On average, an Aussie works 1500 hours per year. If you work similar hours, you need to clean your office chair and other furniture regularly to maintain a pleasant office atmosphere. Regular cleaning of office chairs prevents the buildup of debris and germs and helps extend their lifespan.
However, office chairs can come in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. How do you clean a faux leather, mesh, or fabric chair? What are the necessary tools you need for cleaning? We cover everything.
Cleaning Materials
The cleaning materials you will need for your office chair are not often different from what you use for household cleaning. Here's everything you need to get ready for the task.
- Cleaning agent: Use a mild or eco-friendly soap. Dish soap is especially effective for general cleaning.
- Damp cloths: Have 2–3 clean, lint-free cloths to avoid leaving residue or fibers on the chair.
- Vacuum cleaner: A handheld or cordless vacuum works best, particularly one designed to remove dust, hair, and allergens.
- Vinegar, alcohol, or laundry detergent: Suitable for treating stubborn fabric stains. For upholstered chairs, use a dedicated upholstery cleaner if available.
- Small bowl or spray bottle: Use to mix soap and water. A spray bottle allows easier and more even application during cleaning.
Getting Started
To avoid damaging your chair, begin by reviewing any cleaning instructions specific to your chair type. Office chair manufacturers often attach a tag with detailed cleaning guidelines to prevent improper care. These tags usually outline the recommended materials and conditions for cleaning.
If your chair came with a manual, you can find the cleaning instructions there. You may also check the manufacturer’s website for this information. Additionally, most fabric or upholstered chairs have a cleaning code label located underneath the seat. Each code provides specific guidance on the appropriate cleaning method. Below are the most common codes:
- W - Wet
- S - Solvent
- WS - Wet and Solvent
- X - Vacuum only
- D - Dry Clean only
Regular cleaning of your ergonomic office chair takes about 15 to 20 minutes, including drying time. Deep cleaning will take up to 30 minutes or more, depending on the stubbornness of the stains you are dealing with. Daily cleaning should not take you more than 3 or 5 minutes.
Cleaning Your Office Chair
Now that you have gathered all the needed tools and materials, let us get on with the cleaning. There are general steps to clean office chairs and some specific details for cleaning either leather or fabric chairs.
5 Steps to Clean Your Office Chair
The cleaning steps below are ideal for mesh, fabric, and plastic chairs.
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove dust, hair and any other loose debris from the chair surface, from the top to the bottom. You can also use a lint roller or a soft-bristled brush to remove lint and hair. For places that the vacuum cleaner cannot reach, make use of a duster or lint-free damp clothes.
Step 2: Clean the Chair Fabric With Soap
Mix a moderate amount of dish soap or any other gentle soap with water in a bowl or spray bottle. Then wipe the chair surface gently with a clean cloth dipped in the soap. If you are using a spray bottle, spray the soap solution lightly on the chair surface while you wipe it with the cloth.
Step 3: Rinse the Chair
After cleaning the fabric, get another clean cloth dipped in clean water to wipe down the chair and rinse off the soap. Again, ensure not to soak the material in too much water. You may need to repeat the process for the proper removal of the soap from the chair fabric.
Step 4: Clean the Chair Wheels and Base
Aside from the seat and backrest, you should also wash the other parts of the chair. The armrest, wheels and base should be cleaned with a damp cloth. You can start with the soap solution before wiping it with clean water. Places that are hard to reach can be cleaned with a brush.
Step 5: Dry the Chair
Finally, allow the chair to air dry or use an air dryer to speed up the process if you need to use your chair urgently. Proper drying is important to avoid damage to your chair or the formation of offensive odour. You may use a good air freshener or an aromatherapy product to complement the cleaning for a better scent after cleaning.
Tips for Cleaning Leather Chairs
When cleaning our leather office chair, use mild soap and warm water to wipe the leather surface after vacuuming. It is also important to be gentle in wiping the leather surface in one direction.
Avoid scrubbing your leather chair in a bid to remove stains, as that will only damage the leather. After cleaning, always apply a leather conditioner to preserve the chair.
Tips for Cleaning Plastic Chairs
Plastic office chairs are the simplest and easiest to clean. You start by dusting or vacuuming off any dust or crumbs on the surface. Then, gently wipe down with a cloth and soap solution. Rinse and dry the chair, and it will be ready to go.
Tips for Cleaning Mesh Chairs
Mesh chairs require more work than plastic chairs but less attention than leather chairs. Mesh office chairs are best cleaned with dish soap. Similar to the steps above, start with vacuuming, then wipe any dirt with a clean cloth and soap solution. Rinse off the soap and dry the chair.
Darren Sherwood
Dealing With Stubborn Stains
Removing stubborn stains from your office chair requires extra care. Before attempting any cleaning method, first identify the chair’s material. Ensure the stain remover you choose is not too harsh for the fabric or surface.
You may use alcohol, vinegar, or a specialised upholstery cleaning product. If necessary, consider hiring a professional cleaning service or carpet cleaner.
Always complete the general cleaning steps before treating deep stains. For specific spots, apply a small amount of your chosen stain remover (vinegar, an alcohol-based cleaner, or upholstery/carpet cleaner) and gently wipe the area with a clean, damp cloth.
You may need to repeat the process several times until the stain is fully removed. Finally, rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue and allow the chair to dry completely.
Darren Sherwood
How to Keep Your Office Chair Clean
It is essential to keep your office chair clean as you use it regularly. Here are some simple steps to help keep your chair clean.
- Avoid the spillage of food and drinks on your office chair and in any case of spillage, clean it immediately. The best thing to do is to avoid eating lunch at your desk.
- If possible, get a chair cover to dust and dirt away from your chair. This will keep the chair clean without needing to clean it with water.
- Use a protector spray on your chair based on its build material to prevent future stains.
- Ensure to keep the appropriate office temperature and keep your chair away from air vents. This keeps the chair protected from excessive moisture that causes it to attract dirt or dust.
Wrapping Up!
Cleaning your office chair is necessary, but so is cleaning your working desk and work environment. You should regularly wipe your office chair with a spray and disinfect it once a week.
We also recommend using conditioners for fabric or leather, depending on your chair's materials, to prolong its lifespan. Finally, vacuum your office space to remove dust and debris buildup.
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