Keep Your Chairs Looking Like New: Simple Cleaning Tips That Work

Upholstered chairs add comfort and style to any space—but over time, they attract dust, spills, and odors. Whether it’s your favorite armchair, dining chair, or office seat, knowing how to properly clean and care for it can keep it looking (and smelling) fresh for years.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from everyday upkeep to deep cleaning tips—no matter what material your chair is made of.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Tools

Before you get started, make sure you’ve got the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Vacuum with brush attachment – to lift dirt and crumbs from fabric
• Soft cloths and absorbent towels – for blotting and drying
• Soft-bristle brush or sponge – to gently scrub without damaging fabric
• Rubber squeegee (optional) – to help remove excess moisture
• Steam cleaner (optional) – great for deep sanitizing
• Mixing bowl or spray bottle – for your cleaning solution

DIY Cleaning Mixes:

• Everyday Cleaner: 1 cup warm water + a few drops of mild dish soap
• Odor Neutralizer: 5 parts water + 1 part white vinegar
• Stain Lifter (for fabric): Warm water + a splash of vinegar + a pinch of baking soda

Step 2: Weekly Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Want to avoid deep stains and odors? Stay on top of regular cleaning:

Vacuum once a week
Use the brush attachment to get into seams, crevices, and under cushions.

Blot spills right away
Don’t rub! Gently press a clean cloth over the spill to soak it up.

Spot clean when needed
Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Use a sponge or cloth to gently clean small stains, then rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a towel.

Keep it out of direct sunlight
Sun can fade fabric and dry out leather—place chairs where they’re not exposed to strong UV.

Step 3: Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains and Smells

If your chair’s starting to smell funky, look dull, or feel a little grimy, it’s time to level up your cleaning game. A quick wipe-down won’t cut it — you need to go deeper.

Steam It — If Your Fabric Can Handle It

Steam cleaning is one of the most effective ways to lift embedded dirt, kill bacteria, and neutralize odors — all without using harsh chemicals. But not all materials can handle the heat and moisture.

Safe for Steam:Polyester,Nylon,Microfiber,Some tightly woven cotton blends.
These fabrics are durable and generally moisture-tolerant. Still, spot test first!

Not Safe for Steam:Silk or silk blends,Wool upholstery,Velvet or suede,Leather or faux leather.
These materials can shrink, stain, discolor, or get damaged from heat and moisture.

Steam Smart Tips:

• Spot test in an inconspicuous area
• Keep the nozzle moving — don’t park it in one spot
• Let the chair fully air dry afterward (no shortcuts!)

Use the Right Cleaner for the Stain

Different mess, different fix. Grab the right cleaner for what you’re tackling:

• Food stains: Try an enzyme-based upholstery cleaner (like Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator)
• Oil/grease: Use a foam upholstery cleaner or OxiClean MaxForce
• Wine or juice: Mix white vinegar and baking soda — it’ll bubble up and lift the stain
• Pet smells or mildew: Spray with a vinegar-water mix (1:1), let it sit, then air dry in sunlight if possible

Bonus Tip: Open the windows or use a fan to help with drying. Trapped moisture = more smells later.

Step 4: Know Your Material (And Use the Right Tools for It)

Before you grab any old cleaner or scrub brush, take a second to check what your chair is made of. Using the wrong product can ruin the fabric, discolor the leather, or leave permanent water stains.

Here’s how to treat each material the right way — with the tools that actually work:

Fabric Chairs (Polyester, Cotton, Linen, etc.)

• Recommended Products:

  • Bissell Fabric & Upholstery Cleaner – a go-to for spot-treating stains
  • Resolve Upholstery Cleaner – great for freshening up and deep cleaning

• Tools:

  • Soft-bristle upholstery brush
  • Microfiber cloth (won’t leave lint behind)
  • Handheld fabric steamer (for odors and light refresh)

Leather Chairs

• Recommended Products:

  • Lexol Leather Cleaner & Conditioner – gentle and effective
  • Weiman Leather Wipes – quick wipe-downs that condition too

• Tools:

  • Soft sponge or microfiber cloth (never use anything abrasive!)
  • Leather brush for gentle buffing

PU (Faux) Leather

• Recommended Products:

  • Chemical Guys InnerClean – safe for synthetic surfaces
  • Sprayway Vinyl & Leather Cleaner – good for regular upkeep
• Tools:
  • Lint-free cloth
  • Soft sponge (avoid over-wetting – PU can crack!)

Pro Tip:

Check your chair’s tag for cleaning codes like W, S, SW, or X – they tell you exactly what kind of cleaners are safe to use. For example:

• W = water-based cleaners only
• S = solvent-based cleaners
• SW = both safe
• X = vacuum only (no liquids!)

Still unsure? Test any product in a hidden area first — just to be safe.
Knowing your materials means knowing exactly how to clean smarter, not harder.
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Step 5: Don’t Forget to Disinfect & Deodorize

Especially in shared spaces, keeping your chairs germ-free matters:

• Use an EPA-approved fabric-safe disinfectant spray
• For fabric: mist lightly and allow to air dry
• For leather: use alcohol-free wipes or a leather-safe spray
• To freshen up: sprinkle baking soda, let it sit 15 mins, then vacuum off

Pro tip: Open a window or use a fan during and after cleaning to help your chair dry faster and avoid that “musty” smell.

Final Thoughts: Clean Chairs, Happy Life

Taking a few minutes each week to care for your upholstered chairs can save you hours of deep cleaning later—and help your furniture last much longer. Whether you’re tackling an everyday mess or giving your chair a seasonal refresh, these steps will help you keep things tidy, cozy, and inviting.

Got a tricky stain or unique chair material? Leave a comment or reach out—we’re happy to help!