There are many different stories of who actually invented the office chair. Throughout history, there have been task chairs, and specialty chairs for professions such as dentistry, and other seats that have come and gone in popularity. It wouldn’t be until the 1970s that the forebearer of our modern office chair would be invented with ergonomics being recognized as a healthy addition to office furniture.

Leather office chairs are comfortable and durable, but must be maintained for them to last. Below are 5 tips for maintaining and cleaning your chair so that you will be comfortable in your chair for a long time to come.

Crumbs And Dust

Dust and crumbs in the crevices of your white leather office chair can be detrimental over time too. Be sure to first dust your chair with a microfiber cloth. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool attachment to suction out any dirt and crumbs that have fallen into the cracks. Repeat twice monthly or as needed.

Spot Clean

Using mild soap such as dish soap and warm water, clean any areas that have stuck on grime gently with a circular motion using a microfiber cleaning cloth. Be sure that your cloth is damp, not soaking wet. Ink stains from ballpoint pens can be removed carefully with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Let dry overnight.

Removing Grease

Grease stains require a little more work, but with patience, it is pretty simple. Blot off as much grease from your chair as possible with a soft, dry cloth. Cover the grease stain with cornstarch and let it sit until the next morning. Remove starch the next day and wash as above with gentle soap and water.

Leather Conditioner

Leather is very porous meaning it is full of tiny holes. This means that a leather office chair is prone to drying out and cracking if not properly conditioned. You will only have to condition your leather chair about twice a year under normal conditions. Keep in mind that if you live in a very arid climate your chair may need to be conditioned earlier than that so that it doesn’t dry out and crack.

Inspect Hardware

Inspect any nuts, bolts, and screws to make sure none are missing and everything is tightened down. Loose or missing hardware can be hazardous if your chair comes apart with you in it. Replace the gas cylinders as needed with the new unit available at most office supply stores. Check the castors on the bottom of your chair and inspect for damage. Clean with canned air for debris.

Lasting Comfort

Working in an office often means that you spend large spans of time sitting in your chair. With that in mind, picking out a chair that suits you in style and features provides comfort for those long hours at your desk. Quality chairs can be quite expensive, so taking good care of your chair with basic cleaning and maintenance will be necessary.