When was the last time you gave your office chair a proper clean? If you’re like most Aussies working from home or in a busy workplace, it’s probably been a while, and that’s completely understandable. But here’s the deal: office chairs go through a lot of use. They end up full of dust, sweat, oils from your skin, the odd food crumb and those weird stains that just show up one day. If you’re spending hours in it every day, it’s definitely worth keeping it clean. Not just for hygiene, but to make sure it stays in good shape for the long haul.
In this post, we’ll show you the best way to clean an office chair, whether upholstered, mesh-backed, or leather. Let’s get right into it.
General Cleaning Steps for All Office Chairs
Before you get stuck into cleaning your office chair, take a moment to gather everything you’ll need and have a quick look for any care instructions from the manufacturer.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
We usually go with this simple list:
- A vacuum with a soft brush head or upholstery tool
- Mild dishwashing soap
- A bowl of warm water
- A couple of clean microfibre cloths
- A soft-bristle brush or a spare toothbrush
- Rubbing alcohol for any stubborn grime
Reading Cleaning Labels and Codes
Most office chairs have a label underneath the seat that gives you a heads-up on how to clean them properly. Keep an eye out for these codes:
- W – Safe to clean with water-based solutions
- S – Only use solvent cleaners, avoid water
- W/S – Either water-based or solvent cleaners will work
- X – Only vacuuming or dry brushing is safe, no liquids at all
How to Clean Office Chair Parts Properly
Office Chair Seat
This is usually where all the grime collects, especially if you’re the type to have lunch at your desk (no judgment at all).
- To clean the seat of an office chair properly, vacuum the seat well to remove dust, fluff, and leftover crumbs.
- Mix some gentle dish soap with warm water, dip a clean cloth in it, and lightly dab on the surface.
- Use a soft brush to help lift any built-up dirt, but be careful not to scrub too roughly.
- If the seat is a bit smelly, try a mix of vinegar and water to freshen it up. Let it dry out completely before you sit back down on it.
Armrests and Backrest
These parts get touched a lot, so it’s no surprise they pick up sweat and body oils over time.
Wipe down any plastic or metal bits using a damp cloth with a bit of soapy water. For cushioned parts, vacuum off any loose dirt first, then spot-clean just like you would with the seat. Disinfectant wipes are handy too, especially during flu season or if someone’s been unwell.
Chair Wheels and Base
You don’t really think about the wheels, but they end up gathering all sorts of dust and gunk over time.
- You should flip the chair upside down to remove hair and fluff from the axles.
- Use a butter knife, tweezers, or small scissors to carefully remove debris that is stuck.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe the wheels, then dry them completely.
- Silicone lubricant should be sprayed on the wheels to smooth their movement.
Additional Cleaning Tips Based on Chair Materials
Fabric Upholstery
Fabric chairs are comfy, but they take a bit more work to clean. Mix some mild detergent with warm water and blot the stain gently with a sponge, but don’t rub it. Let it dry on its own or use a fan. For smells, sprinkle bicarb soda, leave it overnight, then vacuum it up.
This is also one of the easiest ways how to get stains out of office chair before they settle in.
Leather Upholstery
Leather’s easy to care for if you keep on top of it. If you’re wondering how to clean a leather office chair, start by wiping it down with a damp cloth. Then clean it using a proper leather cleaner or a vinegar and water mix. Dry it straight away and give it a bit of conditioner every few months. Don’t drench it or use harsh sprays as it can dry out or crack.
Mesh and Synthetic Materials
Vacuum mesh chairs with a brush attachment since they attract dust particles. Rub alcohol on the stain while dabbing the affected area. Soaking mesh materials is not recommended because dry times extend to several hours. A vinyl or plastic surface needs to be wiped with soapy water before disinfectant spray application for thorough cleaning. This method is also handy when cleaning an office chair made with mixed materials.
Don’t Want to Deal with It? Leave the Chair Cleaning to Us
At Shaggy Cleaning Services, we don’t just handle the floors and desks, but we also make sure your office chairs get a proper clean with our commercial cleaning and office cleaning services. From fabric and leather to wheels and all the little tricky spots, we’ve got it sorted. Keen to freshen things up? Give us a call or book online, and we’ll get your space looking and feeling better in no time.