Chairs, like any other furniture in an office, are bound to get dirty and accumulate grime, germs, and stains over time. In busy workplaces or areas such as the reception, this happens even more frequently.
If you’re wondering how to clean a fabric office chair, you’ve come to the right place. As a professional office cleaning company in Dubai, we pay special attention to chairs and other upholstery when cleaning your facility.
A professional chair cleaning process often involves dry cleaning to remove visible dirt and debris, followed by water-based cleaning to eliminate stains and grime, ensuring your office chairs are truly fresh and spotless.
In this article, we discuss the most effective methods to clean an office chair and how our professionals do it.
Cleaning A Fabric Office Chair
Most offices in Dubai use fabric chairs. They are comfortable and suitable for long-duration use. However, keeping a fabric chair clean can be challenging, as it readily absorbs spills and dirt. The stains and smell, if not handled promptly, can be really difficult to remove later.
Dry Cleaning Fabric Chairs
Purpose: daily maintenance and preserving a spotless look.
Tools Required: HEPA vacuum cleaner
Steps:
1. Clean the fabric surface using a powerful vacuum cleaner that can suck up both visible dirt and invisible particles trapped inside the fabric or in the corners.
2. Wipe down the armrest, legs, and other plastic surfaces using a damp microfibre cloth.
3. Clean the wheels for trapped hair and dust, ensuring seamless movement.
Wet Cleaning Office Fabric Chairs
Purpose: Deep cleaning and removing stains or smells.
Tools Required:
- Bottle spray
- Soft-bristled Brush
- Liquid soap or detergent
Steps:
1. Make a liquid detergent solution by combining soap with water and mixing it well.
2. Spray the solution on the fabric, thoroughly covering any spots and stains. Let it sit for a few minutes.
3. Scrub the fabric gently using a high-quality brush. Clean other areas too, including armrests, the back of the chair, and legs.
4. Once done, wash or rinse with clean water until the solution is completely removed. Keep the chair outside to let it dry naturally.
Alternatively, you can use a steam cleaner (if available), which cleans as well as disinfects and doesn’t use any chemicals or soap, making it the safest option.
Stains not gone? Rubbing alcohol sometimes helps. Make sure it’s safe for the chair’s fabric material.
Cleaning Leather Office Chairs
After fabric chairs, leather chairs are the second most common in an office. They add a unique sense of style and class to your workplace. Cleaning them is easier too.
Dry Cleaning A Leather Chair
Any visible dirt, marks or spills on a leather upholstery can be removed with a simple wipe-down. This is because leather doesn’t absorb dust or liquid as easily as fabric.
However, leather doesn’t come in just one type. Specific leather requires specific cleaning methods, which is why it’s crucial to check and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
In most cases, using a damp cloth to wipe clean dust or spills should be safe.
For daily maintenance, use a vacuum cleaner to remove visible dirt and dust from the surface. Use the crevice attachment to reach and clean corners. Daily cleaning reduces wear and tear and extends the lifespan of your previous chairs.
Wet Cleaning Leather Chairs
Wet cleaning or steam cleaning is the most effective way to treat stains on a leather chair.
Some cleaning detergents and water-based chemicals are safe to use on leather surfaces. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or purchase a product designed specifically for your chair material.
Steps:
1. Prepare a mild water-soap solution or select a suitable store-bought product that is safe for your chair.
2. If possible, use distilled water instead of tap water, which may cause spotting and residue due to high mineral (chlorine) content.
3. To be safe, test the solution on a small area or corner first. Look for any discoloration or damage. If everything looks good, cover the entire chair, including the stains, with the detergent.
4. Rinse the chair with clean water, removing the soap completely. Use a dry cloth to wipe the chair dry.
Removing Smells From Office Chairs
Over time, your office chair can start smelling bad due to a constant accumulation of sweat, body oils (sebum), environmental odors, skin cells, and bacteria. This not only affects your own concentration but can also make the entire office environment less productive and hygienic.
Besides routine office chair cleaning, specialized care is needed to maintain a fresh and welcoming space. Here are the three most effective methods to remove bad smells from your office chair.
1. Use White Vinegar
White vinegar acts as a natural deodorizer and can be used to clean a wide range of surfaces and restore freshness. Mix a teaspoon of white vinegar with warm water, and spray the solution on the chair surface. Let it sit for a few minutes and then allow it to dry naturally.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another powerful, home-based deodorizer. Either mix it with water and spray it on the chair or just sprinkle the soda directly on the surface, allowing it to absorb bad smells and restore a fresh environment.
3. Soap Solution
For leather chairs, use a high-quality soap solution to clean the chair surface thoroughly. Use a clean cloth to wipe out the residue.
Professional Tips for Office Chair Cleaning & Maintenance
With decades of experience in office and commercial cleaning in Dubai, our professionals know exactly how to restore your chairs to ensure maximum comfort and impression. Here are a few lesser-known yet very effective tips to maintain a fresh and spotless workplace chair around the clock.
- Avoid eating at your desk. No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Clean any spills or stains right away.
- Use a chair cover, if possible, to protect it from dirt, dust and stains.
- Keep your chair away from open windows and air vents.
- Clean and polish your leather office chair regularly.
Need professional help maintaining a clean office chair?
BusyBees Dubai is trusted by hundreds of property owners across Dubai for efficient and affordable cleaning services, including chair cleaning and upholstery cleaning.
Contact us today to schedule a free quote and comprehensive cleaning service for your workplace chair. Let us restore your office hygiene and productivity.
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