How to Maintain and Extend the Life of your Ergonomic Chair

A high-quality ergonomic office chair is an investment for your comfort and productivity and is built for durability. Over time and heavy use, they can accumulate dust, stains and wear that can diminish their appearance and functionality. It’s important to know the best care and maintenance methods to keep your chair in top condition.

In this article we will clearly explain how to clean an office chair, including mesh and fabric chairs as well as leather and faux leather chairs. We will also cover everything you need to know to care for and maintain your office chair, covering tips and techniques to keep your chair in top condition.

Why Does Your Ergonomic Office Chair Need Regular Maintenance?

Your ergonomic office chair requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good and working properly for longer.

Hygiene: Office chairs can harbour dust, allergens, bacteria and sweat, especially in high-use environments, such as at home or in the office.
Aesthetics: Nobody wants a chair that looks dark, patchy or worn out. A clean office chair instantly makes your workspace feel and look more professional.
Longevity: Dust, dirt, and grime will eventually wear down the fabric, the mesh and even the moving parts. Cleaning and maintaining your office chair prevents wear and tear, so you don’t have to spend money to replace your chair every year.
Comfort: A chair that isn’t maintained can start squeaking, sticking or rolling unevenly and make your hours at the desk less comfortable. A well-maintained chair ensures optimal functionality, such as smooth rolling castors and adjustable mechanisms.
Health: A clean office chair reduces the risk of skin irritations or respiratory issues caused by dust and allergens.

In a real‑world office test, office chairs showed high levels of bacteria compared to other work surfaces. They measure around 222 RLU on a swab test, more than desk phones, keyboards and mouse surfaces, making regular cleaning essential for hygiene.

How to Clean Your Office Chair

With all chairs, first check the chair’s care label (often found under the seat) for specific cleaning instructions or restrictions.

How to Clean a Fabric or Mesh Office Chair

A fabric or mesh office chair allows for better airflow, keeping your back and seat cooler compared to leather or water-resistant materials. You’ll feel the difference, especially on very hot days or if you don’t have air conditioning.

However, this material absorbs dust particles and sweat. Mesh open-weave upholstery can trap dust and debris. Absorbs, which is why it’s important to clean it regularly.

To clean a mesh or fabric office chair follow these steps below:

1: Vacuum

Use a brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust and crumbs from the chair’s seat, backrest and armrests. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where debris accumulates.

2: Spot-Treat Stains

Using a damp cloth, wipe down the entire fabric chair to remove surface dirt.

With warm water and a few drops of soap, gently blot visible stains. For stubborn stains, scrub gently with a soft-bristled brush.

Alternatively, use fabric upholstery cleaner as per the product instructions. Test it in a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. Avoid soaking the fabric to prevent water damage.

3. Dry the Chair

Blot excess moisture and allow the chair to air dry completely before using again.

4. Disinfect

To sanitise the chair, lightly mist it with a solution of 70% rubbing alcohol and water (1:1 ratio). Wipe and allow to dry.

A deeply cleaned mesh office chair should now look and feel like new. Say goodbye to rashes and itchiness, and enjoy hours of work or play sitting comfortably and cool.

Learn more about why mesh chairs are so popular.

How to Clean a Leather or Faux Leather Office Chair?

Leather and faux leather chairs need special care to maintain their finish. To clean a leather or faux leather office chair, follow these steps below:

1: Vacuum

Vacuum your leather office chair frequently using a soft brush attachment so you don’t scratch the leather, and make sure the suction isn’t too strong.

2: Clean with Leather Cleaner

Before you get started, test any leather cleaner on a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t cause discolouration. Once you’ve done a spot test, apply a small amount of leather cleaner to a cloth and gently wipe the chair’s surface.

To clean a faux leather office chair, use a mild soap/water solution instead. Dampen a lint-free rag with the solution and wipe down your leather furniture, making sure not to scrub.

3: Stains

For ink stains, dab with rubbing alcohol and wipe clean. For grease, sprinkle baking powder, allow it to ‘sit’ for a few hours and wipe off with a damp cloth.

4: Condition the Leather

Follow the product instructions; apply a leather conditioner to keep it supple and prevent cracking.

5: Dry and Polish

Wipe the chair to remove excess cleaner or conditioner. Buff for a polished look.

Tip: Avoid placing leather chairs in direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause fading and cracking.

How to Clean Plastic Components of Your Office Chair

Many office chairs have plastic components, such as armrests, bases and castor wheels. To clean the plastic components of your office chair, follow these steps below:

1: Remove Loose Debris

Wipe the plastic surfaces with a dry cloth to remove dust, paying particular attention to tight spaces around wheels or adjustment levers.

2: Clean with Soap and Water

Mix warm water with a few drops of soap. Use a damp cloth and wipe down plastic surfaces, focusing on areas with fingerprints or grime.

3: Disinfect

Wipe the surfaces with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to sanitise. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel.

Tip: For scuff marks on plastic, apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste and rub gently with a cloth, then wipe clean.

How Do I Maintain the Functionality of My Ergonomic Chair?

Regular maintenance ensures your ergonomic chair remains functional and comfortable. Here are essential maintenance tips:

Tighten Loose Screws and Bolts

Inspect your office chair every 3 to 6 months for loose screws or bolts, especially in the base, arms and backrest. Tighten any loose components and avoid over-tightening.

Lubricate Moving Parts

If your chair’s wheels, tilt mechanism or height adjustment are squeaky or stiff, apply a WD-40 lubricant onto the moving parts. Wipe away excess, and test the chair’s functionality.

Castors

Over time, dirt and debris can build up inside the castor housing, making the wheels harder to roll smoothly. Flip your chair upside-down and remove any visible debris or hair from the housing unit, using tweezers to loosen dirt.

A vacuum hose will remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas. Once clean, apply a WD-40 to the inside of the housing unit.

Gas Struts

The gas strut of your chair is pre-lubricated, meaning you don’t need to perform any maintenance.

If your chair is sinking, your gas strut will need to be replaced. We offer replacement struts with our high-quality office chairs at Ergonomic Chairs Direct, so you don’t need to worry about finding one.

Adjust Ergonomics Regularly

Ensure your chair is adjusted to support proper posture. Adjust the height, lumbar support and armrests to fit your body.

Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for optimal settings to avoid straining the chair’s mechanisms.

Rotate Usage (If Applicable)

If you have multiple chairs, rotate their use to reduce wear on any single chair. This is especially useful in shared office spaces.

How Often Should You Clean and Maintain My Office Chair?

The frequency of cleaning and maintaining your office chair depends on usage and environment:

Daily/Weekly – Vacuum or wipe down the chair to remove surface dust and debris, especially in high-use settings.
Monthly – Perform a deep clean, including spot-treating stains and disinfecting surfaces.
Every 6 Months – Conduct a thorough maintenance check, including tightening screws, lubricating parts and conditioning leather. Keep a maintenance check in office environments.
As Needed – Address spills or stains immediately to prevent permanent damage.

FAQs

Can I use a steam cleaner on my office chair?

You can use a steam cleaner on fabric or mesh office chairs. However, avoid using a steam cleaner on leather or faux leather, as high heat can damage the material. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using a steam cleaner.

How do I remove pet hair from my office chair?

To remove pet hair from your office chair, use a vacuum with a brush attachment or a lint roller.

What should I do if my chair is smelly?

If your chair is smelly, sprinkle baking soda on fabric or mesh chairs. Leave this on for 15 to 20 minutes before you vacuum it off. To clean leather chairs that smell, wipe with a vinegar-water solution and air the chair in a well-ventilated area.

How can I prevent my chair’s wheels from scratching the floor?

The best way to prevent your chair’s wheels from scratching the floor is to use a chair mat or replace them with wheels designed for hardwood or tile floors.

Can I wash my office chair’s cushion covers?

Some chairs have removable cushions that are machine-washable. Check care labels for instructions. If they are not removable, spot-clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Office Chairs at Ergonomic Chairs Direct

At Ergonomic Chairs Direct, we offer a range of high‑quality ergonomic office chairs built to support posture and reduce back and neck pain.

You can choose from ready‑to‑go stock chairs or fully customisable models that adjust to your body shape and working style. We provide personalised advice and support to help you pick the right chair, plus reliable aftercare if you need help later on.

Our ergonomic office chairs are:

Easy to clean
Made in the UK
Designed with physiotherapist input
Come with a 5-year guarantee
Free UK delivery on mainland orders

Need help finding the right chair for you or maintenance advice? Contact us today and our team will guide you.

Read our article to know when your chair needs replacing rather than just cleaning.