Whether you run a small clinic or a multi-specialty hospital, hospital furniture is one of the most important investments. From ICU beds to over bed tables, every piece of medical furniture contributes to patient care, staff efficiency, and overall hospital hygiene. Considering the magnitude of investment and the role medical furniture plays in a hospital it is very important to take good care of hospital furniture.
At Ankitech hospital furniture, we specialize in manufacturing durable and innovative hospital furniture—and we know that even the best-designed equipment needs the right care to last long and perform reliably.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the best practices for maintaining hospital furniture so that their longevity and beauty can be enhanced.
1. Clean and Disinfect Daily
Hospitals deal with vulnerable patients, so it’s vital that your hospital furniture is cleaned thoroughly on a daily basis. Use approved hospital-grade disinfectants that are effective yet gentle on furniture surfaces.
- Avoid bleach or harsh abrasives that can damage coating
- Focus on high-contact points like bed rails, chair arms, and drawer handles.
- Always dry surfaces to prevent rust or mold.
While cleaning is essential from a hygiene point view it is an important step retaining the paint and finish on the hospital furniture as well.
- Always use alcohol based cleaners and do not use any acid based cleaners as they may reduce the life of paint and powder coating on the medical furniture.
- Adopt a strict routine to clean the surfaces that may get in contact with chemicals but are hidden and not always exposed or regularly cleaned for example surface under the mattress, inside area of the lockers etc.
2. Conduct Weekly Checks for Damage
Every week, your maintenance team should perform quick inspections on your hospital beds and ICU furniture:
- Check for loose screws or bolts.
- Ensure casters and brakes are functioning.
- Test motorized adjustments (especially in ICU beds).
- Inspect upholstery for cuts or wear.
This habit helps catch issues before they escalate into costly repairs—or worse, pose a safety risk.
3. Schedule Monthly Preventive Maintenance
Every month, go beyond inspections and actually perform preventive maintenance:
- Lubricate moving parts on hospital beds and trolleys.
- Tighten and secure fasteners.
- Test battery backup systems for electrical beds.
- Clean mechanical joints of dust and debris.
4. Train Your Staff
Misuse of medical furniture is one of the top causes of early damage. Train your staff on how to:
- Adjust beds properly without forcing mechanisms.
- Lock wheels before transferring patients.
- Avoid exceeding weight limits.
- Clean equipment using approved methods only.
Proper usage = longer lifespan.
5. Protect with Covers and Coatings
To reduce wear and tear:
- Use waterproof, anti-microbial covers on hospital beds and mattresses.
- Install bumpers or guards to prevent dents from wheelchairs and stretchers.
- Consider powder-coated or stainless steel options for easy cleaning and rust resistance.
6. Choose the Right Cleaning Materials
Avoid cleaners with:
- Strong acids or bleach.
- Abrasive powders or steel wool.
- Alcohol-based solutions on touch displays or sensors.
Instead, use:
- Soft microfiber cloths.
- Neutral pH disinfectants.
- Manufacturer-recommended cleaning sprays.
This can extend the life of your medical furniture by years.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your hospital furniture isn’t just about protecting your investment—it’s about creating a cleaner, safer space for healing.
Whether you’re maintaining a standard hospital bed or a high-tech ICU bed, a consistent maintenance plan ensures your equipment supports both patient care and hospital efficiency.
