We've all had that office chair that simply won't move the way you want it to. Not only is it a nuisance, but it can lead to added frustration while you're trying to work and negatively affect productivity. It may even cause you stress and strain as you're now reaching for items instead of sliding over to them.
Sometimes that can be caused by bad flooring or a defective wheel, but often it's caused by hair trapped in the caster. If you're suffering from this issue but are struggling to remove it, we're here to help with these ten great tips.
10 Great Tips to Remove Hair from Your Chair Wheels
Here, we go through the best methods for cleaning up your office wheels. Further down, we'll look at your options if nothing works and how you can stop it from happening again. Let's take a look.
1. Scissors or a Knife
One of the easiest ways to solve the problem is to cut the hair away. Carefully using scissors or a knife, you can slice through the hair and then remove it with your fingers. Be patient, as you don't want to damage the wheel or yourself!
2. Tweezers or Pliers
If cutting doesn't work, you can also try pulling it away. Thin-nose pliers would be perfect, but if you don't have them, tweezers will also do the job. Try to grab a clump of hair, as removing individual strands can take far too long.
3. Crochet Hook
If pulling or cutting doesn't work, give hooking a go. A crochet hook is ideal, but you can use any tool with a hooked end. This method is great for reaching into those tight spaces that can't be reached with the methods we've looked at above.
4. Compressed Air
If you have a can of compressed air, try blowing through the wheel. There could be a piece of stuck debris. This can be effective if the above methods haven't worked, as the issue may not be hair wrapped around the wheel.
5. Vacuum Cleaner
As an opposite to the above method, you can try sucking it out instead of blowing out the debris. Vacuum cleaners with a hose attachment can be useful to get to those hard-to-reach areas. Vacuuming is also useful for preventing future issues.
6. Adhesive Tape
If you can't hook around the hair, then you may be able to lift it out with strong adhesive tape. If you're struggling to reach the hair, then you can wrap the tape around something small, such as a pencil, to reach those harder spots.
7. Soap and Water
Soak a cloth in soap and water and try wiping away the debris to clean the wheels. This may loosen up the hair enough that you can then just remove it with your fingers. It's best to do this outside so you can use water liberally without getting your office wet.
8. Drain Cleaner
Here, we move on to the more extreme solutions. You can use a small bowl to soak the wheel in a drain cleaner or apply it directly. This will dissolve the hair but comes with some warnings. Firstly, do this outside and with protective equipment. Secondly, there is a good chance it will damage the finish of the chair.
9. Fire
We wouldn't recommend this, but it can be done. Do this outside and have water at the ready. Hair is quite flammable and will burn quicker than the plastic. Be ready to extinguish the flame as soon as the hair has burned away and be prepared for the awful smell.
10. Remove the Wheel
Most office chairs have castors that can be easily removed with the right tool. The best method depends on the brand, but removing the wheel gives you better access to the hair. You can then pull it away and pop the wheel back on.
What If Nothing Works?
Is the hair stuck there for good, or have you damaged the trying to remove it? If so, you can usually replace the wheels quite easily. Most castors are popped into place, and replacing a wheel is always going to be more cost-effective than replacing a chair.
Avoiding Hair in Your Wheels
Don't want a stuck wheel ever again? If not, it's a good idea to clean your floors regularly to ensure your wheels aren't picking up hair or other debris. Also, it's a good idea to keep the wheels lubricated with some spray to keep them rolling freely.
Finally, they should be given a checkup now and again. Removing a few strands of hair is always going to be a much easier job than removing clumps of it.
Final Thoughts
There are many great ways to remove hair from your wheels. Remember, if you're using any tools or chemicals, then be careful and take precautions. Once you get rid of that hair, you can refocus on your tasks without the distraction of your stuck wheels.
