Our office chairs are perhaps the most important part of our work environment; we spend most of our time at our desks sitting down, so something that provides comfort and support is essential.
However, over time, they pick up dirt, stains, and even unpleasant smells.
Hard chair surfaces, such as armrests, can collect bacteria and viruses form unwashed hands which can be passed on from employee to employee, costing the company money in sick leave.
Regular cleaning not only keeps the workplace looking more professional, it gives office workers a healthier and more productive environment to work in. Cotswold Gleam Team are here to help with these top tips for keeping your office chairs as pristine as possible.
Get your cleaning supplies together
To clean your office chairs, you will need:
• A vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• A soft bristle brush
• Mild detergent, preferably a specialist upholstery cleaner
• Baking soda to remove odours
• Disinfectant spray.
Brush your chairs down first to remove surface debris, then vacuum to draw out below the surface dirt, and gently suction it away. A mild detergent will remove any easy to remove stains, and once dry, baking soda will absorb any smells that might be lurking in the fabric. Finally, a mist of disinfectant spray left to air-dry will ensure that the chair is fully sanitised.
Don’t forget to check the chair’s label before you begin, as there may be manufacturer instructions that help you refine your cleaning methods further and avoid damage to the fabric.
If you’re unsure about how to clean your office chairs correctly, Cotswold Gleam Team can offer professional advice with an on-site visit, or if required, carry out this task for you as part of an ongoing cleaning schedule for your business.
Cleaning methods
• Spot cleaning - In between major cleans, spot cleaning will take care of day-to-day spills. A damp microfibre cloth blotted over the stained area will help to lift stains. Avoid scrubbing at any marks as this will spread them and could damage the fabric. If the stain persists, add a small amount of upholstery cleaner to the water and continue blotting. Blot out any detergent with a clean, damp cloth, and leave to air dry.
• Deep cleaning – in addition to any general clean, you might wish to add a couple of steps, particularly during cold and flu season, to do all you can to limit spread. For example, a soft bristle brush used in a circular motion on upholstered areas will ensure that any upholstery cleaner works its way deeper into the fabric. Don’t forget arm and headrests, as these are prime areas for transferring germs and viruses if staff tend to hot desk.
• Odour control – unfortunately, chairs tend to hold onto odour. Baking soda is excellent for odour control, so sprinkling a light layer over chairs at close to business to vacuum off the following morning is a good way to keep your office smelling fresh and clean.
To conclude, we recommend dealing with issues immediately, as this is always going to be the best course of action in keeping your office chairs clean and spotless. Maintenance of your office furniture will prolong its life and save you money in the long run. In addition, not only will your office environment look tidier and smell fresher, but your workforce are also protected against bacteria and viruses on hard chair surfaces, they will feel invested in and valued. This is why we recommend a scheduled deep clean of all office furniture from time to time, saving your business time and money in the process. To find out more about our commercial cleaning services, please call us today on: 01993 252575 or email: info@cotswoldgleamteam.co.uk.