It’s widely accepted that clean working environments have a positive impact on people’s productivity levels and general wellbeing. But no matter how clean we try to be, it’s inevitable that at some point, our work furniture or items will be affected by spills, stains, or other damage. Office chairs are no exception to this.
At Cleantastic we know a thing or two about cleaning office spaces, including a range of chairs and other furniture. In this guide, we’ll provide some useful tips for cleaning office chairs and ensuring they stay in tip-top shape.
For personalised advice, or to arrange a commercial cleaning service, contact our team at Cleantastic today.
Materials You May Need
Not every office chair calls for the same cleaning process or materials. It’s important to consider a few factors, including the type of mess you’re dealing with and what the chair is made from, whether that be leather, vinyl, fabric, plastic, or mesh.
First, it’s a good idea to check whether someone in the office has a cleaning manual tucked away somewhere, or if the chair manufacturer has a guide available online.
You can also look for a tag with cleaning codes or instructions below the seat. This will be particularly helpful if your chair is made from a more delicate material.
Generally speaking, your DIY cleaning job will require two or more of the below materials.
- A vacuum cleaner. We strongly recommend a handheld vacuum cleaner, or one with a brush attachment, as this will make it easier to move about freely and access hard-to-reach spots.
- Dishwashing liquid detergent.
- Water, either hot or lukewarm.
- A container or vehicle for the liquids above, whether that be a spray bottle or a small bowl or bucket.
- Some sort of cleaning brush, ideally with soft bristles. Toothbrushes are particularly good for reaching tight spots.
- A couple of soft and clean cloths, like microfibre cloths, or an old towel or t-shirt.
- Paper towels are also useful.
If you need to remove stains or smells, or your job is otherwise tougher than usual, also consider stocking the below.
- An alcohol-based cleaner or rubbing alcohol, if you’re dealing with stains.
- White vinegar, baking soda or liquid soap, if you’re dealing with smells.
Step 1: Vacuum or Dust The Chair
The first step of your cleaning process will be to free your chair of loose dust, dirt, hair, or lint. The most fast and efficient approach is with a vacuum cleaner.
For a gentler vacuum, or to reach small nooks and crannies, opt for a brush attachment or small nozzle. Working from top to bottom, lightly vacuum all surface areas and corners including the seat, backrest, armrest, and wheels.
If you don’t have a vacuum handy, or prefer to clean by hand, try a soft cloth or dusting device. Pay special attention to any area where dust and dirt might accumulate, including fabric seams and folds.
Step 2: Clean With Soap and Water
Regardless of what your office chair is made of, a water-based combination of dishwashing detergent and warm water should do the trick. Below are the key steps.
- Mix a few drops of the liquid detergent with enough water to fill your spray bottle or small bowl. Avoid making your liquid mix too soapy, as this could leave detergent on the chair. Also avoid using too much water, as soaking the chair can damage it.
- Apply your cleaning mixture. There are a few methods for this, from dipping a soft cloth into the mixture and gently wiping the chair, to lightly spraying and dabbing the chair. If you have a fabric chair, circular motions are ideal for removing dirt. If your chair is leather or vinyl, light wiping movements are better.
- If your chair requires more of a scrub, swap the soft cloth with a soft-bristle brush. This works particularly well for chairs with a textured fabric or mesh finish.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry Your Chair
Once you’ve washed your chair with warm, soapy water, it’s important to remove any soapy residue or extra moisture and ensure the chair is fully dry. This will help you avoid any damage, including mould, mildew and water stains.
Rinse your soapy cloth or dampen a dry cloth with clean water, then use this wet cloth to blot away excess moisture from the chair. Then use a dry cloth or paper towels to dry the chair, including any armrests, legs, and coverings.
Finally, allow the chair to completely air-dry. You can speed up the process by placing it in a well-ventilated area or in front of a fan.
Step 4: If Needed, Use Alcohol-Based Cleaner
Are you dealing with a particularly stubborn stain, like a grease or food stain, coffee stain, or ink spill? In this case, you may need to graduate from a water-based cleaner to an alcohol-based product, like rubbing alcohol.
Before you get started, make sure you test the cleaning product for a few hours or overnight on a small, hidden part of the chair, like a spot under the seat. If there’s an issue, you will see signs of discolouration or damage.
If your spot test is successful, go ahead with gently dabbing the rubbing alcohol into the stain using a cloth. You may need to repeat this a few times. Just make sure you don’t soak the chair with the alcohol, and remove any residue afterwards.
Another tricky issue we see is funky, musty smells. If this is your chair, try applying one of the following: a spoonful of liquid soap with warm water, for leather chairs; a spoonful of white vinegar with water; or a sprinkling of baking soda.
Step 5: Hire a Professional for a Deep Clean
If your office chair has a particularly tough stain, a persistent smell, or simply hasn’t been cleaned in awhile, you may want to skip the DIY job and turn to a professional cleaning service.
Professional cleaners have the necessary experience and tools to complete a thorough clean of your office furniture, including chairs. They can tackle particularly difficult stains and access deeply embedded dirt and debris. Overall, they will extend the life of your chairs and ensure your working space looks excellent.
Read related article: 9 Ways A Clean Office Can Boost Productivity
We’ll Make Your Office Space Sparkle
Whether or not your office or workplace is customer-facing, maintaining cleanliness is key. A clean and organised space not only looks professional, but is important for health and safety and contributes to overall morale and productivity.
If you’d like to arrange a one-off or ongoing clean for your workplace, including office chairs or other furniture, look no further than Cleantastic. With over 20 years of experience and over 8,000 clients in commercial cleaning, we can ensure your office or workplace will be cleaned to the highest standard.
