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How to clean office chair fabric? – 3 Easy Methods
Cleaning the fabric on your office chair is an important task that helps to maintain the overall appearance and hygiene of your workspace. Whether you spill a drink, track in dirt from outside, or simply want to freshen up the look of your chair, it’s important to know how to properly clean the fabric to avoid damaging it or making it look worse.
You tell yourself that managing to keep a clean, stain-free fabric chair is a feat. All is well until one day a coffee, a glass of red wine, or a sauce accidentally falls on it, and then the trouble begins. In this article we cover how to clean office chair fabric.
We have separate article on removing hair from office chair wheels.
Define the nature of the fabric
Before you dive headlong into cleaning your fabric chair, you must first identify the type of fabric used. Some products should not be in contact with certain materials.
So if you want to keep your chair as long as possible, this step is essential. If you have no way of defining the nature of the textile, you can find out from your retailer, the manufacturer of the chair or even a haberdasher.
Find a label
If despite all your efforts, you have not succeeded in determining the category of your fabric, another solution consists in finding a possible label marked with a pictogram.
Look under your chair for a non-removable cover or inside the cover. A W means you can clean with water, a P means the fabric can withstand solvents and detergents, and W/P means it tolerates both.
Do a test
In any case, always carry out a test beforehand on a small non-visible surface. In the event of a disaster, you can decide to back off and select another more suitable product without throwing your dining room chair in the trash or having to play upholstery.
3 Easy methods to clean the fabric of a chair
1. The vacuum cleaner
For regular maintenance, the vacuum cleaner remains your best ally against dust and even light stains. Without making them disappear completely, you will find that they are attenuated. For delicate fabrics, consider using a fine bristle brush attachment.
2. The steam cleaner
First, make sure the water is compatible with your fabric. Then, pass your steam cleaner from right to left, remembering to overlap each time the place you have just cleaned each. The steam is able to penetrate deep into the fabric to dislodge the stain.
You will only have to rub it gently with a cloth to clean it. If you do not have this device, know that it is possible to rent it.
3. Soapy water
Based on soap powder or dishwashing liquid, soapy water in a spray bottle will help you detach your fabric chair. Spray the mixture on the stained areas and rub gently with a non-abrasive sponge. Apply a terrycloth towel pressing down on the seat to absorb excess moisture and allow it to air dry.
How to get stains out?
Most old and annoying stains are removed after cleaning with ordinary laundry soap. Therefore, before testing aggressive stain removers on your office chair, clean it of general dirt. Perhaps the spots will disappear with them.
If you’re unlucky, try using a fabric stain remover. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product on an inconspicuous area of the stool.
- If the stains are relatively fresh and you know where they come from, try fixing the problem with a handy product. How to get smell out of chair also stains?
- Vegetables, fruits, juices, and wine.
- A mixture of vinegar and ammonia will help. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and gently rub the stain. Remove the solution by rinsing with fresh water.
- To remove a fresh stain, rinse the fabric thoroughly with cold water. Dried blood can be moistened for several minutes with saline, and then washed off with water.
- If the stain is no longer removed in this way, only special enzyme-based stain removers will help.
- If there is a lot of fat, blot it with a dry cloth and sprinkle it with salt for half an hour. Wipe the stained area with a cloth soaked in alcohol and then with soapy water. Rinse off any remaining dirt with clean water.
Note that not all stains can be removed. If the area of soiling is too extensive, if the upholstery is light, you have very little chance of removing the dirt without leaving a trace. In such cases, it is better to immediately contact the dry cleaner.
Read our article about cleaning mesh of office chair.
FAQs: How to clean office chair fabric
Can I use a steam cleaner on my office chair fabric?
It is generally safe to use a steam cleaner on office chair fabric, but it is important to check the care instructions for your specific chair to make sure it is safe to use steam. Some fabrics may be damaged by the high heat and pressure of a steam cleaner, so it is always best to check first.
Can I use bleach to clean my office chair fabric?
Bleach should generally not be used to clean office chair fabric as it can cause discoloration and damage to the fabric. It is best to use a mild detergent or upholstery cleaner specifically designed for the type of fabric on your chair.
Can I use a vacuum to clean my office chair fabric?
Yes, using a vacuum with an upholstery attachment is a good way to remove dust and dirt from office chair fabric. Be sure to use a gentle setting and avoid using the brush attachment, as it can damage the fabric.
How often should I clean my office chair fabric?
The frequency of cleaning will depend on how often the chair is used and the type of fabric it is made of. A chair that is used frequently may need to be cleaned more often, while a chair that is used less may only need to be cleaned every few months.
Can I use a hair dryer to dry my office chair fabric after cleaning?
It is generally not recommended to use a hair dryer to dry office chair fabric, as the high heat can cause shrinkage or damage to the fabric. It is best to allow the chair to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Conclusion
First of all, It is important to identify the type of fabric on your chair and follow the care instructions to avoid damaging it. Vacuuming the chair to remove dirt and dust, spot-cleaning any stains or spills, and using a fabric cleaner or upholstery shampoo are all effective methods for cleaning office equipment’s and chair fabric. Allow the chair to air dry completely before using it again to prevent shrinkage or fading.
For more informational articles visit How to section or Office chairs section for reviews.
