Your Pilates equipment is an investment in quality, movement and wellbeing. With regular care and maintenance, your equipment can continue to perform smoothly, safely and beautifully for many years.

At The Reformer Shop, we recommend incorporating the following simple care and maintenance practices into your routine, whether your equipment is used in a home Pilates space or a busy commercial studio.

Daily Care & Cleaning

Upholstery

Wipe down upholstered surfaces after each use to remove perspiration, body oils and residue.

Use a soft, damp microfibre cloth with water and a mild, non-abrasive cleaner suitable for vinyl upholstery. Always follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s instructions and test any new cleaning product on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Avoid:

• Bleach and chlorine-based products
• Alcohol-based cleaners unless specifically approved for the upholstery
• Harsh disinfectants and solvents
• Abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads
• Essential oils or oil-based cleaning products
• Excessively wet cloths

Harsh chemicals can cause upholstery to dry, crack, fade or deteriorate over time.

Do not allow perspiration, cleaning products or moisture to remain on the upholstery for extended periods.

Timber Frames

For maple and other timber-framed Pilates equipment, wipe the timber regularly using a clean, soft, slightly damp cloth and dry immediately.

Avoid saturating timber with water or cleaning products.

Do not use harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, furniture polish, oils or solvents unless they are specifically suitable for the finish applied to your equipment.

Protect timber equipment from prolonged exposure to:

• Direct sunlight
• Excessive heat
• High humidity
• Moisture
• Air-conditioning or heating vents blowing directly onto the equipment

Natural timber may develop subtle variations in colour and appearance over time. This is a normal characteristic of genuine timber rather than a product defect.

Carriage Tracks & Wheels

Keeping your Reformer tracks clean is important for maintaining a smooth and quiet carriage glide.

Regularly wipe the tracks with a clean, dry or slightly damp soft cloth to remove dust, hair and debris. Check around the carriage wheels and track area for any build-up that may interfere with movement.

Do not lubricate the carriage tracks or wheels unless specifically instructed to do so for your equipment model. Oils and lubricants can attract dust and debris and may affect carriage performance.

If the carriage becomes unusually noisy, rough or resistant, stop using the equipment and inspect the track and wheel area before continuing.

Springs

Springs are working components and should be inspected regularly.

Check springs for:

• Gaps or separation between coils
• Bends or distortion
• Rust or corrosion
• Unusual stretching
• Damaged attachment points
• Changes in spring resistance

Never continue using a spring that appears damaged or compromised.

Springs naturally wear over time and their lifespan will vary depending on frequency of use, intensity of use, environment and maintenance. Commercial studios should inspect springs more frequently due to higher usage.

Springs should only be replaced with compatible springs recommended for your equipment.

Pulleys & Moving Components

Periodically check pulleys, clips, hooks, footbars, adjustment mechanisms and other moving components.

They should move freely and securely without excessive movement, unusual noise or resistance.

Keep pulley channels and surrounding areas free from hair, dust and debris.

Do not apply lubricants, oils or sprays unless recommended for that specific component.

Footbar, Jump Board & Standing Platform

Regularly inspect the footbar and its adjustment mechanism to ensure it locks securely into position.

Wipe down footbars, jump boards and standing platforms after use and regularly check for movement, loose components or visible damage.

Before using a jump board, always ensure it has been installed correctly and is fully secured.

Nuts, Bolts & Fasteners

Normal movement and repeated use can gradually loosen some fittings.

Periodically inspect accessible nuts, bolts, screws and fasteners to ensure they remain secure. This is particularly important for equipment receiving frequent or commercial use.

Do not overtighten fittings, as this may damage the equipment or hardware.

If you are unsure about a fitting or adjustment, contact The Reformer Shop for advice rather than attempting significant repairs yourself.

Cadillac & Tower Equipment

Cadillac Reformers, Towers and Trapeze Tables contain additional springs, bars and attachment points that require regular inspection.

Before use, check:

• Springs and spring attachment points
• Safety straps
• Push-through bars
• Roll-down bars and maple poles
• Trapeze components
• Clips, hooks and eyelets
• Tower attachment points

Always ensure safety straps are correctly installed where required.

Never use a spring, attachment or component that appears damaged, loose or incorrectly positioned.

Pilates Chairs

Regularly inspect Chair springs, pedals, handles, adjustment mechanisms and attachment points.

Ensure springs are correctly attached before each use and that pedals move freely without unusual resistance or noise.

Where split pedals are fitted, check that connecting components are properly secured before use.

Protecting Your Equipment

To help maintain the appearance and performance of your Pilates equipment:

• Keep equipment indoors in a clean, dry and well-ventilated environment.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which may fade upholstery and timber.
• Keep equipment away from excessive moisture and humidity.
• Do not place sharp objects on upholstered surfaces.
• Avoid jewellery, zippers or clothing hardware that may scratch or puncture upholstery.
• Do not allow pets onto Pilates equipment.
• Use equipment only for its intended purpose.
• Do not exceed the recommended user weight or equipment limits.
• Ensure accessories and attachments are correctly installed before use.

Home vs Commercial Studio Maintenance

Equipment used in a commercial Pilates studio generally requires more frequent inspection and maintenance than equipment used in a home environment.

For commercial settings, we recommend establishing a regular documented maintenance schedule covering springs, ropes, wheels, upholstery, fasteners, safety straps and all moving or load-bearing components.

Equipment should also be visually inspected by instructors before use.

When to Stop Using Your Equipment

Safety should always come first.

Immediately stop using the equipment or affected component if you notice:

• A damaged or distorted spring
• Frayed ropes or straps
• Loose or unstable structural components
• Cracked or damaged hardware
• A footbar that does not lock securely
• Unusual carriage movement or resistance
• Significant or unexplained noises
• Damage to safety straps or attachment points
• Any issue that may affect safe operation

Do not continue using equipment if you are uncertain about its safety.

Replacement Parts & Assistance

Pilates equipment contains working components that naturally wear with regular use. Springs, ropes, straps, loops, wheels and other components may require replacement during the life of the equipment.

If you need assistance identifying a replacement part or have questions regarding the maintenance of equipment purchased from us, please contact The Reformer Shop.

Providing photographs or a short video of the component can help us identify the issue and provide appropriate guidance.

A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Regular cleaning, inspection and preventative maintenance will help keep your Pilates equipment looking beautiful and performing at its best.

Whether your equipment is the centrepiece of your home Pilates space or works hard every day in a professional studio, taking a few minutes to care for it regularly can help protect your investment and maintain the smooth, premium movement experience it was designed to provide.

The Reformer Shop
Premium Pilates equipment. Personalised service. Exceptional movement