Recliner footrest spring replacement is a difficult task and should only be done by professionals.
It is important to have the right tools on hand for this project before you begin, or else it will require more time and effort than necessary. This blog post walks you through how to replace recliner footrest springs with ease!
How to Replace Recliner Footrest Spring
Step 1. Open recliner so that the seat is fully extended. Remove any pillows or blankets from beneath it before you begin. Locate the small metal plate with a tab on one side, which holds down the reclining mechanism spring. Use pliers to remove this bolt and then use another set of pliers to pull out the old spring.
Step 2. Place a new spring in the metal bracket, and then thread the bolt back through it before fastening with pliers to secure. Make sure that you have room for your hand when replacing this part because there will be little space between these springs once installed in place.
Step 3. Close recliner and ensure that footrest is fully extended. Replace any pillows or blankets beneath the recliner before use.
This is how to replace a recliner footrest spring! It’s an easy project that can be completed with ease, and it will make your chair feel more comfortable again! Now you’ll have plenty of room for guests to sit on the couch without accidentally kicking over the footrest.
Tip
To avoid future springs from breaking, make sure your recliner is in a place where it won’t be stepped on or have heavy objects placed on top of it. If you need to move your chair every now and then (such as for cleaning), try using furniture sliders to protect the flooring beneath.
Why do I Need to Fix my Recliner Footrest Spring?
The spring is a coil of wire that attaches to the footrest and coils when you push down on it. When you lift your foot, the spring pushes back up against your feet with resistance. Over time, these springs can break or become damaged from heavy use, which will cause them not to work as well or even make them break entirely.
How to Care for Recliner Footrest Spring?
Lubricate the metal coil with furniture polish before putting it back into your chair. This will help keep it from rusting and ensure a smoother glide when pushing down on the spring.
How to Prevent Wear and Tear on a Recliner?
#1. Keep the spring clean and free of dirt. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after use, or even better – remove your shoes before sitting on the footrest.
#2. Avoid dragging objects such as chairs, tables, pets (especially cats) across the feet of your chair to prevent wear and tear on the fabric cover and spring.
#3. Keep the floor in your home free of dirt, dust, and debris as these can rub off on your footrest fabric cover or get into the metal coil to cause damage over time.
#4. Avoid storing household items such as backpacks, shoes, etc between your chair’s legs that might end up rubbing against it causing friction which can cause the fabric cover damage.
#5. Avoid sitting cross-legged on your chair’s footrest – this can lead to an unnatural position of the body and may put strain or pressure on one side of the body which could affect circulation.
#6. Keep up with regular inspections to look for wear and tear, loose springs, frayed fabric, and uneven edges.
Replace any damaged parts or fabric, including the coils to make it safer for use.
#7. Clean your footrest regularly with a vacuum cleaner or dustpan brush attachment then clean upholstery covers with a mild detergent in tepid water, rinse well in clear cold water and dry by hand on low heat.
Use a heavy-duty upholstery fabric protector to avoid stains and odors.
#8. Place a protective mat under the footrest to protect furniture from wear, dirt, water, and oil spilled on the floor.
Replace springs with the same size of wire gauge thickness (smaller or thinner) as those originally installed in your chair. Install new springs by wrapping the end of one wire around the base coil to form a loop then wrap opposite wire from each side.
Slip coils onto the rod and tighten loops with pliers (use caution while turning pliers not to overtighten). Use pencil or marker for marking installation, but do not install springs too close to the edge or metal will be exposed.
How to Clean a Recliner
Vacuum the recliner to remove debris.
Wipe down with a damp cloth or sponge, using mild soap and water if necessary. Dry well.
Apply heavy-duty upholstery protector (to avoid stains and odors).
Maintain leather by occasionally applying conditioner as needed according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Use leather cleaner for cleaning upholstery made of other materials, then apply heavy-duty upholstery protectors to prevent stains and odors before use.
Avoid using harsh cleaners or solvents around recliner fabric as they can cause discoloration and fading over time (fabric should be dry cleaned instead).
Spot clean as needed with mild soap and water or upholstery cleaner.
Avoid spilling liquids on the recliner to reduce the risk of stains from setting in.
Ventilate after cleaning, especially if there are pets in the home that shed hair regularly (to avoid unpleasant pet odors).