You might have just recently purchased an ergonomic office chair, but owning one should not be just that. An office chair deserves regular cleaning and proper maintenance so that you can make sure that it lasts for a long time.
If you work at a desk, you could be sitting for eight hours or more every day. It also means that office chairs are particularly vulnerable to stains and spills, especially if you eat while working. Knowing how to clean an office chair can come in handy in this situation.
Your ergonomic chair could be scuffed or damaged, but it is still in good shape. Many materials used in office chairs, such as leather and plastic, are simple to clean if you know what you're doing.
This article will guide you in understanding the right and effective way to maintain your office chair appropriately.
Different Office Chair Makes and Models
There are various materials that your office chair could be built of, depending on when it was constructed and how much it cost. When it comes to office chairs, many products have their own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Clean mesh chairs or a clean computer chair, on the other hand, can be considerably easier to keep. Ergonomic designs are increasingly common in chairs made of various materials, making a big difference in how successful you are at work.
Time to Do Some Cleaning!
Any office chair may be cleaned using some standard procedures and processes. You should be able to clean most chairs quite quickly with some typical household appliances and materials. If you spill something on your chair, clean it up right once to avoid staining.
Cleaning up after maintenance should not take long. You can usually do so in 15 minutes, but harsher, more resistant stains may take up to half an hour to remove.
The Five-Step Process
First Step: Using a Dust and Vacuum
Vacuuming aids in penetrating the fabric of the chair and removing the underlying dust and grime. Set your vacuum to 'low suction' and sweep the attachment over the armrests, backrest, and seat.
Eliminate any dust and lint that has gathered on the chair's surface with a duster or vacuum. Ensure that you do so correctly and that you cover the entire chair. To get into gaps and smaller areas, adjust the attachments on your vacuum's head.
Second Step: Clean the Chair Using a Soap and Water Solution
You can wipe your chair clean after there is no more dust on it. Cleaning mesh and plastic chairs with this method are usually sufficient. If you have a leather or fabric chair, you may need to step further or use other stain removers. Some of these can harm the leather of your chair, so don't use the first one you come across!
Wipe the chair's entire surface with a soft cloth. If the fabric on your office chair becomes too damp, it can be damaged.
Third Step: Make Sure to Dry the Chair
To avoid harming the material, you should dry off any excess moisture once you have a clean office chair. Using a clean cloth, wipe away any dampness accumulated on the chair's more complex surfaces. Allow the rest of the chair to air dry. On the softer textures of your chair, you can use a hairdryer or a vacuum to dry it quickly.
Fourth Step: Treat Stains As You See Fit
If there are any stains left on your chair at this point, you should treat them with a more stain-resistant solution. Rubbing alcohol is a popular option. When you've decided on a cleaning product, do a spot test on the part of the chair that isn't ordinarily visible.
Most stains may be removed with rubbing alcohol. Put a few drops on the color and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping away the alcohol. If this isn't enough, you might want to try something more tailored to your chair's needs.
Fifth Step: Upholstery Cleaning or Hiring Professionals
If you have an upholstery cleaner on hand, you can use it after you've cleaned the chair to get the most thorough and long-lasting results. If you don't have one, it's time to contact a professional upholstery cleaning service.
Getting Rid of Foul Odors
With repeated use, your chair will develop odd scents. You might also sprinkle baking soda over the area and leave it for at least 15 minutes.
If the material of your chair allows, you can use liquid soap or detergent. Scrub the surface of your chair well with a sponge or clean cloth dipped in the mixture. Wipe away any extra water with a dry cloth and let it dry overnight.
Disinfection Process
Filthy chairs are breeding grounds for vermin, bacteria, and, of course, germs. Disinfectants are more effective than soap and water solutions at removing dirt and bacteria. With continuous use, office chairs are exposed to a variety of filthy organisms and germs.
If you spend a significant amount of time at your desk, you should set aside some time to clean your chair of any dirt, spills, stains, or other annoyances that may be hiding underneath the surface. You can use disinfectant wipes and sprays on top of your usual cleaning materials.
When is the Time to Stop Cleaning and Start Shopping for a New Chair?
After trying out every one of our suggestions, your chair still has stains. Mesh chairs are straightforward to keep clean, while other materials may contain too deep or old colors to remove.
If your present office chair is still working, the decision to acquire a new chair is ultimately subjective. However, if there are tenacious stains apparent, it is generally a good idea to get a new chair.
If your current chair isn't ergonomic or functional enough, you might want to consider purchasing a new one.
Are you Considering Purchasing a New Chair?
Some companies focus on producing good, ergonomic furniture. If you want to prioritize your health, purchasing an office chair from one of these manufacturers is a fantastic idea. You can check out FlexiSpot's wide variety of ergonomic chairs before buying a new one.
Final Thoughts
Following the simple cleaning instructions in this post can remove the filth out of your office chair in no time. There's no need to pay for expert cleaning if you're doing it yourself with some of the essential cleaning tools! It's best to get a head start and clean your office chair regularly to avoid having to replace it after only a few months of use.
