Let’s be real, we’ve all experienced it— that faint (or not-so faint) whiff of something funky coming from our office chair. Whether it’s the scent of yesterday’s lunch (yikes) or a more permanent stench that’s developed over months of sweats and spills, a smelly office chair is a problem nobody wants to address.
But why does your office chair smell bad in the first place? More importantly, how can you fix it? Here’s a guide to help you diagnose and deodorize that stinky seat, so you can reclaim your workspace (and your dignity).
If your office chair emits an odor that rivals that of a locker room, it’s time to play detective and identify the culprit. Here are the usual suspects:
- Sweat and bodily fluids: These can seep into the office chair’s foam or fabric and can create a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria.
- Spills and stains: That forgotten coffee spill or lunchtime mishap might seem harmless, but even small amounts of liquid can penetrate the chair’s material especially if its porous.
- Food crumbs and debris: This needs no explanation. Food crumbs can attract pests and contribute to unpleasant smells.
- Lack of cleaning: If your office chair hasn’t seen a cleaning wipe in months or years, it’s no surprise it’s starting to reek. Regular office cleaning is needed to prevent the odor from building up.
- Material: Some materials, like fabric or leather can absorb odors faster than others. It can make your office chair likelier to hold onto nasty smells.
Simple Solutions To Freshen Up Your Office Chair (Not For Leather Chairs. Foam, Fabrics, And Mesh Only)
Baking soda
Simply sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the entire chair, focusing on parts where the odor seems more concentrated. Let it sit for several hours or overnight so the smell is absorbed.
Vacuum it up thoroughly the morning after, and the chair should smell noticeably fresher.
Vinegar solution
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz the smelly areas. Leave it out to dry completely.
Don’t worry because the vinegar smell will quickly disappear, taking the offending odor with it.
Commercial fabric refresher
Commercial fabric refreshers are another good option, as quick a fix they may be. These sprays come in various scents and can instantly refresh your chair’s fabric.
Look for products designed for upholstery and fabric, and always do a spot test first so that it doesn’t cause any discoloration.
Deep clean your chair foam
If your office chair has removable cushions, give the foam a deep clean. Here’s how:
- Step 1: Thoroughly vacuum the foam to remove loose debris or dust.
- Step 2: Remove it and wash it with mild soap.
- Step 3: Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the foam into the soapy water and gently squeeze it to release trapped dirt and odors.
- Step 4: Thoroughly rinse the foam with clean water until it runs clear.
- Step 5: Wring out the excess water and dry out the chair foam completely before replacing the cover.
A Quick Guide To Freshening Leather Office Chairs
Leather chairs require a more gentle touch. Harsh chemicals and abrasives may damage the finish and shorten the material’s lifespan.
Here’s a quick guide on making your leather office chair looking and smelling its best:
- Step 1: Dust your leather chair regularly with a soft, dry, microfiber cloth to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
- Step 2: Mix a few drops of mild soap (like saddle soap or a gentle dish soap) with warm water. Moisten a microfiber cloth with the solution and squeeze excess water. Gently wipe the leather surface while following the grain.
- Step 3: Thoroughly dry the chair with another clean microfiber cloth.
Conclusion
Address the root cause of unpleasant odors in your office chair and follow the simple cleaning procedures above. That stench will soon go away.
Like with any type of cleaning, preventive maintenance is always the best. Don’t let it get to a point where the chair starts smelling like it’s seen better days.
Give it a good deep clean or if you work in a storefront, convince your boss to hire an office cleaning company so they can do a deep clean, stat!