Rise & Recline Care Guide

Rise & Recline Chair Care Guide

  • Single & dual motor
  • Weekly checks
  • Battery backup
  • Safe operation
  • Expert advice from Furniture Instore

Looked after well, a rise and recline chair stays clean, comfortable and reliable for years - and it takes very little effort. This is a straightforward care and maintenance guide: how to clean the chair depending on its upholstery, how to look after the handset and motor, the quick monthly checks that keep everything running smoothly, and simple fixes for the small problems that can crop up. Most chairs are wipe-clean, so day-to-day care is genuinely quick. The golden rules are to keep the mechanism clear, the upholstery lightly cleaned, and to never attempt a repair yourself - the motor and electrics should only be handled by us. If anything ever feels wrong, call our team on 02476 705 600, Monday to Saturday, 8am to 6pm.

Rise & Recline Chair Care Guide Furniture In Store

How to Clean Your Rise & Recline Chair

Most chairs are upholstered in wipe-clean Leather Aire; some are fabric (check your product documentation). Both are quick to look after - the routine differs slightly by material.

Leather Aire (most models)Fabric (some models)
Weekly Wipe seat, arms, back and footrest with a barely-damp cloth.Vacuum with the upholstery attachment on low suction.
Marks A little mild washing-up liquid on the damp cloth, then wipe with plain water.Dab gently with a barely-damp cloth and a little mild soap - blot, never rub.
Drying Dry with a clean cloth straight afterwards.Open a window or use a fan so it dries within 24 hours.
Never Bleach, white spirit, solvents - or leather conditioner (it leaves a greasy film Leather Aire can't absorb).Over-wet it, or use bleach, solvent or abrasive cleaners.

Handset & Motor Care

The handset and motor are the working heart of the chair - a little care keeps them reliable.

  1. Clean the handset weekly

    Clean the handset weekly with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Don't let liquid into the button gaps.

  2. Keep the cable tidy

    Keep the cable tidy and clear of foot traffic, and store the handset in the same place each time so it isn't trodden on or lost.

  3. Give the mechanism room

    Leave at least 30cm of clear space behind the backrest when reclined, and keep the floor in front of the footrest clear.

  4. Don't force it

    Let the chair move at its own pace; never push or pull against the motor.

  5. Never attempt a repair yourself

    The motor, wiring and connectors should only be handled by us.

If liquid gets near the motor or handset connector

Disconnect the power immediately and call 02476 705 600 before using the chair again.

Monthly Maintenance Checks

A few quick checks each month keep the chair working safely and catch small issues early.

  • The power cable is undamaged and not pinched under the base or a leg.
  • The handset cable is intact and the connector at the back is fully pushed in.
  • There is at least 30cm of clear space behind the backrest when reclined.
  • The motor sounds smooth and steady - note any new grinding or slower movement.
  • The space in front of the footrest is clear before use.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Most niggles have a simple cause. Try these checks first; if they don't solve it, call us - don't attempt a repair.

Problem What to check
Handset not working The cable can work loose at the back of the chair - unplug it and firmly re-plug it, and check the socket is switched on. Still nothing? Call us; replacement handsets are usually simple to fit and can be posted to you.
Chair moving slowly or motor strained Check the power connection is secure and try a different socket. Slight slowing over many years is normal; noticeably slower or strained movement should be reported on 02476 705 600.
No power at all Check the plug, socket and any switch or fuse; if a battery back-up is fitted, it still needs mains power to charge. If there's still no power, call us.
Faint electrical smell (new chair) Normal on first use and fades within a few days. A burning smell, or a smell that appears suddenly in an older chair, means stop using it and call us straight away.

Lifespan & Warranty

  • Expected lifespan:

    8-12 years with normal use and the maintenance above.

  • Frame:

    covered by our 5-year structural warranty.

  • Motor & handset:

    if they develop a fault, they can often be replaced on their own rather than needing a whole new chair - call us for advice at any time.

Something not right? Call our friendly team

02476 705 600

Monday to Saturday · 8am to 6pm · we usually respond the same day online

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to clean a rise and recline chair?

For Leather Aire (most models), wipe with a barely-damp cloth and dry straight after; use a little mild washing-up liquid for marks. For fabric, vacuum weekly and spot-clean gently with mild soap on a barely-damp cloth. Never use bleach, solvents or leather conditioner.

Can I use household cleaners or leather conditioner?

No. Bleach, white spirit and solvent cleaners permanently damage the surface, and leather conditioner leaves a greasy film on Leather Aire, which doesn't need it. Mild soap and water is all you need.

My handset has stopped working - what should I do?

Check the handset cable is properly plugged in at the back of the chair - it can work loose over time. Unplug it and firmly re-plug it, and check the socket is switched on. If it still won't work, call us - replacement handsets are usually simple to fit and can often be posted to you.

The chair is moving more slowly than usual - is that normal?

A little slowing can happen over many years. If it becomes noticeably slower or the motor sounds strained, check the power connection is secure and try a different socket. If it continues, call 02476 705 600 - the motor may need assessment.

The chair smells slightly electrical when new - is that normal?

A faint electrical smell when a new chair is first used is normal and fades within a few days. If you notice a burning smell, or the smell appears suddenly in a chair you've had a while, stop using it and call 02476 705 600.

What is the maximum weight for the chair?

Weight limits vary by model - check your product documentation or the label on the underside of the chair. If you can't find it, call us on 02476 705 600 with your model name and we'll confirm the rating.

How long will my rise and recline chair last?

With normal use and the checks in this guide, 8-12 years is a reasonable expectation. The frame carries our 5-year structural warranty, and motors can often be replaced on their own rather than needing a whole new chair.

Can I get a rise and recline chair on 0% finance?

Yes - 0% interest-free finance is available on all our sofas and chairs, including rise and recline chairs, via Klarna, Clearpay or DivideBuy at checkout. Subject to status. Call 02476 705 600 for more information.

Which Guide Do You Need Next?

Jump to the specialist guide for your sofa. Each covers weekly and monthly routines, deep cleaning, stain removal by type and detailed FAQs.