A Guide on How to Clean an Office Chair
From quick and easy-to-clean spills to tough, grubby stains, office chairs can quickly accumulate dirt and wear over time. There is nothing worse than sitting down, ready for a day of work, only to be greeted by an uncomfortable, dirty chair that distracts you from your tasks. So how do you combat this so you can continue to remain productive while working?
In our BiGDUG “How to Clean an Office Chair” guide, we will highlight popular methods used to maintain the cleanliness and condition of chairs – from materials such as fabric, leather, and mesh, to tips for dealing with spills, stains, and odours. At BiGDUG, we are here to help you improve your workspace!
What Cleaning Materials Do You Need?
Here is a quick list of essential cleaning items that will work wonders in getting your office chair cleaned.
- Microfibre Cloths – Perfect for wiping down surfaces without scratching or leaving lint behind.
- Absorbent Sponges – Great for tackling spills and blotting up moisture from upholstery.
- Dish Soap – A gentle cleaner that works well for removing stains and dirt from fabric and vinyl.
- Stain Remover – Ideal for tackling tougher stains, especially on fabric or upholstery. Choose a formula suited to your chair’s material to ensure effective stain removal without damaging the fabric.
- Alcohol – Useful for disinfecting and cleaning hard-to-reach areas. It also helps in removing sticky residues and can act as a quick cleaner for leather or vinyl surfaces.
- Brush (Toothbrush) – Better suited for those difficult-to-reach nooks and crannies.
- Vacuum – Essential for removing dust, dirt, and debris from all areas of your office chair, especially the seat, backrest, and wheels. A vacuum with a nozzle attachment works best for getting into crevices and ensuring a thorough clean.
These items are not exclusive to chairs. When you’re equipped with these essential cleaning materials, you are ready for most cleaning challenges in the workspace. Be sure to invest in some to be stocked and ready – the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared when an accident occurs!
When you need a reliable place to store your cleaning products, why not browse our popular Office Storage range for safe and secure solutions?
Effective Ways to Keep Your Office Chair Clean
Prevention is better than cure; this holds true even when it comes to keeping a clean and tidy office environment. While it is possible to clean your chair, preventing dirt, spills, and stains from occurring in the first place can save you a lot of time and effort. Try to incorporate some of these daily habits to avoid future spillages…
Food-Free Zone – Keep Food and Drinks Away
Enjoy a proper break and take some time away from your desk to get some movement when you plan on eating or drinking. Set a simple rule for yourself; no food or drink at your desk or in your chair. Not only do you eliminate the risk of food spillage and drinks falling all over your setup, but you also give your body a much-needed pause from sitting.
Regular Cleaning – Wipe Down Your Chair After Use
Taking a minute at the end of the day to dust and wipe down your chair after use will prevent dirt and grime from accumulating – don’t forget to dig deep between the seat and backrest! Regular cleaning helps keep the chair nice and clean which in turn keeps motivation high by having a tidy work environment. Give yourself one less thing to do the following morning by getting your workstation ready and wiped down.
Prevent Material Fading – Keep Your Chair Away from Direct Sunlight
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the material on your chair to fade and weaken over time, especially if it’s made of fabric or leather. Position your chair in a shaded area or use curtains and blinds to filter sunlight in your workspace. If your chair must be near a window, consider UV-protective films for your glass to reduce exposure.
Add Extra Layer – Invest in a Chair Cover or Spray
By using an extra layer of protection such as a chair cover or specialised spray you further reduce the risk of spills, stains, and wear. Office chair covers are easy to remove and wash, making them a practical solution for high-use environments. Alternatively, protective sprays or creams tailored to your chair’s material (such as fabric, leather, or mesh) can provide a reliable barrier that repels liquids and prevents stains from setting in.
Keep in Pristine Condition – Allow for Space
Ensure your chair is positioned in an area with sufficient space to move freely. Having this buffer will help reduce collisions with walls, desks, and other furniture – which saves the material and fabric of the chair from being chipped away at and worn.
Different Office Chair Types
Fabric Office Chairs
Fabric office chairs are valued for their comfort and variety of colours and patterns. However, they tend to absorb spills, dust, and odours over time, making regular maintenance essential.
How to Clean a Fabric Chair?
- Vacuum: First, remove any crumbs, debris, and dust to make the next steps smoother and more impactful. Be sure to dig deep into crevices for a thorough clean.
- Spot Clean: For stains, use hot soapy water with a microfibre cloth to gently clean the fabric using small, circular motions to avoid spreading the stain further and damaging the fabric. Repeat a couple more times until satisfied. If no visible progress, refer to the manufacturer’s care instructions or consider using a fabric-safe stain remover designed for tougher stains.
- Deodorise: Optional step for smelly stains that need removing. Sprinkle baking soda over the surface, let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up to eliminate odours. Baking soda is great since it works by absorbing the bad-smelling odours.
- Air Dry: Don’t leave the moisture in an environment where it can linger and cause mould or mildew to develop. After spot cleaning, make sure to allow the fabric to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could warp or fade the material.
Leather Office Chairs
A popular material for office chairs, leather adds a level of sophistication to a space and is relatively easy to clean. However, it requires proper care to maintain its appearance and prevent cracking or fading.
How to Clean a Leather Chair?
- Dust and Wipe: Use a dry cloth to remove dust and debris from the leather chair. A vacuum with a soft bristle attachment will also work great. Use anything soft that won’t leave scratches and damage the material. Dampen a cloth with water and gently wipe the leather to remove any remaining dirt or residue. Be sure not to oversaturate the leather, as excess moisture can lead to staining or weakening the material.
- Use Leather Cleaner: Apply a leather-safe cleaner or a mixture of water and white vinegar in a 50/50 ratio to tackle stains. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for suitable cleaning products. Test on a small area first to ensure it doesn’t discolour the leather.
- Protect: Compared to other materials, leather can be prone to cracking and drying out over time. In order to keep the leather supple and damage-free, invest in a leather conditioner that you can apply every few months. The main purpose of the conditioner is to nourish and maintain the material’s natural oils, prolonging its lifespan and preventing premature cracking.
Mesh Office Chairs
Mesh chairs are lightweight and breathable, making them a great choice for long working hours. However, their fine texture can trap dirt and debris, requiring frequent cleaning.
How to Clean a Mesh Chair?
- Vacuum: A vacuum works best with a mesh chair since it allows you to retrieve dust and debris that may have fallen in between the mesh and crevices. So first, clear any loose debris from the surface using a vacuum – with whichever attachment you find most efficient.
- Spot Clean: For stains, use hot soapy water with a soft cloth to gently clean the mesh using small, circular motions to avoid damaging it. Repeat a couple more times until satisfied.
- Air Dry: Don’t leave the moisture in an environment where it can linger and cause mould or mildew to develop. After spot cleaning, make sure to allow the mesh chair to air dry in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could warp or fade the material. Mesh is often better than fabric with smells and won’t hold anywhere near as much smelliness.
Remember these cleaning guides are material-specific. So if you own a dirty chair that features various types of materials, then you’ll need to apply the appropriate cleaning method for each material individually – and be careful not to mix cleaning products that could cause damage or discoloration. Just because one way of cleaning works for one material doesn’t mean it’s suitable for others and can potentially lead to damage.
It is also worth noting that once every couple of months, it can be worth committing to a deep clean where you thoroughly clean all parts of the chair, including the seat, backrest, frame, and any padding or armrests.
Common Office Chair Cleaning Questions
How to clean office chair castors?
Turn the chair upside down and remove any debris like hair or dust using your fingers or a small brush. Clean the wheels with a damp cloth or soapy water, and if they are removable, soak them for a deeper clean. Finish by drying thoroughly and applying a silicone spray for smooth rolling.
How to clean an office chair’s headrest?
Vacuum the headrest to remove dust and debris, then clean with a damp cloth or an appropriate cleaner based on the material (fabric, leather, or mesh). For fabric, use a mild soap solution; for leather, a conditioner can keep it soft and clean. Dry completely to prevent odours or stains.
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