HOW TO MAINTAIN AND CLEAN YOUR ERGONOMIC OFFICE CHAIR

This guide offers essential tips for preserving your ergonomic office chair, ensuring lasting comfort and support. Investing in a high-quality office chair is important, and maintaining its condition is crucial for maximising your investment. Explore key practices to enhance its performance and longevity, from routine cleaning to addressing common concerns. This comprehensive advice is tailored specifically for your F94 chair, helping you elevate your workspace experience.

How Long Should a Good Office Chair Last?

The lifespan of a quality office chair depends on its construction, usage, and maintenance. Generally, a well-maintained ergonomic chair should last at least seven years. At Hood Seating, we back our chairs with a 10-year warranty, so you can choose with confidence.

Quality and Certifications

BS 5459

All our chairs are BS 5459 certified, supporting users weighing up to 150 kg (19.5 stone) in 24/7 environments. In such high-use settings, our warranty is reduced to 3 years due to increased wear.

Textile Certifications

Our products hold CRIB 5 status (fabric and sponge). Our mesh, fabrics, and foam undergo rigorous safety and abrasion testing, exceeding UK standards. Certification documents are available upon request.

• FOAM: EN 1021:2014 - Furniture assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture.
• MESH: EN 1021-1 & 2: 2014 - Furniture assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture.
• Abrasion Resistance: Exceeds 100,000 cycles.
• Impact Test
• FABRIC: EN 1021: 2014 - Furniture assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture.

How to Clean, Maintain, and Care for Your Office Chair

Office chairs go through a lot of wear and tear. They’re one of the most heavily used items of furniture in a busy office, so naturally, over time, signs of use will become visible.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. While office chairs, especially heavy-duty ones, are highly resilient due to their quality of manufacturing, it’s still important to care for and maintain your chair to keep it performing at its best for longer—thus saving you money in the long run.

In this guide, we detail many of the common issues with office chairs and how to clean and maintain them. Let’s dive in!

Why Does My Office Chair Sink?

The height adjustment feature on your office chair is enabled by a gas strut (piston). Over time, this function can fail, resulting in a chair that won’t adjust in height or sinks throughout the day.

While frustrating, this issue can be easily remedied. First, check your chair’s warranty. If your chair is still under warranty, contact our sales team, and we’ll send you a replacement gas strut to fix the problem.

If the chair is out of warranty, we can still supply a replacement gas strut, which is far more cost-effective than buying a new office chair.

Steps to Replace an Office Chair Gas Strut:

1. Lay down some material (tarpaulin or newspaper) to protect the surface you’re working on.
2. Turn the chair on its side and tap the centre of the base with a rubber mallet away from the seat. The 5-star base should come loose.
3. Use a pipe wrench near the top of the gas strut and twist until it releases from the chair seat. Apply WD-40 if you’re having trouble.
4. Take your new gas strut and place the bottom into your chair’s 5-star base.
5. Lift both into the chair’s seat and flip it over. Everything should be fitted correctly.
6. Test the new gas strut by sitting on the chair and adjusting the height.

Alternatively, refer to our manual here or request a gas strut removal tool from our Service Team.

If you have any difficulties, feel free to call our friendly service team at 0333 123 200 or email service@hoodseating.com for guidance.

How to Maintain Your Office Chair

Regular maintenance can significantly extend the life of your ergonomic office chair. Here are ten essential tips to keep your chair in top condition:

1. Clean It Regularly
   Regular dusting and cleaning prevent build-up that can lead to scratches and stains.
2. Avoid Eating and Drinking on the Chair
   To avoid spills, try to eat and drink away from your chair.
3. Set Up the Chair Correctly
   Follow the user manual when assembling the chair to prevent structural issues that can compromise its durability and safety.
4. Carefully Adjust Settings
   Adjust the chair gently according to the user manual to avoid straining the mechanisms.
5. Inspect for Loose Parts
   Check for loose bolts, screws, and components regularly, tightening or replacing them as necessary.
6. Stick to the Weight Limit
   Don’t exceed the chair’s weight limit (150 kg for the F94) to avoid structural damage.
7. Use on Proper Surfaces
   Ensure your chair is used on suitable flooring to prevent wear on the casters and base.
8. Store the Chair Properly
   When not in use, keep your chair in a clean, dry place away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Cover it to minimise dust accumulation.
9. Avoid Direct Sunlight
   Prolonged exposure can damage and fade the upholstery.
10. Keep Pets Away
    Keep pets off the chair to prevent scratches and fur build-up, which can cause further damage.

How to Clean Your Office Chair

Mesh office chairs, like the F94, are easy to clean and dry quickly in case of spills, allowing you to return to work without delay. Follow these steps for cleaning your chair, whether for light dusting or stubborn stains:

1. Wipe Regularly
   Use a dry microfibre cloth to remove dust and debris. Keeping a cloth nearby encourages daily maintenance.
2. Vacuum the Chair
   Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment or soft brush for thorough cleaning. Keep the suction low to avoid damaging the mesh.
3. Prepare the Cleaning Solution
   Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water. Ensure the soap is free of solvents or petroleum.
4. Test the Cleaner
   Test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of the chair to check for damage or discolouration.
5. Apply the Solution
   Gently apply the solution with a soft cloth to the affected areas.
6. Rinse
   Dampen another cloth with plain water and wipe down the chair to remove any soapy residue.
7. Dry
   Allow the chair to air dry overnight, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.

How to Clean a Mesh Office Chair

Mesh office chairs are durable, but without regular cleaning, they can become unsightly. A dirty chair is also more prone to faults, which shortens its lifespan. For optimal performance, your chair should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a month:

1. Use a vacuum on low suction to clean the mesh, especially in crevices and hard-to-reach places.
2. Dampen a cloth to dab areas with dirt or stains. Avoid dragging the cloth over the mesh to prevent fraying. Dish soap works well for stubborn stains.
3. For tough spots, run a cotton swab under warm water and clean areas missed by the vacuum or cloth.
4. Finish by drying the chair with a clean cloth, or allow it to dry naturally.

Maintaining your ergonomic mesh office chair properly will help ensure it lasts as intended. Regular cleaning and inspections are key. Contact us for replacement parts when needed. These guidelines are specific to Hood Seating chairs, including the F94, but always refer to your specific model’s instructions for best results.