How to Deep Clean an Office Chair

As we go back to school and the office in the Fall, you may be wondering if your trusty office chair is in need of a deep cleaning. After all, these items accumulate everything from crumbs and dead skin to lint and dust throughout the year. Discover effective methods for cleaning and disinfecting different office chairs, including tips for different materials and surfaces.

How to Deep Clean an Office Chair

You should be wiping down and doing a surface clean of your chair every day to prevent stains from setting in, and this usually takes no more than five minutes. More intensive cleaning and disinfecting should be performed once a week for a chair that is in frequent use and usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

What You’ll Need:

• Vacuum cleaner with removable attachment
• Dish Soap
• Microfiber Towels
• Natural Stain Remover (you can also use rubbing alcohol, vinegar, or laundry detergent)
• Spray Bottle
• Compressed Air (optional)

1. Vacuum and Dust

Use a vacuum attachment to thoroughly clean the chair from top to bottom.

2. Manually Remove Dirt

Dirt may have accumulated in the wheels or small nooks and crannies. You can remove this dirt with compressed air, tweezers, or an old toothbrush or cleaning brush. Manually remove wheels with a screwdriver to ensure they are thoroughly cleaned.

3. Wipe Down the Chair

Mix lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle, and use a microfiber towel to coat the chair’s surface with the solution. Avoid saturating the chair with too much solution, as this can damage the chair material.

4. Rinse

Take a clean microfiber towel and lightly moisten it with water. Wipe away any remaining soap solution. 

5. Dry

Use a clean microfiber towel to dry hard surfaces, such as the legs and armrests, as well as seat covers. Fabric-covered surfaces can either be air dried or dried using a hair dryer or shop vac if you’re in a dry.

Pro tip: Always refer to a chair’s care instructions to ensure you are using the proper solvent. The label usually includes special instructions and symbols for upholstery:

• C: Upholstery is Crypton and needs an enzyme-detergent.
• S: Use dry-cleaning solvents that are free of water.
• SW/WS: Use a solvent that is water-based or water-free.
• W: Use a water-based solution.
• X: Professional cleaning service is required.