Best Tips on How to Clean an Office Chair Like a Pro

Learning how to clean an office chair like a pro starts with making sure you looked for the care tag or upholstery tag. Some office chairs don’t have them. But if yours do, there you can find some cleaning/care instructions from the manufacturer.

Note that different office chairs use different fabrics, which might be damaged if you start cleaning without checking the care tag first. When you see the label, notice if it has cleaning codes written on it. Here is a breakdown of what the cleaning codes mean:

If the office chair doesn’t have a care tag, contact the manufacturer, or try to search online for their owner’s manual.

If you aren’t sure how to clean an office chair, you should try any cleaning supply or technique on an unnoticeable spot first. Doing this is crucial to avoid damaging the chair, primarily if you use stain-removing products. Those supplies often contain too powerful chemicals.

One good place to test the cleaning product is underneath the office chair. If it did leave a permanent stain, at least it won’t be visible. Always test first whether you plan to use a store-bought or natural cleaning product. As long as it doesn’t damage the chair fabric, you’re good to go.

When it comes to stains and spills, make sure you remove them immediately. The longer it stays on your chair, the harder it is to remove later. For superficial stains, soap and warm water can work. However, you will need a stronger cleaning solution for more stubborn stains.

Use a damp washcloth with liquid soap to clean the stained area. Blot the stains or spills until it comes off clean. Remember to blot, not scrub, or you will be working it deeper into the fabric. With the blotting technique, you can pull the stains off, leaving the chair clean.

If there are any loose debris or trash on the chair, make sure you pick it up as soon as possible. You can grab it with your hands, use a paper towel or vacuum, depending on what it is. If you’re going to vacuum them, make sure the wand attachment comes with a smooth surface.

This way, it can suction the debris or dust without harming the fabric of your office chair. Put the vacuum cleaner in low suction setting, then run the wand attachment on the seat, across the backrest and the armrests. Doing this regularly will extend the life of your office chair.

How to clean an office chair with leather fabric? There are 3 ways - using (1) water and rubbing alcohol, (2) vinegar and linseed oil, and (3) store-bought leather cleaner. Besides cleaning, you can extend the life of your leather office chair by applying conditioner.

No matter the type of leather, it’s a surface that absorbs and holds moisture. Thanks to that, the leather stays moist and looking good. It will eventually dry out, though, leaving it peeling or cracked open. You can prevent that by applying a leather conditioner, which hydrates it.

Office chairs with casters also need to be cleaned and lubricated to ensure they roll smoothly. While new office chairs have smooth-running casters, older versions may struggle. Debris build-up from the floor makes it hard to roll, making cleaning the casters vital.

First, flip the chair upside down. If there are any lint, debris, or hair from the inside, pull them out, vacuum, or blast with canned air. Clean the wheel housing unit thoroughly before you lubricate the wheels. Just a small amount, enough that it runs smoothly. Do this regularly for better results.