If you are working in a busy office, Learning how to clean your dirty office chair is essential. A well-cleaned chair makes your working room or office more professional and aesthetic. It can be a difficult task if you don’t know how to clean it properly.
In this article, we will guide you to clean different types of chairs at home easily, no matter if your chair is upholstered or not. However, it is a time-consuming process (30 Minutes to 1 hour), but after this, you will be able to clean it by yourself.
What you will Need?
Before starting the clean your office chair, it is essential to collect all the necessary supplies, which makes the procedure easy.
- Mild Detergent or Upholstery Cleaner: Through this, you can effectively remove dirt and stains without damaging the fabric.
- Warm Water: Warm water will be used to create your cleaning solution.
- Soft-Bristled Brush or Microfiber Cloth: A soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth will be used for gently scrubbing the cleaning solution.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Upholstery Attachment: A vacuum cleaner with upholstery that will help you to effectively suction away surface contaminants and prepare the chair for deeper cleaning.
- White Vinegar (Optional): White vinegar is optional and can be used as a natural cleaning agent but If you don’t have it, then you can skip this.
- Baking Soda (Optional): Baking soda is another natural cleaning agent that removes stains from upholstery.
- Towels or Rags: You will need clean towels or rags on hand for blotting and drying the chair during the cleaning process.
If you have gathered your supplies, now we are ready to start the cleaning process.
Read the Care Tag and Gather the Supplies
Checking the care tag is a necessary step before collecting supplies for cleaning your office chair. Care tags provide a valuable guide on the specific materials and cleaning methods that are recommended for your upholstery.
Some chairs have different materials and can be washed with any type of method. So, check the care tag and your model, it will make up your mind, about what materials and supplies you have to use.
How to Deep Clean an Office Chair? Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparation
Whether your office chair is made of fabric, leather, or mesh, the cleaning process remains largely the same. Before you start cleaning, it is essential to gather all the necessary supplies that are listed above.
And clear the space around the office chair, so you can clean it easily. Inspect the chair fully, if you see any visible stains, spills, or soiled areas then make them clean by hand.
2. Vaccuume
- After Preparing, the first step is to attach the upholstery to your vacuum cleaner, Inspect the seams, crevices, and areas carefully where dirt and debris are, and vacuum the entire surface of the chair.
- To clean the tight spaces, use the crevice tool or brush attachment where the upholstery meets the chair frame. Through this, you can dislodge any trapped dirt in tight spaces from the chair.
- A very dirty area of the chair is the underside, so be sure to also vacuum there one time. The areas where cleaning is difficult through a vacuum, then tilt the chair backward or sideways, so you may access it.
- Make sure every area is cleaned with a vacuum, If you encounter any stubborn dirt or debris, gently agitate the area with the brush attachment to loosen it before vacuuming it away, and repeat the vacuuming process until the chair is fully cleaned.
Remember to empty and clean your vacuum cleaner after use, to avoid any dirt with other surfaces in your office space.
3. Spot Treatment (if necessary)
If there are any visible stains or spots on your office chair after vacuuming, then spot treatment is necessary.
- First, Use a mild cleaning solution or stain remover and apply it directly onto the affected areas.
- Gently scrub the stains with a clean cloth or brush according to the instructions on your chair Label.
- Make sure to use a gentle hand and avoid scrubbing too hard on the fabric as this can be damaged.
- Once the stains have been loosened, wipe away the cleaning solution with a damp cloth and wait some time until it is fully dried.
In extreme cases, you may need to repeat the spot treatment process for stubborn stains, so you can make it fully clean and move to the next step.
4. Mixing Cleaning Solution
After spot treatment is complete, prepare the cleaning solution for removing any remaining dirt, stains, or germs from your office chair. During the process, It is recommended to wear gloves to protect your hands from any skin irritation.
Mix the cleaning solution according to the instructions on the label, usually with a ratio of 1 cup of detergent for every gallon of water and it also depends on the size of the chair material.
Ensure that the prepared solution is well-mixed because a properly mixed cleaning solution will be more effective in removing dirt and stains without damaging the fabric of your office chair.
5. Applying the Mixing Solutions
Dip a soft, clean cloth or sponge into the prepared cleaning solution to apply it effectively to your office chair, and ensure it is well-saturated and not dripping. Make sure to apply the solution evenly on all surfaces of the chair, including the backrest, armrests, and seat.
For tougher stains or more significant areas of dirt, you will need to use a brush with soft bristles, so you can scrub it effectively. Remember to avoid using excessive force while scrubbing as this can damage the fabric.
Once the solution has been applied to your chair, wait some time and allow the cleaning agents to penetrate and loosen any remaining dirt or stains. Properly apply the cleaning solution and ensure that your office chair is cleaned from every side and ready for the next step in the process.
6. Scrubbing
After Applying Mixing Solution, Scrubbing is a necessary step in the cleaning process as it helps to remove any remaining dirt, stains, or residue from the surface of your office chair.
- Gently scrub the chair in circular motions by using a soft-bristled brush or sponge
- Make sure that you have covered all chair surfaces, including corners and seams, and deeply check every side to ensure your chair is fully cleaned.
- It is important to avoid using excessive force while scrubbing as this can damage the fabric.
- If necessary, you can use a small amount of water to reactivate the cleaning solution and help with the scrubbing process.
Once you have finished scrubbing, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away any remaining cleaning solution or residue so that your chair is left with a fresh and clean surface.
7. Rinsing
Remove any soaps, detergents, or dissolved dirt from the chair, we need to rinse it properly:
- Prepare Clean Water: Prepare a bucket of clean and cool water and avoid using hot water as it can set stains or damage your fabrics.
- Rinse the Cloth/Sponge: Dip your cloth or sponge into the clean water, then wring it out so it is damp and not dripping. This will help in removing the cleaning solution without soaking the chair.
- Gently Wipe Down the Chair: Start wiping the chair down with the cloth on areas where the cleaning solution was applied.
- Rinse Cloth/Sponge Frequently: To avoid spreading the soap residue, you will need to frequently rinse your cloth or sponge in the bucket of clean water. Your water should be cleaned, change the water, if it gets dirty.
- Check for Soap Residue: After you have wiped down the entire chair, inspect it for any soap residue. If you find any, rinse the cloth and wipe down the affected areas again.
8. Drying
After rinsing your office chair, you have to make your chair fully dry and make it ready for use. Use a clean dry towel to blot and absorb as much water as possible from all surfaces of the chair, and carefully dry the dense cushion areas that retain moisture.
After you have blotted thoroughly, leave the chair in a well-ventilated area for proper drying. If possible, use a fan to circulate air around the chair, it can speed up the drying process significantly.
However, avoid direct exposure to sunlight for extended periods as this could potentially fade the fabric colors or damage the material of your office chair. In this way, you can completely dry it before using it.
Freshening up the Upholstery
Once your office chair is thoroughly dried, the next step is to freshen up the upholstery, to remove any kind of smell and give a freshness touch.
You can use a fabric freshener spray or sprinkle baking soda on the chair but, the soda or spay should be high quality some of them are, Febreze Fabric Refresher, Lysol Disinfectant Spray, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, after applying one of them, Wait for 15-20 minutes and vacuum it well done. You can eliminate the lingering odors that may have been trapped in the fabric of your office chair.
Now you can use your chair, after completing each process, but it was a little bit difficult to well clean it through this process, so you should regularly maintain and take care of it every day with some strategies.
Also Read: How to Clean Chair Cushions
Tips and Routine to Maintain Your Office Chair
Regular maintenance is necessary to make your office chair usable for the next year and keep it looking good. Here are some tips and routine work:
- Weekly Vacuuming: Using upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner can be beneficial, It will remove dust and debris from the surface and crevices of your chair. So, do this at least once a week.
- Debris and Dust: Use a towel or clean cloth daily to remove the temporary dust and debris
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Some people sit in direct sunlight with a chair, which is harmful So position your chair away from direct sunlight to prevent the fabric from fading over time.
- Check and Tighten Screws: Regularly check all screws, bolts, and mechanical parts for any looseness and tighten as required, if you find any, then immediately repair it through the tools, that are listed above.
- Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts annually to keep them operating smoothly without squeaking.
- Use Proper Sitting Techniques: Encourage proper sitting posture and the use of all chair adjustments to distribute wear evenly and extend the lifespan of your chair.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain your office chair regularly, ensuring comfort and support for years to come.
Understanding 3 Different Types of Office Chairs and their Cleaning Instructions
The three types of office chairs are mesh, leather, and fabric, you can use the same method to clean these but they have some different materials, and each requires specific care and maintenance routines to ensure their longevity and maintenance. Now Learn the different practices, if you have one of them:
How to Clean Mesh Office Chair?
Mesh office chairs offer a breathable, supportive seating option but can collect dust and debris in their weaves.
- Vacuum Regularly: To remove the dust, Use the upholstery attachment to gently vacuum, as we used on all the chairs.
- Spot Cleaning: Dip any clean cloth into the solution of mild detergent and water and Treat the stains by dabbing then rinse with a damp cloth.
- Dry Thoroughly: Place your chair for some time to dry it completely before using, it to prevent moisture from being trapped within the mesh.
How to Clean Leather Office Chairs?
Leather chairs add a touch of elegance to any office and it looks beautiful, here are the simple steps, you can follow to make it clean.
- Dust Removal: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe away any dust from the surface.
- Leather Cleaner: Apply a small amount of leather cleaner onto a soft cloth and gently rub it into the leather in circular motions.
- Conditioning: After cleaning, apply a leather conditioner to prevent drying and cracking, it will enhance your leather chair fully cleaned.
- Immediate Spill Cleanup: Inspect your chair every day while using and if you find any spills, blot them immediately with a dry cloth to prevent staining.
How to Clean Fabric Office Chair
Fabric chairs are comfortable and come in various colors and patterns but they can be cleaned easily:
- Vacuuming: Regularly vacuum the fabric to remove dust and prevent it from settling.
- Spot Clean: For stains, use a solution of mild detergent and water. Apply it to the stain and gently rub with a cloth or soft brush, then rinse with a damp cloth, so that the soap is fully removed.
- Air Dry: Away the chair from direct heat sources to avoid shrinking or warping the fabric and ensure the chair is thoroughly air-dried.
By understanding the material of these 3 different chairs, you will be able to clean any of the chairs, you have.
FAQs
How to Clean an Office Chair Cushion?
Ans: To clean an office chair cushion, start by vacuuming the cushion to remove any loose dirt or dust. If your cushion has a removable cover, take it off and check the care label before washing, it so you may clean it safely.
For non-removable cushions, create a mixture of mild detergent and warm water, apply it to the stained areas with a cloth, and gently rub. Rinse with a damp cloth so the soap residue can be properly removed.
How to Clean the Wheels of an Office Chair?
Ans: For Office Chair Wheels cleaning First, take off these and then, use a screwdriver or knife to carefully remove any hair or dirt that is stuck in the wheels and axle. Use a wet cloth with soap to clean the wheels, focusing on tough dirt spots.
How to Clean a Smelly Office Chair?
Ans: To remove the smell from the office chairs, start by vacuuming and carefully removing dust and debris. Sprinkle any high-quality baking soda over the chair and leave it for several hours or overnight to absorb the odors.
Then, vacuum up the baking soda For a deeper clean, use a mild detergent mixed with warm water and scrub the chair thoroughly with a cloth or sponge.
Rinse with a damp cloth and make your chair dry completely before using it again. You can also use fabric fresheners or sprays specifically designed for upholstery to keep your chair smelling fresh for longer periods.
How to clean office Chair Armrest?
Ans: To clean the armrests of your office chair, follow these simple steps:
- Don’t need to detach: If you can detach the arms, then it’s best but not necessary, you can clean the attached armrests.
- Wipe Down Armrests: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the armrests, removing any surface dirt or dust. If your armrests are made of a hard material like plastic or wood, this may be all you need.
- Use Gentle Cleaner: For more stubborn stains or buildup, mix a small amount of mild soap with water and dip a cloth into the solution, wring out excess liquid, and wipe the armrests gently.
- Rinse: After cleaning, use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue from the armrests.
- Dry Completely: Use a dry towel or cloth to pat the armrests dry. Make sure they are completely dry before using the chair again.
In Conclusion
Maintaining the cleanliness and condition of office chairs makes it a pleasant and professional appearance and comfort for health if you spend long working hours. Through this article, you learned how to clean and care for three different types of office chairs, as well as some tips for specific cleaning issues and frequently asked questions.
Keep these tips in mind and follow them for a healthier and more productive work environment. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for cleaning your office chair.
