Office chairs are some of the most essential pieces of furniture in the workplace and in many homes. They are subjected to significant wear and tear due to daily use and require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure they last. Luckily, with some expert advice, you can ensure your office chair lasts for as long as possible. Delve into the best ways to extend the lifespan of your office chairs.
Clean Regularly
Dust, dirt, and stains can accumulate on your chair over time, affecting its overall appearance and efficiency. Wipe down the seat, backrest, and armrests with a damp cloth or vacuum as much of the chair as possible. For stubborn stains, dilute mild soap with warm water and gently wipe it over the affected area. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the chair’s fabric.
Understanding Chair Material
Different materials require different cleaning techniques, so it’s important to know what type of fabric or leather you are working with. For instance, directly applying water to leather can ruin it, and most leather materials require the application of a special cream to moisturize them.
Use a handheld vacuum to clean off the upholstery if you have a fabric chair. You can also utilize a damp cloth to wipe down the chair if necessary. Strive to clean off your chair once weekly to eliminate any accumulated dust.
Pro Tip
Remember to wipe down the seat, base, and wheels as you clean your chair. Consider using compressed air if getting into some of those nooks with a cloth is difficult.
Replace Broken Parts
Even with regular maintenance, parts of the chair may wear out or break due to consistent use. The sooner you identify and replace broken parts, the longer your office chair will last.
The best way to identify if something is wrong is by evaluating the chair’s functionality. Common parts include the seat, backrest, armrests, casters, and gas lift. When an area such as the gas lift breaks, for instance, the chair will no longer rise, or it will sink anytime you try to increase the height.
Tips for Replacing Parts
To check if a part is faulty, try shaking or wobbling the chair and look specifically for loose parts. The seat may be unsteady if the tilt mechanism or another part of the chair base is broken. You can also look for cracks or scratches on the chair’s surface, which may indicate a broken part.
Once you’ve identified the faulty parts, the next step is to find replacement parts. You can contact the manufacturer if your chair is still under warranty or purchase necessary items from a chair replacement parts store.
Shop for Quality Parts
Swivel Chair Parts offers Plycraft chair parts for sale. We carry the many components needed to repair your swivel chair, including new bases, tilter mechanisms, gas cylinders, heavy-duty springs, and more.
Tighten Loose Screws
A wobbly chair is annoying but can also be a safety hazard. For example, a chair with loose screws or bolts can collapse or break, causing the person sitting in it to fall and potentially sustain an injury. Additionally, if loose screws are left unchecked, they can cause further damage to the furniture, making it harder or more expensive to repair in the long run.
You’ll need to perform a quick inspection to identify whether your furniture has any loose screws. Wobbling is a common sign of loose screws. Another way to identify loose screws is to listen for creaking or cracking sounds when you move the furniture.
After locating areas where screws appear loose, use a screwdriver to tighten them so the chair remains steady.Give the chair a gentle shake to ensure it’s no longer wobbly; if it appears steady, you can have a seat and relax.
Pro Tip
When tightening screws, it’s important not to over-tighten them,as this can damage the screw or the furniture and worsen the problem. A good rule of thumb is to tighten the screw until it feels snug but not too tight.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Another tip for extending the lifespan of your office chair is to lubricate moving parts and castors. Office chairs with adjustable features, such as height and tilt mechanisms, require regular lubrication to function correctly. Over time, accumulated dirt and dust can interfere with the workings of these mechanisms.
Tips for Lubricating Swivel Chairs
First, flip your chair upside down and use a damp cloth to clean the chair’s wheels, base, and other moving parts. Once the chair is clean, spray all the moving parts with a silicone lubricant. When doing this, keep the layer even and light to avoid over-lubrication.
Spray each joint and pivot point, including the gas lift, tilt mechanism, and wheelbase. Allow the lubricant to set for at least 30 minutes before turning the chair back over and testing its functionality. Then, push it around to ensure all joints and pivots move smoothly.
Adjust Settings Properly
One of the main reasons chairs wear out is due to incorrect usage. Ensure the chair’s height, armrests, and backrest are adjusted according to your body size. Sitting in the wrong position can lead to back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, and it can also affect the functionality of your chair.
If you buy spare or upgrade parts for your chair, review the weight restrictions of each item before installing them. If you have an upholstered, heavy-duty office chair, it’ll be heavier than the standard seat. As a result, you’ll need heavier-duty parts to keep your swivel chair steady.
A Closing Note
Taking care of your office chair is crucial to prolong its lifespan and save you money. Not to mention, it probably took you some time to pick out the perfect chair, and if yours is comfortable, you’ll want it to last for as long as possible.
Cleaning regularly, tightening loose screws, lubricating moving parts, adjusting settings correctly, and replacing broken parts are simple yet effective ways to extend the life of your chair.
Buying Replacement Parts
At Swivel Chair Parts, we’re committed to providing the highest quality chair parts to ensure your office chairs remain in excellent condition. Please contact our customer support team if you have questions about our products or need help determining which components are right for your chairs.
