The importance of a clean work environment for employee health and productivity cannot be overstated. Office chairs are one area that often gets neglected. Spills from dropped pens and food crumbs left on the chair for days can lead to unsanitary conditions. It is related to reduced productivity and even damage to office chairs, as even bits of debris can build up over time. This guide will answer the question of how to clean the office chair with the most common materials used in making office chairs, ranging from leather to soft fabric and everything!

What do you need to clean your office chair?

To keep your office chair clean, you should remove any solid debris using a vacuum cleaner, dustpan, and brush. However, you will require proper assistance and advanced equipment to get the cleaning job done. So, to have access to these resources, you can hire professional office cleaners in Melbourne. Apart from a trained office cleaning team, let us find out what other things you need to keep your workplace clean and shining. 

Following is the list of things you need to clean the office chairs:

  • Hot water
  • Dishtowel
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Dust brush
  • Dustpan 
  • Dish soap 
  • Washing up bowl
  • Cloth or sponge
  • Cleaning solution (depending on material)

Types of office chairs and different ways of cleaning

Mesh chair

To clean a chair with mesh material, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and a bowl of hot, soapy water. Dish soap is considered perfect for cleaning mesh because it’s gentle enough not to harm the fabric.

  • Vacuum the chair to remove any debris.
  • Dilute a small amount of cleaning liquid in hot water and then soak the cloth.
  • Wry out the fabric until it is mildly damp but not dripping 
  • Wipe the fabric over your chair using gentle pressure.
  • Start cleaning the back of the chair and move down towards the cushion.
  • Wash the chair’s legs, dip the cloth into your soapy water, and wry it out properly. 
  • Then wipe the legs of the chair nicely.
  • Allow the chair to air dry before you sit on it again. 
  • Overnight drying would be the best way to go. 

 

Fabric chair

You will require a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment and a suitable cleaning solution to clean a fabric office chair. The best cleaning solution for your chair depends on its material. It is usually indicated either by an ‘S’ or a ‘W’ on the underside of the seat. If it says ‘SW,’ you can use dish soap and water or upholstery cleaner. If your chair can only be dry-cleaned, you’ll need to consult the manufacturer’s website for instructions, as only dry-cleaning solvents will be appropriate.

  • Vacuum the chair properly.
  • Mix six tablespoons of lemon juice and baking sodas in a cup of warm water.
  • You can also dilute your chosen upholstery cleaner or dish soap in hot water.
  • Soak the cloth, wring it out, and gently dab your office chair. 
  • Clean the legs with soapy water and wipe the legs of the chair. 
  • Multi-surface wipes will also do the trick if you’re short on time.
  • Allow your chair to air dry.

 

Plastic chair

Plastic chairs are among the easiest to clean because you don’t need to worry about the solution. Plastic chairs are not prone to damage or stain. Unlike fabric chairs, which you can take apart after cleaning and then allow to dry thoroughly before being put back together, plastic chairs can be cleaned as a whole unit and put back together immediately after washing.

  • Vacuum the chair to remove dirt and debris.
  • Dilute a small amount of washing-up liquid in hot water 
  • Soak your cloth in the solution.
  • Wipe the fabric all over your chair, covering the stands of the chair.
  • Dry the chair using an old towel or dish towel. 

 

Leather chair

Leather office chairs are easier to clean than fabric models because it’s simpler to find the right cleaner. Most leather cleaners are designed for that purpose, although you should avoid anything designed for car interior leather as it will likely be too strong for a desk chair. The big difference with leather is that you must apply foam cleaner for cleaning.

  • Vacuum the office chair.
  • Spray the cleaner onto a dry cloth and then wipe the chair to clean it.
  • Spray a small amount of warm water over the clean chair 
  • Use a clean cloth to wipe away any residue.
  • Repeat the process if the fabric still looks dirty, even on the second cleaning round.
  • Allow the chair to dry naturally.
  • Use a dish towel to dry it yourself. 
  • Add a leather protectant for extra protection for your leather office chair.

How to maintain the cleanliness of your office chairs?

Avoid eating at the work desk

Eating lunch at your desk when you’re busy or approaching a deadline is tempting, but this can contribute to a messy workspace. Regular breaks from your screen or desk promote well-being and productivity.

 

Apply protectant spray 

To protect your chair from stains, after it dries, use a fabric protector spray. There are different types of fabric, suede and polished leathers.

 

Clean all the spills

Clean up spills immediately is the easiest way to prevent stains on your office chair. Dropped some soup or spilled your coffee? Dab (don’t rub), then clean with a wet cloth as soon as possible to prevent the spill from staining.

Conclusion

Taking all these cleaning tips and tricks into consideration, you can clean the office chair and maintain the overall hygiene of your workspace. These cleaning ideas will help you keep the office in the best condition. However, when it comes to maintaining the office clean, you will need the help of professionals and the right set of equipment. Thus, ensure to hire the best commercial cleaners in Melbourne for all the cleaning responsibilities of your workplace. It is because a leading commercial company with professionally trained cleaners will help you regulate the entire cleaning process with proper care and assistance.