Maintaining your reformer , Cadillac , or chair is actually quite simple: clean it after each use, check all parts regularly, and replace worn parts like springs in a timely manner . With a little regular care, your machine will last for years and you'll continue to train safely.
Proper maintenance ensures your equipment runs smoothly, lasts longer, and is safe to use. Whether you train at home or run a studio, this guide will help you keep everything in top condition.
Why is maintenance so important?
Your Pilates equipment endures a lot: sweat, dust, constant movement, and tension on the springs. All of this requires attention. Without proper maintenance, springs can break unexpectedly , rails can become stiff, causing your reformer to malfunction, upholstery can wear out and become unhygienic, parts can come loose and make an annoying noise, and ultimately, repairs can become much more expensive than preventative maintenance.
Regular maintenance prevents all these problems and keeps your investment in top condition. It not only saves you money, but also reduces frustration during your workouts.
How often should you do maintenance?
The frequency depends on how intensively you use your equipment. A reformer in a busy studio requires much more maintenance than one used a few times a week at home.
Daily care
After each session, it's wise to wipe away sweat and dirt from all surfaces you've touched. In studios, this is essential after every class. You can also wipe down the rails and do a quick visual check to make sure everything is still secure.
Monthly check
It's wise to perform a more detailed inspection every month. This means cleaning the rails and wheels thoroughly, checking all bolts and adjusting knobs, inspecting the springs for signs of wear, and dusting all components. This usually only takes a few minutes, but prevents many problems. Also, carefully check the spring attachment points, test ropes and pulleys by pulling the carriage up and down a few times without resistance, and lightly lubricate any moving parts if they start to squeak.
Quarterly maintenance
Every three months, you can schedule a proper maintenance check. This is the time to turn the carriage over, remove the wheels and clean them thoroughly, remove the springs and thoroughly inspect them, and clean the pulleys. Make it a fun job; many people actually find this type of maintenance quite relaxing.
Annual major maintenance
Once a year, it's time for a major cleaning. Schedule a day to thoroughly clean all equipment, carry out any repairs, and preventatively replace any questionable parts. This is also the time to remove the wheels, clean them thoroughly, and grease them if necessary, and check all adjustments.
Preventive replacement
Every two years, replace all springs, regardless of their condition, if used intensively. This may sound excessive, but safety is paramount. Also replace safety clips and snap hooks, and renew any worn upholstery.
| Maintenance task | Home use (low intensity) | Studio use (high intensity) |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning surfaces (removing sweat, disinfecting) | After each session or a few times a week, depending on use. | After every lesson/use, standard at the end of the day. |
| Wipe down rails and remove dirt | Weekly (or every ±5–10 use sessions). | Daily or several times a week. |
| Check bolts, screws, foot bar lock | Check once every two months. | Check monthly (and check immediately for any suspicious noise). |
| Inspection of springs for wear | Visually inspect every 3–6 months. | Inspect monthly (or more often, weekly roughly). |
| Lubrication of moving parts | Only if necessary, small amounts approximately every 6–12 months. | Every 3–6 months (depending on device type; see manufacturer's advice). |
| Deep cleaning wheels/bearings | Clean thoroughly 1–2 times a year. | Thorough cleaning every quarter. |
| Replace springs | Every ±5 years (with light use, note warranty conditions ). | Replace all springs every 2 years (or sooner if worn) with intensive use. |
| Replace belts/ropes | In case of visible wear; can last several years at home. | Check annually; replace every few years or as soon as fraying becomes visible. |
| Upholstery maintenance/replacement | Clean regularly; replace if cracks appear (often only after >5–10 years at home). | Clean weekly; re-upholster every ±5 years or when wear and tear affects comfort/safety. |
Cleaning: What Works and What Doesn't
Caring for vinyl upholstery
For vinyl upholstery, it's best to use mild soapy water or all-purpose cleaner, a few drops in lukewarm water. Use a soft cloth or sponge that is slightly damp, not soaking wet. Always rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel.
Top tip: If you have an aerosol can, spray it onto the cleaning cloth first and not directly onto the equipment. This will prevent droplets from landing on the springs or rails.
Avoid alcohol, ammonia, acetone, and abrasives. Don't use paper towels, as they can contain small particles that can scratch the surface.
Keeping metal parts clean
For metal frames, rails, and rods, it's best to use a damp microfiber cloth. For dirty parts, you can use mild soapy water, and handles can be disinfected with special wipes. Occasionally polishing chrome parts with chrome polish is possible, but rarely necessary.
Here too: never spray cleaning agent directly onto the metal. Always spray onto the cloth first and dry thoroughly to prevent rust.
Wooden parts
Wood should never be soaked. Use a slightly damp cloth with mild soap and water and dry immediately. For stubborn stains, you can use a mild wood cleaner, but test it on an inconspicuous area first.
Washing textile parts
Cotton straps and loops can be washed by hand or on a delicate cycle. Use cold water with mild detergent and let them air dry. Wash them separately, as colored straps may bleed.
Wool and leather accessories like the fuzzies on a Cadillac require more care. Wash them gently by hand in lukewarm water with wool detergent and let them dry flat to prevent warping. Or place them in the snow for a while (if that happens), an age-old custom in cold countries.
Lubrication: when and how
The most important principle when lubricating is: only use it where absolutely necessary. Too much oil actually attracts dirt and can cause more problems than it solves.
Wheels and bearings
For classic Reformers with metal wheels, you can apply a small amount of white lithium grease to the wheel well approximately every 6–12 months. Modern Reformers often have plastic wheels that don't require any grease at all; at most, a little silicone spray in the bearings if they squeak.
Treating hinges
Squeaky hinges on chairs or footbars can be treated with a drop of WD-40 or silicone spray. Move the hinge a few times and then wipe away any excess oil.
Sliding mechanisms
Adjustable parts that slide on rails can be lightly treated with silicone spray. Spray a small amount on a cloth and rub it over the part to be treated.
Replacing parts
Feathers: when and how
For intensive studio use, the rule of thumb is to replace all springs every two years . For home users, this can be longer, sometimes even five years if you don't train much. But pay particular attention to the condition of your springs.
Replace springs immediately if there is rust, visible deformation, or spacing between coils, or if the spring sounds heavier or stutters. A spring breaking under tension is dangerous.
Renew belts and ropes
Replace belts and ropes if you see frayed areas, they're visibly thinning, or they're cracking. In studios, this is often done every few years; at home, they can last much longer.
Replacing wheels and bearings
Do you see black powder on the rails despite cleaning them? That's probably wheel wear. Increased noise or flat spots on the wheels are also signs that replacement is necessary. New wheels significantly improve motion and quietness.
Repair upholstery
Minor damage to vinyl can be temporarily repaired with a vinyl repair kit. For a neat and durable solution, reupholstering is the best option, especially in a professional setting.
Replacing small parts
Carabiners, safety clips, anti-slip feet, and locking knobs are relatively inexpensive but crucial for your safety. Replace these preventatively—for example, all spring clips annually.
Troubleshooting common problems
Reformer does not slide smoothly
A choppy movement is usually caused by dirt on the rails. Clean the rails with a microfiber cloth and remove any hair or dirt from the wheels. If the irregularity persists, check for damaged wheels.
Recognizing strange sounds
Squeaking springs can be caused by friction between coils. Clean and dry the springs. If the squeaking continues, they may need to be replaced. A ticking sound often indicates dirt on the rail or a damaged bearing.
Feathers feel weak
Check that the spring is properly attached and compare its resting length with other springs. A stretched spring is often slightly longer.
Ropes don't slide well
Clean the pulleys and apply a drop of silicone spray to the bearings. Also check the rope cleats; if they continue to slip despite cleaning, replacement may be necessary.
What do the manufacturers say?
Replacing springs according to the experts
Manufacturers are clear: for daily studio use, replace every 24 months , regardless of condition. Of course, you can always make your own assessment. If they still look good, the resistance will at most have decreased slightly over time. For home use, this is more flexible, but be sure to check the warranty terms.
Cleaning guidelines from brands
Brands like Balanced Body recommend mild soap and water for regular cleaning.
Warranty and maintenance
Proper maintenance is often a prerequisite for warranty coverage. So, stick to the schedules to be eligible for warranty coverage, especially in the early years.
Practical tips from experienced users
Prevention works best
Tie back long hair, use towels on upholstery, and remove jewelry to prevent scratches.
Smart maintenance habits
A robot vacuum in your training room reduces dust on the equipment. Schedule a monthly inspection, checking all connections with an Allen wrench. Keep a maintenance log; for example, write the date on new springs with a fine marker.
Home vs. Studio
Home equipment wears out less than studio equipment. Springs can last five years or more with light use, while in busy studios they need to be replaced every two years. However, inspection remains important for your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace the springs on my Reformer?
For daily studio use: every 2 years. For home use, this can be longer, but check them regularly for rust, warping, or stretching and replace immediately if in doubt.
Can I use regular cleaning products on my Pilates equipment?
Use only mild soap and water for vinyl upholstery. Avoid harsh cleaning agents like alcohol or ammonia. A microfiber cloth with a little dish soap is usually sufficient. Also see the suggestions in our FAQ .
Why doesn't my Reformer glide smoothly anymore?
This is usually caused by dirt on the rails or in the wheels. Clean the rails and remove dirt from the wheels. If this doesn't help, the wheels may be worn.
How do I know if a spring needs replacing?
Check for rust spots, kinks in the coil, or any noise during use. If in doubt, replace immediately – safety first!
Should I grease the wheels on my Reformer?
That depends on your Reformer model. Classic models sometimes require white lithium grease in the wheel well, while modern plastic wheels usually don't. Check your manual and never lubricate the rails yourself!
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