Updated October 2026
Your office chair collects dust, crumbs, skin oils and the occasional coffee spill every day, but few people ever clean it. A quick monthly clean keeps it looking and smelling fresh, and regular care helps the upholstery, mesh and moving parts last longer. Here is how to clean every type of office chair, plus how to tackle common stains.
Quick answer: vacuum the chair, check the care label, then clean with the gentlest method that works: a damp cloth with mild dish soap for mesh, plastic and most fabrics, a leather cleaner for genuine leather and mild soapy water for faux leather. Never soak the chair, test any cleaner on a hidden spot first and let it dry fully before sitting.
Before You Start: Check the Care Label
Most upholstered chairs have a cleaning code on a tag under the seat or in the manual. It tells you which cleaners are safe:
| Code | Meaning | What to Use |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaners | Mild soap and water, water-based upholstery cleaner |
| S | Solvent-based cleaners only | A water-free upholstery solvent; do not use water |
| WS or S/W | Either | Water-based or solvent cleaners |
| X | No liquid cleaners | Vacuum or brush only; call a professional for stains |
If there is no label, check the manufacturer's website. Herman Miller, Steelcase and other major brands publish care guides for their materials.
What You'll Need
- A vacuum with a brush and crevice attachment
- Microfiber cloths
- Mild dish soap and warm water
- A soft brush or old toothbrush
- An upholstery cleaner suited to your fabric code
- Leather cleaner and conditioner (for genuine leather)
How to Clean a Mesh Office Chair
- Vacuum both sides of the mesh with a brush attachment to lift dust from the weave.
- Mix a few drops of dish soap into warm water.
- Wipe the mesh with a damp, well-wrung cloth, working in sections. Use a soft brush for grime in the weave.
- Rinse by wiping with a cloth dampened in clean water.
- Air dry completely before sitting.
Avoid soaking the mesh or scrubbing hard, which can stretch or fray it. Read more about mesh in our mesh vs. fabric guide.
How to Clean a Fabric Office Chair
- Vacuum thoroughly, including seams and crevices.
- Check the code. For W or WS, use mild soapy water or a water-based upholstery cleaner. For S, use a solvent cleaner only. For X, stop at vacuuming.
- Dab, don't scrub, with a barely damp cloth. Too much water can soak into the foam and leave rings or odors.
- Blot with a dry cloth to lift moisture.
- Dry fully, using a fan if needed.
How to Clean a Leather Office Chair
- Dust or vacuum gently with a soft brush.
- Apply a leather cleaner to a soft cloth, not directly to the chair, and wipe in sections.
- Wipe off residue with a barely damp cloth, then dry.
- Condition with a leather conditioner every few months to help prevent drying and cracking.
Avoid harsh household cleaners, alcohol and excess water on genuine leather.
How to Clean a Faux or Bonded Leather Chair
PU, vinyl and bonded leather are common on budget and executive chairs. Wipe them with a cloth dampened in mild soapy water, then a clean damp cloth, and dry. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive pads, which can damage the coating and speed up peeling.
How to Clean the Base, Arms and Wheels
- Wipe plastic and metal parts with mild soapy water and dry them.
- Clean the armrest pads according to their material.
- Remove debris from the wheels. Pull the casters out if possible and cut away wrapped hair and thread with scissors, then wipe them clean.
Dirty wheels roll poorly and can scratch floors. If yours are worn, see the best office chair wheels, and protect your floors with a chair mat for hard floors or chair mat for carpet.
How to Remove Common Stains
| Stain | What to Try |
|---|---|
| Coffee or tea | Blot immediately, then dab with mild soapy water (W fabrics) and blot dry |
| Grease or food | Blot, then use a small amount of dish soap on a damp cloth; for S fabrics use a solvent cleaner |
| Ink | Test first; a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol can lift ink from some fabrics, but avoid it on leather |
| Sweat marks | Clean regularly with mild soapy water; for leather, use a leather cleaner |
| Odors | Vacuum, clean according to the code and let the chair air out; a light sprinkle of baking soda on fabric, vacuumed after a few hours, can help |
Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first, and blot rather than rub to avoid spreading the stain.
How Often Should You Clean Your Chair?
- Weekly: a quick vacuum or wipe if you eat at your desk.
- Monthly: a full clean of the seat, back, arms and base.
- Every few months: clean the wheels and condition leather.
- Immediately: blot any spill.
Keep Your Chair in Good Shape
Cleaning is a good time to check for loose bolts, squeaks and a sinking seat. See how to fix a squeaky office chair and how to fix a sinking office chair. If your chair is worn beyond saving, our best mesh office chairs are among the easiest to keep clean.
Office Chair Cleaning FAQs
Can I Use a Steam Cleaner on My Office Chair?
Only if the care label and manufacturer allow it. Steam and heat can damage some fabrics, foams, glues and mesh.
How Do I Clean a Mesh Office Chair?
Vacuum it, then wipe with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, rinse with a clean damp cloth and let it air dry.
What Does the X Cleaning Code Mean?
Use no liquid cleaners. Vacuum or brush only, and use a professional for stains.
How Do I Get Rid of Office Chair Odors?
Vacuum thoroughly, clean according to the care label and let the chair air out. On fabric, baking soda left for a few hours and then vacuumed can help absorb odors.