Keeping Your Reformer "Studio-Smooth" for Years to Come

One word shows up again and again in Reformly reviews: smooth. It's the first thing people notice when they step onto the carriage, and it's the thing that keeps them coming back to their reformer months and years later. Good maintenance is what keeps it that way.

A reformer is a simple, mechanical piece of equipment — no motors, no electronics — which means a little routine care goes a long way toward protecting your investment.

After every session

• Wipe down the carriage and shoulder rests. A quick wipe removes sweat and body oils before they have a chance to affect the upholstery or finish.
• Check strap and spring positions. Return springs and straps to a neutral or unloaded position rather than leaving them under heavy tension between uses.

Monthly checks

• Inspect the ropes and straps for fraying, especially near the pulleys, where friction is highest.
• Look over the springs for any signs of stretching, rust or deformation.
• Check that all bolts and fittings are firm — timber and aluminium frames can settle slightly after the first few weeks of use, so a quick tighten early on keeps everything aligned.

Every few months

• Clean the rails the carriage runs along. Dust and grit are the main cause of a carriage losing its glide over time, and a clean, dry cloth (avoiding heavy oils or silicone sprays unless specifically recommended) usually restores it.

Protecting the finish

• Keep your reformer out of direct, prolonged sunlight where possible — it helps protect timber tones and upholstery colour over time.
• If your machine lives in a garage or sunroom, be mindful of humidity and temperature swings, which can affect timber components more than aluminium ones.

When in doubt, ask

Every Reformly reformer is built for a lifetime of regular use, in home and commercial settings alike — but "built to last" still benefits from being looked after. If something feels off — a squeak, a stiff spring, an uneven glide — it's almost always a quick fix rather than a sign of a bigger problem.

If you're ever unsure, our team is only a message away. Contact us and we'll help you sort it out, no matter how long ago you bought your machine.