Shopping guides
Help
Log in
How to clean an office chair easily
Article index
How to remove the bad smell from a desk chair and get it clean
The good news is that you do not need harsh products or complicated solutions to fix it. With the right methods and a deep clean adapted to the material of your chair, it is possible to restore an impeccable appearance and a fresh smell. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to clean and remove the bad smell from an office chair effectively and lastingly.
Before getting into the cleaning methods, it is useful to understand what causes the bad smell: Sweat and moisture: Spending several hours seated generates sweat, which seeps into the padding and the fibres of the fabric or mesh. Trapped moisture encourages the growth of bacteria and fungi, responsible for the bad smell. Lack of ventilation: Enclosed spaces or desks next to walls prevent air circulation, which intensifies odours. Spills and stains: Coffee, soft drinks or food can seep into the padding and leave a persistent smell. Build-up of dust and particles: Trapped dust and crumbs retain moisture and bad smells.
Understanding this is key to tackling the problem at its root, instead of simply masking the smell with air fresheners. In addition, it is very important to identify the material of the chair. Each surface requires different care to avoid damage and achieve an effective clean. If you are considering renewing your workspace, you can also check out our office chairs to choose a comfortable model that is easy to maintain.
Fabric chairs
Vacuum the whole surface carefully to remove dust, crumbs and small particles embedded between the fibres. If possible, use the upholstery attachment and also go over the hard-to-reach areas, such as seams, folds and edges. Prepare a solution of warm water with a few drops of neutral soap and mix until you get a gentle and even clean. Clean the fabric with a dampened cloth, without rubbing hard and avoiding soaking the surface so as not to leave marks or excess moisture. For tougher stains, apply a soft-bristled brush with circular movements and always gently, repeating the process only if necessary.
Extra tip: To get an additional fresh aroma, you can add a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus essential oil to the cleaning water. Use it in moderation so as not to saturate the fabric and first do a test on an inconspicuous area. We recommend checking this resource on how to clean fabric chairs to expand on these tips.
Mesh chairs
First vacuum the whole surface to remove the dust and dirt that tend to build up in the gaps of the mesh, especially in the most used areas. Then wipe with a damp cloth with neutral soap and rub gently with delicate movements to clean without damaging or deforming the material. If necessary, go over it in sections to make sure no traces of dirt remain. Avoid abrasive products, hard sponges or very harsh cleaners, as they can deteriorate, weaken or even break the mesh fibres.
Extra tip: An old toothbrush can help you clean with more precision the dirt trapped in the joints of the mesh, in the corners and in the hardest-to-reach areas, always with gentle movements so as not to wear out the fabric.
Plastic chairs or rigid frame
Use a cloth dampened with mild detergent to clean the surface carefully and remove the accumulated dirt without damaging the material. It is important to rub with gentle and steady movements, paying attention to the areas where more dust or stains tend to build up. Avoid harsh products, as they can scratch, dull or discolour the plastic over time, as well as affect its original appearance. Here you can see a full explanation on how to clean plastic chairs without deteriorating the material or affecting its finish, with practical recommendations to keep it in good condition.
Faux leather or synthetic leather chairs
Clean the surface with a soft, slightly damp cloth and a little neutral soap, making delicate movements so as not to damage the material. For more resistant stains, you can turn to specific cleaners for synthetic leather, always following the manufacturer's instructions and testing first on an inconspicuous area. Never use alcohol or strong chemical products, as they can dry out, discolour or crack the surface over time.
If your chair is made of synthetic leather, you can also check this guide on how to clean faux leather chairs and armchairs to avoid cracks, discolouration or products that are too harsh.
After cleaning, dry the chair well with another clean cloth to prevent moisture from remaining on the covering. Once the surface is clean, the next step is to eliminate the smell at its source. Often the bad smell does not come only from the visible dirt, but from the moisture accumulated in the inner padding, so it is a good idea to air the chair and leave it in a dry place to help it disappear completely.
What do you need to remove the bad smell from a chair?
To remove the bad smell from an office chair effectively, you do not need harsh products. In fact, some home remedies work very well and are safe for most materials: Baking soda: absorbs odours instead of masking them.
White vinegar: disinfects and neutralises bacteria. Warm water and neutral soap: cleans gently without damaging the fabric.
Spray bottle and microfibre cloths: help to apply the solution evenly.
Vacuum cleaner: essential to remove dust, baking soda residue and trapped particles.
Baking soda is especially useful because it absorbs odours instead of masking them. Vinegar, for its part, acts as a natural disinfectant and neutraliser of bacteria, which are often responsible for the bad smell. In addition, it is important to carry out the cleaning in a ventilated space. If the chair is in an enclosed room next to a gaming desk or desk, the smell can concentrate more easily.
Remove the bad smell from a chair step by step
If you want to know exactly how to remove the bad smell from an office chair, follow these steps:
Initial vacuuming.Vacuum the whole surface of the chair, including backrest, seat and lower areas. This removes dust, crumbs and particles that can retain moisture.
Surface cleaning.Prepare a mix of warm water with a few drops of neutral soap and clean the surface with a lightly dampened cloth. Do not soak the fabric, as excess water can worsen the problem.
Applying baking soda.Once the surface is dry, sprinkle baking soda over the seat and the backrest. Let it act for at least 6-8 hours, preferably overnight. This step is key to remove the office chair smell deeply.
Removing the baking soda.Vacuum again to remove the residue. You will notice that the smell has decreased considerably.
Light spray of diluted vinegar.Mix one part of white vinegar with three parts of water and spray lightly over the surface. The vinegar smell will disappear as it dries, taking with it the bacteria that cause the bad smell.
Complete drying.It is essential to let the chair dry in a ventilated space. If possible, place it near a window or in an area where air circulates. Do not use it until it is completely dry. If the bad smell persists, it may be because the inner padding has absorbed too much moisture. In that case, it may be necessary to repeat the process or consider a professional clean.
Do not forget to also check the wheels and the base, because they tend to build up dust, hair and dirt residue that affect the overall appearance of the chair. For that part, you can follow this guide on how to clean office chair wheels.
