Your reformer folds. That part needs looking after too.
A foldable Pilates reformer needs the same basic care as any reformer. But it also has hinges, locks, folding system screws, wheels and an assisted folding mechanism that a fixed reformer doesn't.
Most maintenance guides stop at wiping the upholstery and cleaning the rails. This one covers the part that makes a foldable reformer different, based on our own 500 fold test.
Clean the surfaces
Each material gets its own method. Gentle beats strong, every time.
Check what moves
Screws, hinges, lock, wheels and the assisted mechanism. Once a month.
Act on changes
A new noise or new play is information. Deal with it while it's small.
How do you clean a Pilates reformer?
The MOKO combines four materials. Each one needs slightly different care.
Soft microfiber cloth, lukewarm water, a little mild pH neutral soap if needed. Wipe, rinse with a clean damp cloth, dry completely.
Soft, slightly damp cloth. Never soak the wood or leave moisture around joints and hardware. Dry it afterwards.
Keep them free from dust, hair and debris that could affect the carriage. A dry or slightly damp cloth is enough.
A soft damp cloth for fingerprints and sweat. Dry it afterwards, especially around screws and joints.
Use
- Microfiber cloth
- Lukewarm water
- Mild pH neutral soap
- A dry cloth to finish
Avoid
- Alcohol, ethanol, isopropyl
- Bleach, acetone, solvents
- Abrasive sponges and pads
- Strong degreasers, furniture polish
- Conditioner made for real leather
- Soaking the upholstery
For sweat and body oils, mild soap is better than strong disinfectants. If you need to disinfect the upholstery, message MOKO and we'll tell you what is safe to use.
What should you check on a foldable reformer?
For the MOKO, we recommend a quick check once a month, or sooner if something feels different. You don't need to dismantle anything. The folding system deserves the most attention.
Folding system screws
Look for screws that have loosened or areas with new movement. A screw needing tightening is maintenance. It isn't automatically a structural problem.
Hinges and joints
Open and close the reformer and watch how the sections move. Look for new gaps, unusual movement, cracks or deformation.
The lock
When the reformer is open, make sure the lock engages properly before you train. If it suddenly feels different or needs unusual force, stop and investigate.
Around fold 300, one screw on the folding system loosened slightly. We tightened it and carried on with no further issues. The frame and joints stayed stable the whole way through.
How should you fold a Pilates reformer?
The folding mechanism should do most of the work. You shouldn't have to fight it. Before folding the MOKO:
- Stand in front of the reformer.
- Make sure nothing is obstructing the folding movement.
- Use the assisted mechanism rather than forcing the frame.
- Fold the reformer smoothly.
If it suddenly feels heavier to fold, stop. Don't push through it.
The MOKO is designed for one person folding, with an assisted mechanism that reduces lifting effort by over 80%. So a sudden increase in resistance is worth investigating.
How do you move a foldable Pilates reformer safely?
The MOKO weighs 75 kg, so the wheels make moving it much easier. They are designed for suitable indoor floors, not for dragging it over gravel, rocks or uneven outdoor ground.
One of the eight wheels developed about 1 mm of side to side play. We were also moving the reformer for filming, including over rocky ground, so we can't say the folding caused it.
Move it around a room. Don't take it off road.
When should you replace reformer springs?
The MOKO has six resistance springs, covered by a 2 year warranty.
Check them for visible damage, corrosion or deformation. If one spring looks damaged or behaves differently from the others, stop using it and message MOKO support.
You don't need to replace springs just because you've owned the reformer for a while. Their condition matters more than the date.
Why is my Pilates reformer squeaking?
A new noise doesn't automatically mean something is broken. First find where it comes from: move the carriage, the folding mechanism and the footbar separately to narrow it down.
Don't spray lubricant everywhere as a first step. Different parts use different materials and mechanisms. If you can't find the source, message MOKO support and we'll help you work out what to check.
How should you store a foldable Pilates reformer?
Keep it somewhere dry, stable and away from excessive heat or moisture. Make sure it can't be knocked over and that the folding mechanism can't be operated by accident.
Folded doesn't mean light. The MOKO still weighs 75 kg when folded, at 117 x 69 cm.
Choosing a reformer for a smaller room? Read our guide to Pilates reformers for small spaces.
What does the MOKO warranty cover?
Wear parts include upholstery, straps and ropes. Full terms are in our warranty policy. If you need a replacement component, contact MOKO support. We'll help you find the right part instead of replacing the whole reformer.
When should you stop using a reformer?
Some problems are simple maintenance. Others need attention before you train again.
Stop and contact us if you notice
- A structural crack
- Significant movement in the frame
- A lock that doesn't engage correctly
- A damaged spring
- A visibly bent component
- A folding mechanism that suddenly behaves very differently
Not sure if it's cosmetic or mechanical? Ask us.
The five minute monthly check
Screenshot this. Do it once a month.
- Wipe the upholstery
- Clean the rails and carriage area
- Check the six springs
- Check folding system screws
- Check hinges and joints
- Test the lock
- Test the assisted folding mechanism
- Check the eight wheels
- Look for cracks or unusual movement
- Listen for new noises
That's it. You don't need to be a technician. You just need to notice when your reformer starts behaving differently.
Taking care of a foldable reformer is mostly simple maintenance. Keep the materials clean. Keep the rails clear. Check the springs. Look at the folding hardware once a month. Use the wheels on suitable floors. And don't ignore a change in how the mechanism feels.
Our 500 fold test showed why those small checks matter.
Good maintenance isn't waiting for something to break. It's noticing the small things while they're still small.
See exactly what happened in our durability test: Are Foldable Pilates Reformers Sturdy? We Folded Ours 500 Times to Find Out. Still comparing machines? Read what to look for in a foldable Pilates reformer.
The reformer we folded 500 times
Full size, six springs, 10 year frame warranty. See every specification before you decide.
About this guide: written by MOKO, as general care advice for the MOKO Original. If anything on your reformer looks or feels different from what's described here, message us before you train.