clean leather office chair UK
how to clean office chair

How to Clean Your Office Chair | Chair Outlet

March 12, 2026
Share Post Pin E-mail

How to Clean Your Office Chair: The Complete Guide

Cleaning your office chair regularly keeps it looking good, smelling fresh, and lasting years longer. Most office chairs collect dust, skin oils, crumbs, and general grime far more quickly than you’d expect — and a dirty chair isn’t just unsightly, it can harbour bacteria and allergens that affect your health and comfort. This guide covers how to clean every type of office chair material, from leather and faux leather to mesh and fabric, with simple steps you can follow using products you probably already have at home.

How Often Should You Clean Your Office Chair?

For a chair you use daily, aim for a quick clean every two weeks and a deep clean every three to six months. If you eat at your desk, have pets, or notice visible staining, clean more frequently. A two-weekly wipe-down takes less than five minutes and prevents the build-up that makes deep cleaning necessary.

How to Clean a Leather or Faux Leather Office Chair

Leather and PU leather are among the most common materials on executive and reception office chairs. They’re relatively easy to clean but need care to avoid drying out or cracking.

Quick Clean (Every 2 Weeks)

  1. Vacuum the seat and back with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris from seams and crevices.

  2. Dampen a soft microfibre cloth with warm water and a tiny drop of mild washing-up liquid (one drop per litre of water).

  3. Wipe down all leather surfaces gently, working from top to bottom.

  4. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth (no soap) to remove any residue.

  5. Dry with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Never leave leather to air-dry wet — water marks can form.

Deep Clean (Every 3–6 Months)

  1. Complete the quick clean steps above.

  2. Apply a dedicated leather conditioner (available from most supermarkets or furniture shops) to a soft cloth.

  3. Work the conditioner into the leather in gentle circular motions, covering all surfaces.

  4. Allow to absorb for 10–15 minutes, then buff off any excess with a dry cloth.

  5. For stubborn stains on genuine leather, use a specialist leather stain remover rather than household products.

Important: never use bleach, alcohol wipes, or all-purpose spray cleaners on leather. They strip the finish and cause cracking over time.

How to Clean a Mesh Office Chair

Mesh-back chairs are popular for their breathability, but the open weave traps dust, hair, and crumbs. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Quick Clean (Every 2 Weeks)

  1. Vacuum the mesh with a soft brush attachment on both sides (front and back) to pull out trapped debris.

  2. Dampen a microfibre cloth with warm soapy water and gently wipe the mesh in the direction of the weave.

  3. Wipe the seat cushion and armrests with the same solution.

  4. Dry with a clean cloth or allow to air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

Deep Clean (Every 3–6 Months)

  1. Remove the chair from the desk area and take it somewhere with good ventilation — a garden or garage works well.

  2. Vacuum thoroughly, paying attention to the underside of the mesh.

  3. Mix a mild fabric-safe cleaning solution (warm water with a tablespoon of mild detergent).

  4. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works) to gently scrub the mesh, especially in stained areas.

  5. Rinse by wiping with a clean damp cloth until all soap is removed.

  6. Allow to air-dry completely before using. Damp mesh can develop a musty smell.

How to Clean a Fabric Office Chair

Fabric upholstery is the most absorbent material and the most prone to staining. Regular cleaning is essential.

Quick Clean (Every 2 Weeks)

  1. Vacuum the entire chair with an upholstery attachment, working into the seams and crevices.

  2. Spot-clean any visible stains with a fabric-safe stain remover. Apply to a cloth first, not directly onto the chair.

  3. Wipe armrests and any hard surfaces with a damp cloth.

Deep Clean (Every 3–6 Months)

  1. Vacuum thoroughly.

  2. Mix warm water with a small amount of upholstery shampoo or mild detergent.

  3. Using a microfibre cloth, work the solution into the fabric in gentle circular motions. Don’t soak the fabric — damp is enough.

  4. Rinse by wiping repeatedly with a clean damp cloth until no soap remains.

  5. If available, use a handheld fabric steamer to sanitise and refresh the upholstery.

  6. Allow to dry completely. Point a fan at the chair to speed up drying and prevent musty smells.

Cleaning the Base, Wheels, and Mechanism

Don’t forget the parts you don’t sit on. Hair, dust, and carpet fibres wrap around chair castors and clog the rolling mechanism over time.

  • Flip the chair over and pull out any hair or threads wrapped around each castor. Tweezers or small scissors help.

  • Wipe the five-star base with a damp cloth. For aluminium bases, a dab of metal polish restores the shine.

  • Spray a light silicone lubricant on the gas lift cylinder if it’s squeaking.

  • Wipe down armrest pads, adjustment levers, and any plastic components.

Stain Removal Quick Reference

  • Coffee or tea: blot immediately with a dry cloth, then clean with warm soapy water. Avoid rubbing, which spreads the stain.

  • Ink: dab with rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad (test on a hidden area first). For leather, use a leather-specific ink remover.

  • Food grease: sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the stain, leave for 15 minutes to absorb the oil, then vacuum and clean normally.

  • General grime build-up: warm water with a drop of washing-up liquid handles most everyday dirt on all materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use baby wipes to clean my office chair?

Baby wipes are fine for a quick wipe of faux leather or plastic surfaces, but they’re not suitable for genuine leather (they can dry it out) or fabric (they don’t clean deeply enough). For a proper clean, use the material-specific methods above.

How do I get rid of a smell from my office chair?

For fabric chairs, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the upholstery, leave for 30 minutes, and vacuum it off. For leather, wipe with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, then condition the leather. For mesh, a thorough vacuum and wipe with mild soapy water usually does the trick.

How do I stop my chair from getting dirty so quickly?

Avoid eating at your desk, vacuum the chair weekly with a quick pass of the upholstery attachment, and wash your hands before working. A fabric chair cover or throw can also protect the upholstery and is easily machine-washed.

A Clean Chair Is a Happy Chair

Five minutes of regular care keeps your office chair looking professional, smelling fresh, and lasting years longer than a neglected one. Whether you’ve got a leather executive chair or a trusty mesh ergonomic, the cleaning basics are the same: vacuum, wipe, condition, and dry.

Looking to upgrade to a fresh chair? Browse the Chair Outlet range — leather, mesh, and modern styles, all with free UK mainland delivery.

Shop Office Chairs at Chair Outlet →