How To Clean An Office Chair [5 Easy Steps]

Office chairs regularly gather dirt, spills, stains, and germs. Cleaning them is essential to maintaining hygiene. If you’re unsure how to clean your office chair, don’t worry! We’ve researched the best cleaning methods here.

How Do You Clean A Fabric Office Chair?

Spending a lot of time in your office chair can get dirty and affect your décor. Don’t wait for it to get worse! Follow these simple steps to restore your fabric chair to a spotless, fresh-smelling state:

Step 1: Vacuum out the Dust and Debris

Vacuuming helps penetrate the chair’s fabric and remove the underlying dust and debris. Adjust your cleaner to the ‘low suction’ setting and run the attachment over the armrests, backrest, and seat. 

Step 2: Check out the Cleaning Instructions on the Upholstery Tag

Most office chairs have an upholstery tag with cleaning instructions under the seat. The codes are:

• W: Use water-based products.
• S: Use water-free solvents.
• W/S: Use either water-based or water-free products.
• X: Only brush; no water or solvents.

If there’s no tag, check the owner’s manual for cleaning directions.

Step 3: Clean out the Spots with Soap and Warm Water

If your chair’s tag or manual doesn’t specify, skip this step. For any stains, blot them with a damp cloth and gentle dish soap mixed with warm water. No fancy soap is needed!

Step 4: Use a Quality Stain Remover to Clear any Stains

Use a stain remover for stubborn stains. Test it on a hidden spot first. If it works well, use it on the entire chair. We recommend OxiClean for its effectiveness on most fabrics and ease of use.

Step 5: Clean your Casters

If your chair has casters, clean them by removing debris with a vacuum or gloved hands. Unscrew the wheels for a deeper clean, wipe inside, reassemble, and lubricate. Do this monthly to ensure smooth movement.

How To Maintain The Cleanliness Of Your Office Chair

Cleaning your office chair is one thing; maintaining it is another. Here are a few tips to keep it spotless and fresh:

• Avoid spilling food or liquids.
• Use a protective covering.
• Keep it away from air vents or fireplaces.
• Maintain humidity between 40-55% to prevent drying out or moisture saturation.
• Avoid conditioning leather chairs too often.

If your chair is over 15 years old or broken, consider replacing it with a high-quality one and maintaining its cleanliness.

How Do You Clean A Smelly Office Chair?

Prolonged use can cause your chair to develop odors. Here are four tips to combat the stench:

Use White Vinegar 

Use vinegar to eliminate odors: mix one cup of water with one teaspoon of vinegar, spray on your chair until moist, let sit for 30 minutes, then air-dry outside.

Use Baking Soda

For upholstered chairs, sprinkle baking soda, leave for 15 minutes, then vacuum. Your chair will be odor-free!

Use Liquid Soap

Mix one teaspoon of liquid-neutral soap with a cup of warm water for leather chairs. Wipe the chair with a soaked cloth, then use a damp cloth to remove the soap residue. Dry with a dry rag.

Use Detergent

Mix warm water with a handful of laundry detergent in a bowl. Scrub the chair thoroughly with a sponge or clean cloth. Wipe excess water with a dry cloth and let it dry overnight.

How Do You Disinfect An Office Chair?

Filthy chairs can harbor pests, bacteria, and germs, but disinfectants are more effective than soap and water for cleaning surfaces. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends using disinfectants for cleaning.

Disinfectant wipes work if used properly, with a required standing time of three to five minutes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For disinfectant sprays, wear gloves and use a quality spray to clean your chair effectively. Vacuum your chair to remove dirt, then spray the disinfectant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Conclusion

Following the simple cleaning tips in this post will effectively clean your office chair. It’s straightforward, so there’s no need to spend money on professional cleaning when you can do it yourself with basic supplies.