Hospital Bed Maintenance: Cleaning, Care, and Lifespan Guide

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

When a bed seems to be working fine, it's tempting to skip the upkeep. But consistent care serves a few important purposes that are worth understanding.

Keeping Things Hygienic and Safe

Hospital beds see a lot of contact—hands on the rails, skin against the mattress, the occasional spill. Without regular cleaning, bacteria and germs can build up in places you might not think to check. For someone with a weakened immune system, that's a real concern.

Beyond hygiene, mechanical problems create safety issues. A side rail that doesn't lock firmly can lead to a fall. A motor that sticks might leave someone in an uncomfortable or unsafe position. These aren't abstract worries—they're the kind of things that regular maintenance catches early.

Keeping Everything Working

Electric beds have motors, wiring, and controls that need attention over time. Manual beds have cranks and gears that can wear. Casters collect dust and debris. Bolts loosen gradually. Catching these issues during routine checks means the bed won't malfunction at the worst possible moment.

Getting More Years Out of Your Investment

A hospital bed is a significant purchase. With proper care, a quality bed can last 10 to 15 years or longer. A neglected one might need replacing in half that time. The difference often comes down to basic habits—keeping things clean, tightening what comes loose, fixing small problems before they grow.

Warranties and Documentation

Many manufacturers require evidence of proper maintenance if you need to make a warranty claim. If a motor fails and there's no record of regular care, the claim might be denied. Similarly, some insurance coverage for durable medical equipment depends on demonstrated proper use. Keeping a simple maintenance log protects you.

Daily and Weekly Tasks

Building a few quick checks into your routine takes only minutes but prevents larger problems down the road.

A Quick Daily Look

Each day, take a moment to glance at the bed's key parts. For electric beds, make sure the power cord is plugged in securely with no visible damage, and that the remote responds when you press buttons. Listen for any unusual sounds when adjusting positions.

Weekly Cleaning

Once a week, do a more thorough cleaning:

• Dust all frame surfaces with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth
• Wipe down the entire frame with a mild cleaning solution, paying attention to joints, corners, and under-rail areas
• Sanitize high-touch surfaces like the tops of side rails and any grab points
• Clean the remote with a lightly dampened cloth
• Check the casters for hair, thread, or debris wrapped around the wheels

Monthly Checks

Once a month, set aside 15 to 20 minutes for a more detailed inspection. This is where you catch issues that daily checks might miss.

Structural Components

• Check all visible bolts, screws, and fasteners—tighten any that have loosened
• Inspect frame joints for cracks or stress marks
• Look at the head and foot board attachments
• In humid environments especially, check for rust or corrosion

Mechanical and Electrical Systems

• Test all motor functions through their full range of motion
• Listen for grinding, clicking, or straining sounds—these are often early warning signs
• Make sure the bed holds positions without drifting
• Verify that the emergency lowering mechanism works
• Inspect the full length of the power cord for any damage

Under the Bed

• Clean dust and debris from around the motors
• Check wiring for damage or loose connections
• Clean caster mechanisms thoroughly and remove any items that have collected underneath

Mattress and Platform

• Check the mattress deck for sagging or damage
• Inspect the mattress itself for compression, wear, or damage to the cover
• Make sure the mattress still fits properly without excessive gaps
• For air or alternating pressure mattresses, check pump function and tubing

Keep a simple log of your monthly inspections—what you found and what you did about it. This record helps track patterns and provides documentation if you ever need it for warranty or insurance purposes.

Deep Cleaning

Beyond routine cleaning, periodic deep cleaning keeps the bed thoroughly hygienic.

Disinfecting the Frame

For cleaning agents, EPA-registered hospital-grade disinfectants work well. Quaternary ammonium compounds (commonly used in healthcare settings) are effective, as is a diluted bleach solution at a 1:10 ratio for non-porous surfaces. Avoid harsh solvents, abrasive cleaners, and ammonia-based products that can damage finishes.

To deep clean: unplug the bed completely, remove the mattress, and clean all frame surfaces with your disinfectant. Follow the product instructions for contact time. Pay special attention to crevices, joints, and areas that routine cleaning might miss. Wipe down with clean water to remove residue, then dry thoroughly before reconnecting power or replacing the mattress.

Be careful around electronics. Never spray cleaner directly onto motors, control boxes, or electrical connections. Use a damp (not wet) cloth, keep moisture away from the remote and outlet connections, and let everything dry completely before plugging the bed back in.

In home settings, deep cleaning every one to three months is usually sufficient, plus immediately after any illness. After any incident involving bodily fluids, clean right away.

Mattress Care

Different mattress types need different approaches:

Foam Mattresses: Wipe the outer cover with disinfectant regularly. If the cover is removable, launder it according to manufacturer instructions. Don't soak the foam itself—spot clean only if necessary, and allow it to dry completely before covering.

Gel Mattresses: Clean the waterproof surface with hospital-grade disinfectant. Check for leaks or soft spots that might indicate gel displacement, and inspect the seams for wear.

Air and Alternating Pressure Mattresses: Wipe surfaces with appropriate disinfectant, check all tubing connections for security, and inspect for air leaks by listening and feeling for escaping air. Clean the pump unit exterior and verify the settings are correct for the person's weight.

When to Replace Mattress Covers: Replace them when seams begin to separate, when the waterproof barrier is compromised, when tears or cracks appear, or when staining or odor can't be removed.

Electrical Systems and Remotes

For electric and semi-electric beds, the motor and control systems deserve periodic attention.

Testing the Remote

At least monthly, press each button and verify the corresponding function responds. Check that buttons don't stick. Make sure the bed stops moving immediately when you release a button. Test any preset position buttons and check that the remote cord isn't frayed or damaged.

If the remote seems unresponsive, check the battery (if it's battery-powered) and make sure the connection to the bed is secure. Try unplugging the bed, waiting 30 seconds, and plugging it back in.

Signs of Motor Problems

Watch for these warning signs:

• Movement that's slower than usual
• Grinding or straining sounds during operation
• The bed moving in one direction but not the other
• Intermittent function (works sometimes but not others)
• Any burning smell (stop use immediately if you notice this)
• The bed drifting and not holding position

When to Replace Parts

Remotes are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Consider replacing yours if buttons don't respond after cleaning, if the cord is damaged, or if the unit has been dropped in liquid.

Motor replacement is more significant. It's worth considering when the motor fails completely, when repair costs approach 50% of replacement cost, when the motor is original equipment on a bed over 10 years old, or when there have been multiple motor issues.

Replacing Parts

Most hospital bed components can be replaced individually, which can extend the bed's useful life without requiring full replacement.

Common Parts That Wear Out

Side rails should be replaced if they no longer lock securely, are bent or damaged, or have worn locking mechanisms.

Casters need replacement when wheels are cracked, don't roll smoothly, or brakes no longer hold—fortunately, they're inexpensive and typically easy to swap.

Motors and actuators should be replaced when they fail or show significant degradation. Professional installation is often recommended for these.

Power cords should be replaced immediately if frayed, cracked, or damaged—never use electrical tape as a permanent fix.

You can find all parts at Harmony Home Medical. Contact us here.

How Long Should a Hospital Bed Last?

This is a common question, and the answer depends on several factors.

Typical Lifespans

• Manual beds: 15 to 20 years or more, since there are fewer parts that can fail
• Semi-electric beds: 10 to 15 years
• Fully electric beds: 8 to 15 years
• Specialty beds (bariatric or ICU models): 7 to 12 years due to heavier use

Repair vs. Replace

Consider repair when: The problem is isolated to one component, repair cost is well under 50% of replacement cost, the bed otherwise meets the person's needs, and the bed is less than 8 to 10 years old.

Consider replacement when: Multiple systems are failing, repair costs approach replacement cost, parts are no longer available, the bed no longer meets the person's needs (weight capacity, features), or safety concerns can't be adequately addressed.

When to Call a Professional

Some maintenance tasks are appropriate for caregivers; others really do need professional expertise.

Call a Professional When:

• Electrical or hydraulic systems fail. Unless you have specific training, don't attempt to repair motors, wiring, control boards, or hydraulic components.
• Structural damage is present. Cracks in the frame, bent support bars, or damage to the mattress deck require professional assessment.
• Unusual noises persist. If grinding, clicking, or straining sounds continue after basic troubleshooting, have the bed inspected before using it further.
• The bed behaves erratically. Intermittent function, unexpected movements, or controls that don't respond correctly may indicate electrical problems that need diagnosis.
• You're unsure about safety. When in doubt, have a professional evaluate the bed rather than guessing.

Common Questions

Can I use regular household cleaners on a hospital bed?

For routine cleaning, mild dish soap diluted in water works for most surfaces. For disinfection, hospital-grade disinfectants are more effective and specifically designed for medical equipment. Avoid bleach on metal parts (it can cause corrosion), abrasive cleaners, and solvents like acetone that can damage plastic components.

How often should I deep clean the bed?

In home settings, deep cleaning every one to three months is typically sufficient, plus immediately after any illness or bodily fluid exposure. If the person using the bed is immunocompromised, more frequent deep cleaning may be appropriate.

What's usually the first sign a bed needs repair?

Often, it's a change in how the bed sounds or operates. Motors that strain, new clicking or grinding noises, movements that feel jerky rather than smooth, or a bed that no longer holds position—these are early warning signs. Rails that don't lock as firmly as they used to or casters that don't brake properly are also common early indicators.

Is hospital bed maintenance covered by insurance?

Generally, no. Insurance (including Medicare) typically covers the bed itself and may cover repairs in some circumstances, but routine maintenance is considered the owner's responsibility. Check your specific policy for details. Rental agreements may include maintenance as part of the rental fee.

How do I know if the mattress needs replacement?

Replace the mattress when it no longer returns to its original shape, when visible sagging affects positioning, when the waterproof cover is damaged and can't be replaced separately, when odors persist despite cleaning, or when it no longer provides adequate pressure relief. For foam mattresses, significant compression that doesn't recover is a clear sign. For air mattresses, inability to maintain proper inflation means it's time for a new one.

The Bottom Line

Hospital bed maintenance isn't complicated, but it does require consistency. The basics come down to daily awareness through quick visual checks, weekly cleaning for regular sanitization, monthly inspections to catch mechanical and structural issues, periodic deep cleaning for thorough disinfection, and timely repairs to address problems before they become safety hazards.

A well-maintained hospital bed is safer, more reliable, and lasts significantly longer than one that's neglected. The time you invest in maintenance pays off in fewer breakdowns, lower repair costs, and—most importantly—better care for the person using the bed.