If you have a desk job that requires you to sit for prolonged hours, you would probably know the importance of using an ergonomic office chair. It is designed to make your sitting experience more comfortable, so you can work more productively while taking care of your spine and overall health.
However, your ergonomic office chair is quite similar to any other piece of furniture in your home that you regularly use. After all, you use it on most days of the week and spend at least one-third of your day on this chair. Just like every other piece of furniture that is used regularly and heavily, your ergonomic office chair will need some cleaning and care. Since it is an integral piece of furniture in your conventional or home office that likely gets through a lot of wear and tear, without adequate care and maintenance, it can quickly turn into a hotbed for bacteria, germs, and, of course, dust.
If you are looking for an ergonomic office chair or already have one, it's essential to learn more about cleaning and caring for your ergonomic office chair. And that's what this post is all about. You will find out about ways to clean and care for your ergonomic office chair so let's dive right in.
Cleaning and Caring for Your Ergonomic Office Chair
Your ergonomic office chair will need some cleaning and maintenance once every few weeks. And as you get started with the cleaning and care of your ergonomic office chair, below are some of the things that will help you do your job more effectively.
Look for the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Almost all ergonomic office chairs come with the manufacturer's instructions on cleaning and caring for the chair. Since different ergonomic office chairs are made from different fabrics and materials, it's essential to check the manufacturer's tag so you can decide on the safest and most effective way to clean them.
Here’s an insight into what different cleaning codes mentioned on the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions mean.
W – It refers to water and means that you should only clean the ergonomic office chair with water or water-based cleaning products.
S –If you see an "S" on the upholstery tag or manufacturer's instructions, it means that it's best to clean your office chair using a water-free solvent. Since office chairs made from organic fabrics, such as rayon, wool, or cotton may likely get damaged when exposed to water, it is best to use a water-free solvent to clean them.
W/S – As the code suggests, you can use both water-based products or water-free solvents for cleaning the chair.
X – If you find an X code on the manufacturer’s instruction, it means that you should only clean the chair using a vacuum cleaner or brush.
Most ergonomic office chairs from reliable suppliers always have an upholstery tag that states the cleaning instructions. However, if your office chair doesn't have one, refer to the manual that came along with the chair to learn more about cleaning and maintenance instructions.
Clean and Care Keeping in Mind the Fabric/Material
Different ergonomic office chairs are made from different materials. You can find mesh office chairs and office chairs with fabric or leather. Each type of fabric/material has different cleaning and care requirements. Let's take a closer look at cleaning different types of ergonomic office chairs.
Cleaning and Caring for a Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair
Mesh office chairs may have limited cleaning and maintenance needs, but that doesn't mean they don't need cleaning and care at all. It's best to clean your mesh office chair at least once a month and go about the process using the following steps.
You can start by using a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and debris on low suction.
Once you have used the vacuum cleaner and refer to the manufacturer's instructions, you can use a moistened damp cloth to clean your chair area that has stains or dirt. While doing so, refrain from dragging the cloth over the entire mesh as it can damage the material.
You can also use a damp cotton swab for cleaning hard to reach area of your mesh office chair.
Let the chair dry out naturally.
Cleaning and Caring for a Fabric Ergonomic Office Chair
Fabric office chairs are the most commonly used office chairs and have cleaning and maintenance need similar to mesh office chairs. It’s best to clean your fabric office chair at least once a month and go about the process using the following steps.
Use a vacuum cleaner for removing dirt and debris,
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the use of cleaners.
Don't overwet your cleaning cloth when using water and cleaning products as it can damage the fabric and your office chair. At the same time, when cleaning using a wet cleaning cloth dampened with water and cleaner, just dab and do not rub the entire fabric.
You can use a damp cotton swab to clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mesh office chair.
Use a vacuum cleaner to dry the clean or let it dry out naturally.
Cleaning and Caring for a Leather Office Chair
Your leather office chair has relatively higher maintenance needs, but if you take care of your leather chair appropriately, it can serve you for years.
You don't need to use a vacuum cleaner as leather does not attract dirt as mesh or fabric. Alternatively, you can use a damp, white cloth to clean the surface and never use a colored color to clean your leather office chair.
Never use any harsh chemicals to clean your leather chair.
Always dry the chair with a white, dry soft cloth.
Once you dry the chair, don't forget to use a leather conditioner and massage it generously to keep the leather soft and supple.
Before using the chair again, wipe out the excessive leather conditioner and let your chair dry out naturally.
Tighten the Fasteners
As you clean and care for your ergonomic office chair, don’t forget to inspect and tighten the fasteners on your office chair. Some office chairs come with screws or bolts; others may have both, but regardless of the type of office chairs, they may come loose if you don’t tighten them regularly.
Remember that your ergonomic office chair may not be stable if a fastener is loose, which adds to safety concerns while sitting and reclining.
Clean and Lubricate Casters
Apart from cleaning the upholstery, another critical aspect of cleaning and caring for your ergonomic office chair is the cleaning and lubricating the casters. With proper care and maintenance, you can look forward to your ergonomic office chair rolling smoothly.
Casters are the housing units where the office chair’s wheels are mounted. The wheels of your chair may be made from different materials such as steel, plastic, rubber. However, the casters are almost always made of some type of metal.
To clean the casters, you need to flip your office chair upside down and pull out any obvious debris found in the casters, such as lint or hair. You can also use a vacuum cleaner in case of excessive dirt and debris.
Once you thoroughly clean the casters of your office chair, you can apply a small amount of lubricant to each caster so that the wheels can continue to roll smoothly. It’s best to clean and lubricate your casters at least once every six months.
Check the Gas Cylinder
Does your ergonomic office chair sink back to the floor immediately after raising it? Then it’s time to check the gas cylinder. Ergonomic office chairs that offer height adjustability usually feature a gas cylinder that allows for a pneumatic lift. The gas cylinder contains nitrogen gas that can lift and hold the office chair at an elevated height.
If your height adjustable ergonomic office chair sinks back to the floor, it may be time to replace the gas cylinder.
Keep Your Ergonomic Office Chair Away From Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight can damage the material and fabric of your ergonomic office chair. It may not happen overnight, but if your office chair is constantly exposed to UV rays, you will see the impact resulting from degraded fabric and material.
Replace When Required
Your ergonomic office chair will need replacement after a few years, but adequate cleaning and care will extend the lifespan of your office chair.
If you are looking for high-quality ergonomic office chairs that are durable and easy to clean and maintain, Flexispot brings you the best solution. At Flexispot, you can find ergonomic office chairs designed to offer you maximum support and comfort while you sit for long hours during the day.
To find out more about how you can get reliable, ergonomic office chairs for the best price, check out our website and let our team of experts guide you to make the best choice for ergonomic office chairs.
