An office chair is not just a piece of furniture; it is an integral part of our daily routine. Desk chairs tend to accumulate not just dirt but also food particles and dust. Cleaning this dirt that accumulates over time is important to keep the chair comfortable as well as to increase its life. In this blog, we will give you detailed information on how to clean office chairs; this guide will walk you through it step by step.
Why Office Chair Cleaning Is Essential?
When skin oils, dust, sweat, and other dirt particles come in contact with the fabric of the chair, they penetrate the fabric or leather, making the office chair look and feel worn. Office chairs are a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens as they harbor bacteria and allergens. Office chair refinishing is important not just for the maintenance of your chair but also for your office hygiene strategy. Let’s go through a simple and effective process for cleaning your office chair.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Gathering the necessary tools and cleaning supplies beforehand will make the job easier and faster. Below is a list of items you will need:
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Dish soap or mild detergent
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft brush
- Disinfectant spray
- Baking soda (for deodorizing fabric chairs)
- Leather cleaner or conditioner (if applicable)
You can easily purchase these items because of their low price. Also, depending on the type of chair, you may need specific cleaners. For example, leather chairs need to be cleaned to prevent damage.
Step 2: Start with a Surface Clean
Before starting the deep cleaning, it is advisable to clean the surface of your chair. This helps to remove loose dirt and crumbs that would otherwise hinder the effectiveness of the deep cleaning step.
- Vacuum: Use a vacuum cleaner and a suitable brush attachment to collect debris and move around all visible components of the chair systematically. Concentrate particularly around seams, corners, and any joints, grooves, or notches where dirt is likely to accumulate.
- Wipe Down with a Damp Cloth: First, soak a soft microfiber cloth in warm water and squeeze out the excess water. Use this cloth to lightly rub rough surfaces like the armrest, base, and frame. This is a simple yet effective process that prevents excessive dirt accumulation and also maintains the beauty of the chair.
Step 3: Deep Clean According to Material Type
Office chairs are also made of different materials, including mesh, fabric, leather, and faux leather. The cleaning method should be different for each material. Here’s how to clean an office chair based on its type.
For Fabric Chairs
Fabric chairs usually get dust particles and stains, hence requiring extra attention.
- Spot Cleaning: If you notice a stain, take some warm water and add a little dish soap. Soak a microfiber cloth in the soapy water and wring it out. Dab the cloth gently on the stain and rub the cloth over the stained area. Too much moisture can leave a water ring.
- Deodorizing: To remove any odors, try applying a light layer of baking soda to the fabric of the chair. Wait 15-20 minutes, then vacuum it up. This step is very important if your chair has absorbed food odors or other people’s smells.
- General Cleaning: For general chair cleaning, use an upholstery cleaner. After reading the cleaner’s instructions, apply it, then wipe down the fabric, let it dry, and wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
For Mesh Chairs
Mesh chairs are adjustable, providing air circulation to the user, but they can easily accumulate dust and animal or fabric fibers. To keep a mesh chair clean, follow these steps:
- Dust Removal: Use the brush nozzle of a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the mesh material or surface.
- Spot Clean: Soak a soft cloth in a mixture of water and mild detergent, then gently rub any stains. Don’t pour water little by little onto the mesh, as it can take some time to dry.
- Dry Thoroughly: The first step after removing or cleaning mesh chairs is to let them air dry completely so they don’t become damp and develop a musty smell. Although air flowing through the mesh dries them quickly, it’s wise to let them air dry to prevent the material from cracking.
For Leather Chairs
Leather office chairs look attractive, especially in a work environment. However, it is important to handle the leather carefully to prevent it from cracks and dryness. If you plan to buy office chair options, ensure they are made of high-quality materials for durability.
- Dusting: Use a clean and dry terry cloth to wipe dust off the chair.
- Spot Clean with Leather Cleaner: Prepare a mixture of mild soap and water and apply it to a microfiber cloth. Use it to wipe down faux leather and remove stains or greasy surfaces with minimal force.
- Disinfect: Spray a synthetic leather disinfectant on the chair to maintain its hygiene.
For Faux Leather Chairs
Faux leather is less porous than real leather, making it easier to clean.
- Dust: Wipe the chair with a soft, dry cloth to remove surface dust.
- Use a Mild Cleaner: Apply a small amount of mild detergent and water mixture to a microfiber cloth. Wipe the faux leather gently to remove any stains or grime.
- Disinfect: Apply a disinfectant safe for synthetic leather to keep the chair hygienic.
Step 4: Clean the Chair Base and Casters
Your office chair’s base and casters also tend to collect dirt, dust, and hair, so cleaning is a must. Here’s how to do it:
- Flip the Chair Over: Once you’ve tilted the chair over, be careful not to pull the whole thing inside out, as this can give you access to the chair’s base and caster pans.
- Remove Caster Wheels: Most office chairs have easily removable wheels. If so, remove them and wash with a soft brush and soapy water. You can use a vacuum and cloth to remove dirt from those fixed wheels.
- Dry and Reassemble: Wipe the base and casters with a dry cloth to dry completely before reassembling them.
Step 5: Finishing Touches and Regular Maintenance
After office chair cleaning with water, make sure to perform basic maintenance to prevent excessive dirt, spills, and stains.
- Regular Dusting: To prevent deep-seated dust, cover the chairs with a cloth or mesh at least once a week.
- Monthly Spot Checks: If one cleans small stains, spills, and stains as soon as possible without delay, it is easy to avoid permanent stains.
- Disinfect Weekly: Use a disinfectant on areas that are more likely to touch or come into contact with skin. It is advisable to do this at least once a week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cleaning your office chair, it’s best to avoid these common errors:
- Using Harsh Chemicals: Using harsh chemicals can damage fabric, leather, and artificial leather. Use gentle cleaning solutions.
- Over-Saturating the Material: Moisture penetration into the cushion material, especially for fabric chairs, can promote odor. Use excess water to dry the fabric before treating the stain with a cloth.
- Skipping the Drying Process: Leaving the chair wet can promote mildew. Make sure the chair is completely dried before using it again.
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning your office chair doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps, you can keep your chair looking and feeling new, creating a more pleasant and hygienic workspace. Whether you have an ergonomic model, a mesh-back chair, or another type of office chair, proper maintenance ensures longevity. Remember that a quick weekly dusting and monthly spot clean can go a long way in reducing the need for frequent deep cleans. Now that you know how to clean an office chair, you’re ready to make your workspace as clean and comfortable as possible.
