Equipment / Store ›› Customer Service ›› Equipment Maintenance Recommendations

Peak Pilates equipment is constructed of the finest components and materials. It will require only a small — but very important investment of your time - in a regular routine maintenance program. If you are using the equipment daily in a studio environment, we strongly suggest a bi-monthly maintenance program, incorporating the following elements:

REGULAR INSPECTION OF YOUR HARDWARE
We highly recommend that you institute a regular inspection of the hardware on all equipment to make sure every nut, bolt and fastener is secure. A small assortment of basic tools will service all of our equipment:

1. 7/16” & 9/16” wrench (or socket, crescent or box end wrench)
2. medium Phillips screwdriver
3. hex key (Allen) wrench

Tighten any hex head bolts or nuts with standard wrenches. Use the Allen wrench to tighten the hex screws in all pipefittings. Tighten any loose eyebolts with a wrench, inserting the blade of a screwdriver through the “eye” to keep it from turning. The Phillips screws used to secure various components on the equipment will rarely need tightening beyond their initial installation. In the rare instance that you detect a loose screw, use the Phillips screwdriver (a power driver would be even better) to tighten.

PERIODIC INSPECTION OF ALL SPRINGS
Even with extensive pre-testing and rigorous quality inspection, the possibility of failure due to undetected, random defects always exists. In addition, severe nicks or abrasions may develop, as a result of improper use, or failure to replace fatigued springs in a timely manner. While this is a remote possibility, periodic inspection of your springs is critical due to the potential of serious injury resulting from spring failure.

Therefore, we strongly advise the employment of a routine program to monitor springs, followed by systematic replacement of any spring in continuous daily use for over 12-24 months. In addition, any spring that exhibits early signs of fatigue (i.e. separation in coils, even if slight) should be replaced immediately.

CLEANING FRAMEWORK
We finish the wooden framework on all equipment with a non-toxic, water-based lacquer that is virtually impenetrable. There is no additional maintenance necessary, other than an occasional wipe down using a mild soapy solution or furniture polish.

UPHOLSTERY
A daily routine of wiping down your vinyl upholstery after use with a mild cleaning solution is recommended. We like a very dilute formula of a mild soap in water. Make sure your soap does not contain any silicon in it. This dilute solution can be used to clean not only the upholstery, but also the wood, aluminum rails, chromed & galvanized steel poles and carriage riding wheels — basically anything other than ropes and/or leather straps. Wipe with a cloth dampened with plain water.

Special Cleaning Problems: Most stains can be removed when these cleaning agents are used in the following order:
Step 1: Use non-abrasive household cleaners, full strength, such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. Wipe clean with water and a soft cloth.
Step 2: Use a solvent-type cleaner such as rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) liberally applied with a soft dry-cloth. Dry area with another cloth; rinse with clean water and allow to dry.
Step 3: Use strong, active solvent cleaners, such as nail polish remover (acetone/water), applied with a soft cloth. Apply no more than 6 rubs. If stain persists, it may be set and not removable. Dry area with another cloth; rinse with clean water and dry.

Caution: Step 3 solvents are extremely flammable. Use caution. Wear rubber gloves and protect adjacent wooden areas.

Tracking Systems The sealed bearings in the Carriage Wheels are permanently lubricated, and require no further lubrication. You should periodically (once every 2-3 months) inspect the Wheel Axles. Remove any debris that might be entwined between the wheel & metal housing, then tighten the axles if any wheel “play” is evident (this is unlikely, but worth a periodic check). The Tracks upon which your carriage rides are anodized to inhibit the build-up of unsightly aluminum oxide residue. Clean them on an as-needed basis with a warm, mild soapy water solution and dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Primary Leather Straps
On an as-needed basis, apply a coat of leather conditioner to your Primary Straps. This is very important, as it will prevent them from drying out and developing stress fractures. It is the nature of leather straps to stretch a bit through usage. Sometimes the stretching will occur unevenly from strap to strap. You may find that you adjust one strap for length and not the other. Multiple holes allow you to adjust the length of your straps to suit your preference. Generally, after a month or two the straps will stabilize completely.

Swivel Ropes
Ropes used with the swivel or riser system are under warranty for a year. Like springs, they are not meant to last a lifetime. You may experience some minor “fraying” or “pilling” on the cotton rope through usage. This is completely normal and to be expected. Any ropes that tear, hemorrhage or otherwise fail should be replaced immediately.