How to clean an office or gaming chair by material

Before you start: vacuum and check the label

Vacuum the whole chair with an upholstery brush, including seams, the gap between seat and back, and the castors. This removes grit that would otherwise scratch or grind into the cover when you wipe it.

Look for a care label, usually under the seat. Many upholstered chairs use a simple code system: W means water-based cleaners are fine, S means solvent-based cleaner only, W/S means either, and X means vacuum or brush only. If there is no label, use the gentlest method for the material and test first.

Mesh

Mesh is easy to clean but can stretch if scrubbed hard. Vacuum both sides, then wipe with a soft cloth dampened in warm water with a drop of mild washing-up liquid. Work along the weave, not against it, and do not soak the mesh or the frame edge. Rinse with a cloth dampened in clean water and let it air dry. A soft brush helps lift dirt from textured mesh. Herman Miller and other premium makers publish care instructions for their mesh; follow them if you have one of those chairs.

Woven fabric

Fabric gaming chairs, such as Corsair's T3 Rush or Arozzi's soft-fabric models, are cleaned the same way. Arozzi describes its Torretta fabric as fluid-repellent, which gives a little more time to blot spills. Avoid soaking foam, which takes a long time to dry and can leave rings.

1. 1

   Vacuum thoroughly, especially seams.

2. 2

   Mix a little mild soap or upholstery shampoo in warm water, if the label allows water.

3. 3

   Dampen a cloth and wring it out well; it should be barely damp.

4. 4

   Blot stains from the outside in, rather than rubbing, to avoid spreading them.

5. 5

   Wipe with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove soap.

6. 6

   Let the chair dry fully, with air flow, before sitting on it.

PU leather and real leather

PU leather wipes clean. Use a soft cloth with warm water and a little mild soap, then wipe off with clean water and dry with a towel. Do not use solvents, alcohol wipes or abrasive cleaners, which can dry and crack the coating. Keep PU chairs out of strong direct sun. Several listings in our guides, including the Efomao PU chairs, describe wipe-clean surfaces.

Real leather needs a dedicated leather cleaner, followed by a leather conditioner every few months to stop it drying out. Test on a hidden spot first. Do not use the same products on PU leather, as conditioners do not soak into PU and can leave a sticky film.

Compare mesh, fabric and PU →

Spills, smells and the frame

Deal with spills straight away: blot with a dry cloth, then clean as above for the material. For smells on fabric, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda, leave it for a few hours and vacuum it off. Air the chair in a well-ventilated room.

Wipe plastic and metal parts, including the base and arms, with a damp cloth and mild soap. Pull out the castors and clear hair from the axles; our castors guide shows how. Clean arm pads regularly, as they collect skin oils and are often the first part to look worn.

Note:Do not soak the chair or use a steam cleaner near the gas lift and mechanism. Let electrical parts such as massage pads or RGB lights stay dry and follow the maker's instructions for them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I clean a fabric gaming chair? Vacuum, then blot with a barely damp cloth and mild soap if the label allows water. Let it dry fully.

How do I clean a gaming chair in PU leather? Wipe with warm water and mild soap, then dry. Avoid solvents and alcohol.

What are Herman Miller's cleaning instructions? Herman Miller publishes care guides for each material on its website. Mesh is generally vacuumed and cleaned with mild soap and water.

Can I put chair covers in the washing machine? Only if the maker says the cover is removable and washable. Most chair covers are fixed.