How to clean an office chair and maintain a hygienic home office environment is important for plenty of reasons, from keeping your mood high, (a tidy house tidy mind approach) to your personal hygiene and well-being and to extend the longevity of your home office chair.
Not to mention helping to keep all the moving parts of your home office in good working order, avoiding frustration later. A clean office chair moves better without grimy clogged wheels for instance.
So in this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of cleaning an office chair regardless of the type of chair or what material it’s made out of, keeping it spotless and fresh for an inviting workspace.
Your cleaning checklist
Here’s a list of things you should prepare before you start your cleaning spree:
- Handheld vacuum with attachments (any vacuum will suffice)
- Lint roller – especially useful if dealing with pet hair
- All-purpose cleaner
- Absorbent sponges
- Chamois leather cloths or Microfiber cloths
- Vinegar or Alcohol wash
- Dishwashing detergent
- Stain remover
- A toothbrush for cleaning restrictive areas
- A sanitiser solution
Check the material
Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you identify the material of your office chair. Whether it’s fabric, leather, mesh, or a combination, understanding the material will guide you in selecting the appropriate office chair cleaner and the right methods to use during the cleaning process.
You don’t want to use the wrong cleaning agent or chemical on the wrong material and cause damage – that’s making matters worse.
Spot test
To be extra safe, you can always spot-test an inconspicuous part of the chair first with whichever chemical or cleaning agent you’re using to see if there is an adverse reaction.
How to clean office chairs made of mesh
Mesh office chairs are popular for their breathability and comfort as they often provide additional lumbar support. Keeping them clean is essential for maintaining a healthy and inviting workspace.
Vacuum
Begin by using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to remove any loose dirt or debris from the mesh and help lift ingrained dirt, making the cleaning process a bit more efficient.
Clean with soapy water
Dip a soft cloth or sponge into a mixture of mild soap and water. Gently scrub the mesh, paying attention to any stained or soiled areas. Avoid using excessive water to prevent saturation. Make sure it’s damp and use this moisture to help lift embedded grime while providing freshness.
Use a cotton swab
For hard-to-reach areas or more stubborn marks and stains, use a cotton swab dipped in your soap-water solution. This allows for precise cleaning without over-saturating the mesh. Over-saturating the mesh can make it hard to dry, can cause moisture to be trapped in the chair and can lead to a damp smell if left for an extended time.
Dry
Don’t just slide it back under your office desk straight after cleaning – Ensure the mesh is completely dry before returning the chair to use.
Leaving the chair in a well-ventilated area or using a fan or fan heater can speed up the drying process.
This is why avoiding using too much water when cleaning is advised, to shorten this last step and help you find your seat sooner rather than later.
How to clean office chairs made of fabric
Fabric office chairs offer comfort but can be prone to stains. Follow these steps to keep them looking clean and inviting. Cleaning fabric chairs requires great care and attention to ensure you don’t cause bleaching or damage, as this would make your home office look shabby and could result in needing to buy a replacement.
Vacuum
As with mesh chairs, start by vacuuming the fabric to remove loose dirt and debris. This prepares the chair for deeper cleaning and means you aren’t scrubbing the loose dirt deeper into the fabric making it harder to shift.
Check the product label
Office chairs with fabric components will typically have a label for any specific cleaning instructions or for recommended cleaning products to ensure you don’t use the wrong chemicals or techniques and cause damage.
Clean the fabric
Spot-clean any stains using a mixture of mild detergent and water. Gently blot the stains with a soft cloth or sponge, working from the outside in to prevent the stain from bleeding into the surrounding fabric.
Dry
Allow the fabric to air dry thoroughly. Once dry, re-vacuum the chair to remove any remaining particles.
Wipe the arms and legs
Use a damp cloth to wipe down the arms and legs of the chair. Depending on the level of dirt and grime build-up and the material of the chair arms and legs, don’t be afraid to give it a bit of elbow grease and use a stronger cleaner if needed.
Typically, warm soapy water or an antibacterial spray and a cloth will suffice.
How to clean leather office chairs
Leather office chairs add sophistication to a home office, but you must pay special care to maintain leather and be very careful with any stringent chemicals – as these can cause permanent damage to the leather and cause it to weaken or lose its sheen.
Vacuum
Begin by vacuuming the chair to remove loose dirt and dust. This prevents scratching the leather during the cleaning process.
Wipe the chair
Using a solution of mild soap and water and a damp cloth, gently wipe down the leather from top to bottom, paying attention to any areas with stains or spills.
Dry
Ensure the leather is thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step. Do not expose the chair to direct sunlight during this process as this can lead to bleaching or other discolouration.
Protect and condition
Apply a leather protectant and conditioner to keep the leather supple using a waxy residue to help keep it more protected from future stains.
Wipe the arms and legs
Finish by wiping down the arms and legs of the chair with a clean, dry cloth. If the arms are covered with leather too, take the same care and consideration as you did with the chair body as the leather could still be susceptible to damage and discolouration.
Regular maintenance tips
Dust regularly
Regardless of the material, make dusting your office chair a regular part of your cleaning routine. Dust and dirt can accumulate over time, affecting both the appearance and hygiene of the chair. If you keep on top of this, you can delay a build-up and make future cleaning sessions less troublesome.
Use an office chair cleaner
Invest in a suitable office chair cleaner that agrees with the material of your chair. This ensures that you’re using a product specifically formulated for the task at hand. Remember to read the instructions carefully and if in doubt – spot test somewhere on the chair which is less noticeable.
By following these detailed steps on how to clean an office chair, you can keep your workspace looking fresh, in good working order and extend the life of your home office furniture.
A home office to take pride in at Slouch
Making sure your home office is a comfortable and pleasant space to spend time in is part and parcel of working at Slouch. You deserve a home office set-up to be proud of, and high-quality home office furniture you can rely on
If you want to invigorate your home office by buying a new office chair, fill out this contact form today. Feel free to email us at [email protected] and we’ll be in touch to assist you with general enquiries too.
