Chair seats take a lot of abuse: crumbs, spills, body oils and sunscreen, and constant friction. The right cleaning method depends mostly on what the seat is made of, so start there.
Identify the seat material first
- Woven or textured fabric: Soft to the touch, absorbs water.
- Vinyl or faux leather: Smooth, slightly shiny, wipes clean.
- Real leather: Natural grain, often softer, may have a care label.
- Wood, plastic or metal: Hard and non-absorbent.
- Mesh: Open weave, common on office chairs.
Look for a care tag under the seat. If it has a cleaning code (W, S, WS or X), our guide on how to spot clean upholstery explains what each letter means. If you cannot tell what the seat is, test a hidden spot with a damp cloth first.
Supplies
- Vacuum with a brush or upholstery attachment
- Soft brush
- Clean microfiber or white cloths
- Mild liquid dish soap
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle or small bowl of water
Cleaning a fabric chair seat
- Remove the seat if it unscrews or lifts out. This makes cleaning easier and avoids wetting the frame.
- Vacuum the surface and edges.
- Test a soapy cloth on a hidden spot.
- Dampen a cloth with a little soapy water, wring it well and blot the seat. Work from the edges toward the center.
- Blot with a second cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap.
- Dry with a towel, then let it air-dry in a ventilated area. Avoid sitting on it until fully dry.
If the seat code is S or X, do not use water. Use a solvent-based cleaner made for upholstery, or hire a professional.
Deep cleaning an upholstered chair
For a seat that is dirty all over, cleaning the full surface prevents a clean patch that looks odd. Many people use a handheld upholstery or carpet extractor with an upholstery tool. If you do, use as little water as the machine allows, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure the chair dries well. Foam holds moisture for a long time, so use fans.
Vinyl and faux leather seats
Wipe with a cloth dampened with warm, mildly soapy water, then wipe with a cloth dampened with plain water and dry. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive scrubbers, which can dull or crack the surface. If the seat is cracking or peeling, cleaning will not fix it.
Leather, wood, plastic and mesh seats
- Leather: Use a leather-specific cleaner or a barely damp cloth (our guide to cleaning leather furniture goes into more detail). Avoid soaking, and follow with a leather conditioner if the manufacturer recommends it.
- Wood: Wipe with a slightly damp cloth, then dry right away. Water left standing can damage finishes.
- Plastic and metal: Warm, soapy water works well. Dry afterward to avoid water spots.
- Mesh: Vacuum, then dab with a mild soap solution and wipe with water. Do not stretch the mesh.
Removing odors
Sprinkle baking soda over a dry fabric seat, leave it for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. Letting the chair air out in a well-ventilated spot also helps. If the smell is from pet urine, use an enzyme cleaner designed for it. Odors that keep returning may mean moisture has soaked into the padding.
Safety: mixing, ventilation, kids and pets
- Never mix bleach with ammonia or with vinegar. Both mixtures can release toxic gases. Do not combine cleaning products.
- Do not use bleach on upholstery. It can permanently damage fabric.
- Ventilate the room, and keep children and pets away until the seat is dry.
- Disinfectant sprays and wipes often have specific contact times and may not be suitable for fabric or leather. Read the label before using them on a seat.
- Store cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.
Keeping seats clean
Vacuum regularly, deal with spills quickly by blotting, and consider washable seat covers for dining chairs. A fabric protector can help, but test it first and follow the directions.
FAQ
How can I deep clean an upholstered chair?
Vacuum, test a mild cleaner, clean the entire seat gently so it dries evenly, and dry it with airflow. For heavily soiled seats, a home upholstery extractor or a professional can help.
Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean upholstery?
A small amount of mild dish soap diluted in water is a common option for water-safe fabrics. Use the suds, blot rather than soak, rinse by blotting, and test first.
What household products can I use to clean my couch?
Dish soap, baking soda and plain water are common. Test everything first and never combine products. For larger furniture, see how to clean a canvas couch.
How can I clean my seats?
Clean them according to the material, from the sections above. Use the gentlest approach that works and dry thoroughly.