and wheels clean and free of dust and grit. You can clean the carriage by wiping the track with a household grease cutting cleaner on a regular basis. Be sure to disconnect all the carriage springs and wipe the entire track. Use a damp cloth and hold it against the moving wheels to clean them.
- Keep the ropes and springs clear of dust, and use spring covers if they came with your Reformer.
- Make sure to remove any debris or hair that might be entwined between the wheel and their metal housing.
- Should any “wheel play” occur, tighten the axels.
- Clean the tracks on a regular basis with a warm, mild soapy water and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.
- Failure to adhere to proper equipment maintenance may result in damage to your equipment or injury.
Wheels
Make sure you remove any debris that might be entwined between the wheel and metal housing, tighten the axles if any wheel ‘play’ is evident. Clean the tracks on a regular basis with a warm, mild soapy water solution and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Failure to do so may effect the smoothness of the ride.
We do not recommend the use of lubricant on the track of the reformer because of build-up that can damage the machine.
- Apply oil periodically (3 in 1, sewing machine oil) on the pulleys or leather casters.
- Apply oil periodically on metal to metal parts, such as the standing platform, hinge, footbar plunger pins, etc.
- Apply silicone spray lubricant Available here to the footbar track as needed.
- Always be sure to wipe off excess lubricant and be cautious of over-spray.
Springs and Ropes
Inspect all springs for signs of wear. Look for deformation, kinks, gaps and corrosion. Springs showing signs of damage must not be used and must be replaced immediately.
Confirm ropes are correctly secured and that the rope adjustment system is properly engaged and locked. Check that the eyelets on the pulley system cannot rotate, if loose; remove. Apply a thread glue solution (eg. loctite) and retighten. You may experience some minor ‘fraying’ on the rope as a result of use. Any ropes that tear or could otherwise fail should be replaced immediately.
- Look for signs of deformation, kinks, gaps or corrosion.
- Make sure ropes are correctly secured and that the rope adjustment system is properly engaged and locked
- Check that the eyelets on the pulley system cannot rotate. If it does, remove it, apply a thread glue (such as loctite) and retighten.
- You may see fraying on the rope as a result of use. Any ropes that tear could fail and should be replaced immediately.