How To Clean An Office Chair

If you’re working a desk job, you’ll probably be spending most of your day sitting in an office chair. Occasionally, you might stain the chair with a blot of ink, or some food, or spill a drink by mistake. It could also get dusty if it absorbs dust from the air over time.

You’ll need to clean your office chair from time to time to prevent foul smells, maintain the general appearance of your office, and increase the life expectancy of your chair. Cleaning your office chair would also prevent the wheels from getting stiff so that they roll as well as they should.

How you clean your office chair depends largely on what type of chair it is and what kind of materials it is made from. There are executive chairs which are commonly made of pure leather, conference chairs which are often manufactured in leather, fabrics, or mesh, and filled with foam on the inside, workstation chairs usually made of fabrics, reception or workstation chairs which often come in a large variety of materials, and guest chairs which are made from expensive materials, mostly leather.

7 Simple Steps To Clean An Office Chair

Below are seven simple steps to clean an office chair excellently.

1. Vacuum the chair to remove dirt and dust.

Use an upholstery attachment that has a wide plastic end and a brush underneath. Make sure the brush is soft so that it won’t scratch leather and vinyl materials. Also, make sure that the suction is not too high to prevent damage to the leather.

2. Check the care tag on your chair.

On the care tag, you’ll find useful cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer. S means you should only use solvent-based solutions for cleaning, W means you should use a water-based solvent, while SW or S/W means either solvent-based or water-based solutions can be used.

3. Get your cleaning solution ready.

Depending on the instructions on the care tag, dispense the solution into a small bowl and get a soft, clean, and lint-free cloth. Wet your rag lightly rather than soaking it to avoid leaving excess liquid on your furniture. Test the solution on a small, inconspicuous part of the chair before going all out.

4. Wipe to clean.

Wipe the chair with a soft cloth instead of rubbing or scrubbing, which could fray the mesh or scratch the leather.

5. Dry with a clean dry cloth.

Wipe away any moisture using a soft, clean, and dry cloth, and then put the chair in a well-ventilated area to allow the chair to air dry quickly.

6. Clean the wheels.

Flip the chair upside down and remove the wheels (if it has one) either by pulling or by using a screwdriver. Use a knife or any other suitable instrument to remove large dirt and debris stuck in the wheel. You may also need scissors to remove some tangled dirt like hair strands and threads.

Wipe the wheels with a damp cloth to remove any dirt that the knife cannot remove. Dry with a paper towel and replace.

7. Wipe down the chair arms and legs with a damp cloth.

The arms and legs are usually plastic or metal and are easier to clean. Wipe with a damp cloth or use a mild solution and soap if there are stubborn stains. Wipe the arms and legs dry with a clean, dry cloth. Now, your office chair is as good as new!

It is not advisable to clean your office chair too frequently as it could make your chair material more prone to damage. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning your chair, as this can cause it to fade and peel off, especially if it is a leather chair. It is advised to use just a damp cloth to wipe things off it. If you ever need to use soap, ensure it is a chemical-free one. Let me show you how to maintain your office chair to make it last longer and prevent too frequent cleaning.

Simple Tips To Maintain Your Office Chair

  1. Make sure to clean your chair as soon as there is a spill to prevent it from setting and causing a difficult stain. If you attend to spills and other dirt quickly enough, cleaning with a damp cloth or rag should be enough to take out the dirt.
  2. Adjust the chair to your body. Adjust the seat height and tilt to suit your height and personal preference. Also, adjust the tension control to allow the chair to compensate for your body weight.
  3. Do not overplay on your chair. Avoid tilting your office chair too much to prevent the office chair from falling back and giving you serious back pain. If you have kids around in your workspace, keep watch on them to prevent them from playing on your chair.
  4. Air-dry your office chair when you accidentally wet it to prevent a foul smell in your workspace. Leaving liquids on your chair can damage leather materials.
  5. Once in a while, employ the services of an upholstery cleaner for a more thorough and professional cleaning.
  6. Lubricate your chair. Apply lubricating oil and silicone spray to the seat tension spring and the axles of the wheels to prevent friction and keep them moving smoothly.
  7. Use vinegar or alcohol spray to deodorize your chair. You can also use baking soda or activated charcoal to help freshen the upholstery of your chair by breaking down the smells rather than coating it in perfume.

How Often Should You Clean An Office Chair?

It is advisable to do basic, regular cleaning every 1-2 weeks or as often as you vacuum or clean your workspace. Deep cleaning, however, should be done once every 5-6 months. With irregular cleaning, you can always just dust up the seat every day before you use it, and clean the armrests and the back. For deep cleaning, you will have to focus on other less noticeable areas of the chair such as the wheels, rod, and the area beneath the seat.

How Often Should You Change An Office Chair?

Office chairs have an average lifespan of 7 years depending on the quality, material, and type of chair you purchase. How often you replace your office chair also depends on how smooth your maintenance game is.

Look out for loose springs and the overall posture and condition of your chair and make sure it isn’t affecting your health. Change promptly if you notice back pains and discomfort as a result of the condition of the chair.

How Long Does It Take To Clean An Office Chair?

Regular maintenance cleaning takes about 5 minutes while deep upholstery cleaning could take as long as 30 minutes to 1 hour. You should also consider oiling joints and corners that require free movement whenever you decide to deep clean the chair. This will help the chair last longer and avoid awkward loud noises when you sit.

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Office Furniture Warehouse is your one-stop shop for creating a comfortable and efficient office space. With our wide selection of chairs, desks, storage, and more, you’re sure to find the perfect piece of furniture to suit your needs. Don’t wait any longer – act now to find the perfect office chair and enhance your workday experience! Visit Office Furniture Warehouse today and start creating your ideal workspace.

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