How to Clean an Office Chair: The Best Tips and Tricks

Have you ever wondered how to clean your office chair? Lucky you! Did you know that you pick up germs every time you touch your keyboard, phone, or desk? Your working area can have 400 times more bacteria than the average toilet seat! 

Over time, those germs can cause illnesses, so it’s crucial to clean not only your electronics but also the furniture you use every day, especially your office chair. If you’ve been wondering how to clean dirty office chairs, this guide is for you. 

By learning how to clean office chairs at home with some simple steps, you’ll not only keep your workspace looking neat but also ensure your chair stays comfortable and functional for years to come.

Essential Steps To Clean Your Office Chair

Cleaning your office chair may seem like a small task, but it’s an important part of maintaining a healthy and comfortable workspace. To ensure that your chair stays in top shape for longer, it's important to follow these steps carefully. 

Check The Label

Always check the label or manufacturer’s instructions under the chair or on the back. These guides provide tailored care recommendations and cleaning codes:

• W: Water-based cleaners.
• S: Solvent-based cleaners.
• W/S: Either type.
• X: Only vacuuming or brushing.

This essential step will help you find the right way and product to clean your office chair properly without damaging the office chair colors.

Wipe Down The Office Chair

The first step in the actual cleaning process is to wipe down your chair to remove any surface dirt, dust, or debris. Use a dry microfiber cloth or a soft cotton cloth to gently wipe the entire chair. Begin with the seat, backrest, and armrests—areas that see the most use.

By removing the surface dust and dirt, you prevent particles from embedding deeper into the material when you apply cleaners. If you’ve been wondering how to clean office chair without vacuuming, this step is crucial, as it allows you to prep the chair for deeper cleaning without needing a vacuum.

Vacuum The Office Chair

After wiping down the chair, it’s time to get into the nooks and crannies with your vacuum. Use the proper attachments, like a crevice tool for tight spaces and a soft brush for the fabric. Don’t forget to vacuum the seat, backrest, armrests, and even the wheels.

For mesh or fabric office chairs, use the brush attachment to lift out embedded dirt, crumbs, or pet hair. Be sure to vacuum around the seams and edges of the fabric, as dirt tends to collect in these small areas. 

For leather chairs, use a low-suction setting to prevent the vacuum from pulling too hard on the surface, and consider using a soft brush attachment to avoid any scratches or damage to the leather.

Apply The Right Products

Now that you've removed the surface dirt, it’s time to use cleaning products.  For how to deep clean office chairs, you should use a cleaning product suited for the chair’s material. But before diving in, always test your chosen cleaner on an inconspicuous area of the chair to ensure it won’t cause discoloration or damage. If the test area looks fine, proceed with applying the cleaner.

For water-based cleaners (denoted by "W" on your chair’s label), use a damp cloth with a small amount of cleaner to wipe down the surface. For solvent-based cleaners ("S"), apply the cleaner to a cloth first, not directly onto the chair, to avoid any excess liquid. .

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to clean used office chairs to avoid damaging delicate office chair materials if you can’t figure out the exact materials of your used office chair. 

Let The Chair Dry

After cleaning, allow your chair to dry naturally in a shaded area. If your chair has a fabric cushion, ensure it’s fully dry before placing it back. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause fading or damage to certain materials, especially leather. If you need to speed up drying, use a blow dryer on a cool setting, but be sure to keep it several inches away from the material to prevent heat damage.

A well-dried chair ensures that any cleaning products don’t leave behind residues and that your chair is ready for use.

How often to clean office chair will depend on how much use it gets, but always allow your chair to dry fully before sitting back down to avoid moisture buildup.

Consider A Protective Treatment For Fabric

After cleaning, it’s a good idea to apply a fabric protector (for fabric or mesh chairs) to prevent stains from setting in the future. These sprays help create a protective barrier, making it easier to clean up spills and dirt before they sink into the fabric. Be sure to test the product on a small, hidden area first, as some protectors can change the texture of the fabric.

Maintain Regular Cleaning For A Healthier Workspace

To keep your chair in the best possible shape, it’s important to clean it regularly. Aim for a quick wipe-down at least once a week, and perform a more thorough vacuuming and deep cleaning every few months. Regular care will prevent dirt buildup and help ensure your chair stays comfortable and safe to use.

Cleaning Tips For Every Material

Different materials require different care. Here’s a breakdown of how to clean your chair depending on what it’s made of:

Tips: How To Clean A Mesh Office Chair

• Start by vacuuming thoroughly, focusing on crevices and the seat.
• Use a mild detergent or a mixture of mild dish soap in warm water to clean the mesh.
• Lightly dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wipe down the entire mesh surface.
• For stubborn stains, use a vinegar and water solution or a baking soda paste, gently applied and wiped clean.

Tips: How To Clean A Leather Office Chair

• Dust the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
• Use a leather conditioner designed for office chairs.
• Apply the conditioner with a clean cloth and buff gently.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and furniture polish.
• Treat spills immediately by blotting with a clean cloth.

For more detailed instructions and useful tips, check out our detailed guide on how to clean a leather office chair.

Tips: How To Clean A Fabric Office Chair

• Start with a thorough vacuuming.
• Identify the fabric type and choose the appropriate cleaning solution.
• Use a specialized upholstery cleaner if needed.
• Use a brush attachment on your vacuum for deeper cleaning.

Cleaning a fabric upholstered office chair requires a bit more attention, but with the right approach, it’s easy to maintain. 

Guide To Cleaning Different Office Chair Parts

The previous information is ideal if you were wondering how to clean an office chair seat or frame, but other parts can accumulate dirt and must be properly disinfected, too. For example, if you need to clean harder-to-reach areas, such as under the seat or around the mechanisms, it might be necessary to disassemble your office chair. This step allows you to clean every part thoroughly and ensure that even the most hidden areas are free of dust and grime.

Here is our quick guide to cleaning different office chair parts that you may add to your cleaning routine: 

How To Clean Office Chair Wheels

When cleaning your office chair, you shouldn't focus solely on soft materials. It’s also essential to make sure the wheels are dirt-free. Otherwise, these components won't work as they should.  If you’ve been thinking about how to clean old office chairs, the wheels should not be overlooked.

Here’s how to clean them:

• Remove the wheels, if possible.
• Clean them, getting rid of dirt and debris.
• Use tweezers or nail clippers and scissors to remove stuck debris or hair.
• Apply oil or any required product to the gaps or areas beneath each wheel cover, if necessary.
• Let the wheels dry completely.
• Install them again in your chair.

Remember to remove any office chair footrest attachment and clean it before reinstalling the wheels. For those wondering how to clean dirty office chairs with cushions, this simple process will help maintain comfort and cleanliness.

How To Clean An Office Chair Cushion

If your chair has lumbar support or a removable cushion, cleaning is simple:

• Remove the cushions from the chair base.
• Wipe them down with a soft and dry cloth.
• Remove dust and other loose debris with a vacuum cleaner.
• Apply suitable products in small quantities.
• Rinse them.
• Let them dry.

If your chair has a headrest, the process is the same. Additionally, many cushions have removable covers, which can be cleaned in a washing machine with a mild detergent.

How To Clean An Office Chair’s Arms

Office chair armrests can also accumulate dirt, bacteria, and viruses. Therefore, you should consider these components when cleaning this furniture piece.

• Wipe regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth.
• For deeper cleaning, use the same approach as for the upholstery.
• Let the armrests dry horizontally to allow any moisture to drain.

Armrests accumulate a lot of grime. Use a damp cloth for routine cleaning. If you're wondering how to clean office chair at home, a regular wipe-down will work wonders for most chairs.

When To Start Buying A New Chair

Sometimes, these methods aren’t enough for you to get a clean computer chair. Clean mesh chairs are fairly easy to maintain, but other materials may have stains that are too deep or old to remove completely.

Ultimately, whether or not you should buy a new chair is subjective if your current office chair is still functional. It’s generally a good idea to buy a new chair if there are stubborn stains that are easily visible, though. 

In addition, if your chair isn’t ergonomic, you might want to invest in a new one. The ergonomic chairs offer incredible comfort and support, helping to prevent back pain, strain injuries, and postural issues. 

If you’re sitting all day long at your desk, you can consider investing in an office chair for long hours to help you maximize the comfort and productivity. For a more cushioned seating experience, you might want to explore options for an office chair with a cushion that offers enhanced comfort.

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FAQs

How often should I clean my office chair?

Ideally, you should clean your office chair at least once a week. This process should be part of your routine to prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and germs.

Can I use bleach to clean my office chair?

Since it's highly abrasive, bleach can cause discoloration or significant damage, especially to upholstery. It's recommended to use mild detergents or cleaners with special formulas.

How can I remove stains from my office chair?

Treat spills immediately. Remove excess liquid, apply a small amount of detergent or cleaner, rinse with clean water, and let the chair dry completely.

How can I prevent stains on my office chair?

Use a fabric protector to prevent spills from penetrating the material or causing irreversible damage.

Should I get my office chair cleaned by professionals?

While you can clean your office chair yourself, consider professional cleaning if it's heavily soiled or stained, or if you need to clean multiple chairs in a large workspace.

How do you deep clean a fabric chair?

To deep clean a fabric chair, start by vacuuming the entire chair to remove dust and debris. Then, apply a fabric-specific cleaner or a mixture of mild dish soap and warm water using a microfiber cloth. Gently scrub the fabric in circular motions, focusing on any stains. For stubborn spots, try a vinegar-water solution or a baking soda paste. Let the chair dry thoroughly after cleaning.

Is it okay to wash an office chair?

Washing an office chair depends on the materials. For fabric chairs, you can wash removable covers in the washing machine, but check the label to ensure it's safe. For non-removable covers, it’s best to clean the fabric using a cleaning solution and a cloth. Leather and mesh chairs should not be washed with water, as it can damage the material; instead, use appropriate cleaners for each type.

How to clean used office chair?

When cleaning a used office chair, first check the condition of the material. Vacuum the entire chair to remove loose dust and dirt. Ensure all areas, including armrests and cushions, are cleaned thoroughly. Always check the manufacturer’s label to avoid using inappropriate cleaning products.

How to clean office chair without vacuum?

If you don't have a vacuum, you can still clean your office chair by using a lint roller to pick up dust, hair, and debris. Alternatively, use a soft brush to remove dirt from the seams and crevices. A microfiber cloth can help wipe down the surface of the chair, and for fabric chairs, a brush attachment on a regular broom can help lift any debris from the fabric.

How to clean old office chair?

Cleaning an old office chair involves extra care to revive its look and feel. Start with a thorough dusting and vacuuming. For fabric chairs, use a fabric cleaner or mild soap and water to tackle any stains or dirt buildup. For leather chairs, apply a leather conditioner to restore its suppleness. Be sure to address any worn areas gently to avoid further damage.

Final Thoughts

Taking the time to properly clean your office chair is an investment in both your health and your workspace. It’s about more than just appearances; keeping your chair free of dirt, grime, and germs creates a healthier environment and enhances the comfort and support your chair provides. If you’re wondering how to clean office chair smell, there are several easy methods to deodorize and refresh your chair.

Whether you're wondering how to clean an office chair or how to care for old chairs, regular cleaning is the key to maintaining a comfortable, functional workspace. With these tips, you'll ensure your chair stays in great shape for years to come.