Every office has that one chair no one wants to sit in. It’s probably stained with something mysterious and if you’re left with no choice but to sit in it, you’re left feeling gross all day. If your office has such a chair, or even if your own seating is just looking a bit grubby, it’s time to give them a clean.
When choosing an office chair, you’ll find that they’re made from 3 distinct materials – fabric, leather, and mesh. The type you get will depend on your preferences but each one will have a different cleaning method. So read on to learn more about how to clean office chairs.
How to clean a fabric office chair
Before you break out the rubber gloves and sponges, give every nook and cranny of your chair a good hoover – no matter the material it’s made from. All the adjustable parts and cushion seams collect all sorts of dust and crumbs and will need taking care of. Once you’re done, you’re ready to move onto stain removal.
Thankfully, fabric office chairs can be really easy to clean. If they are made with a light fabric, you might need to be a bit more careful to avoid tidelines but dark fabrics should clean up just fine.
How to clean office chair cushions
Double check to see if your chair cushion has a cover that can be removed – these can probably be tossed on a cool wash cycle with some normal washing detergent to remove the majority of stains. Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.
How to get stains out of fabric chairs
Dish soap and water is your go-to chair cleaner. Mix some warm water and washing up liquid in a spray bottle and spritz it onto the marks before gently scrubbing with a cloth, sponge, or soft-bristled brush.
For stubborn stains, sprinkle on a little baking soda and dribble some vinegar over it to create a fizzy reaction that’s great at removing stains. Just make sure to clean it off with clean, cold water when you’re done. Don’t use bleach on dark-coloured fabrics.
You might be tempted to use hydrogen peroxide on some tough stains – if you do, make sure you can clean it well because it can discolour light fabrics.
How to clean a mesh office chair
Mesh chairs are great office chairs because they’re comfortable, breathable, and ergonomic. But dust, dirt, and crumbs can settle in the mesh fabric over time.
Give the chair a good vacuum and wipe down the mesh with a damp cloth and some soapy water. You may need to get into the hard-to-reach places with a cotton bud.
How to clean a leather office chair
Leather chairs can be ultra comfortable and give a really opulent feel to an office. They are generally fairly easy to clean too – often just wiping clean – but might need specialised cleaners for tougher stains.
Leather can be cleaned using a simple combination of dish soap and water. You might need to get into the crack and seams with a cotton bud. If there are some tough stains, a special leather cleaner might be a better option.
How to clean office chair wheels
The wheels of your office chair can get gunked up with dirt and dust after rolling around on the floor. Cleaning them helps to keep your chair rolling smoothly.
To clean your wheels, tip the chair upside down and remove any large bits of debris. Next, remove the wheels (they usually just clip in so should pop right out). Other designs might need a screwdriver.
Next, use a cloth and some soapy water to clean off any dirt outside and inside the wheel casing. Rinse them off to remove any soap residue and allow to fully dry before reattaching them to the chair.
How to freshen up upholstery
Keeping the chair clean will mean you have to deep clean it less often.
Vacuum it once a week to get rid of any dust and crumbs and give it a wipe down with a damp cloth. Spills happen, but make sure to mop them up right away, using soap and water to remove anything that might stain like coffee or tomato sauce.
Consider using a protective spray to add a level of waterproofness to help repel liquids. And above all, try to avoid eating or drinking at your desk to avoid spills altogether.
Kit out your office with a wide range of comfortable and easy-to-clean office chairs from Officeology. Our range of affordable office furniture includes everything you need to provide comfortable, ergonomic, and productive work spaces.