How to Clean and Sanitize Your Chair Upholstery

Learn to safely disinfect different types of chair upholstery to prevent the spread of germs

Just like the clothing you wear, chair upholstery needs to be washed. Doing some regular, light cleaning is the best way to keep your chairs looking nice. At times, chairs may also need disinfecting also.

Here you will find detailed instructions for cleaning and sanitizing each type of upholstery on Bertolini chairs.

Olefin & Polyolefin Fabrics

For olefin and polyolefin fabric upholstery, the following disinfecting treatment is recommended to disinfect against germs and viruses.

Use a household bleach (that includes 5.25% or 6.00%–6.15% sodium hypochlorite depending on the manufacturer) diluted in water at a 1:10 dilution ratio which is 1.5 cups of bleach in 1 gallon of water. The use of bleach on polyolefin and olefin will not have a harmful effect and the recommended treatments will not void the warranty. However, it is still recommended to test the cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area first before using it throughout.

When using this solution, it should be prepared fresh before each use as bleach is sensitive to light. Also, note that bleach expires one year after production, and it can lose efficacy if not stored properly.

It’s best to remove organic soil and bulk spill matter prior to disinfecting. Disinfection requires a recommended wet contact time of 10 minutes to be effective. Remember that chlorine solutions are corrosive and can pit metal and damage skin.

Warning! Never mix bleach with any product containing ammonia or acids.

100% Polyester & Polyester Blends

When cleaning upholstery that is manufactured with 100% polyester and polyester blends, it’s best to use Hydrogen Peroxide products. We recommend using something like Clorox’s Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner & Disinfectant. This product, which is available as both a spray (for fabrics) and a wipe (for hard surfaces), will kill pathogens on both hard and soft surfaces and can eliminate bacteria and viruses like COVID-19 in 30 seconds. This industrial-grade cleaner can be applied to a variety of fabrics, including those that are 100% polyester. This cleaner has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), harsh fumes, bleach, or added fragrance, and the active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, breaks down into water and oxygen upon use. However, it’s still recommended to test the cleaning solution first on a small, inconspicuous area.

Warning! As with all potent cleaners, keep away from kids, apply only in well-ventilated areas, and wash surfaces with clean water after use.

Nanotex & Crypton Fabric

Nanotex and Crypton Fabrics offers multi-tiered defense material with antimicrobial and stain-resistant technology and an integrated, permanent liquid barrier. Crypton’s patented moisture barrier is proven to prevent solids and liquids from permeating to the cushion below. This makes Crypton fabric easy to clean.

However, it is possible for a surface to appear clean but not be disinfected. Crypton recommends using their EPA-approved Disinfectant & Deodorizer on Crypton Barrier Fabrics. This formula is engineered for high-use, high-abuse settings. This is a one-step disinfectant cleaner that is effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria, viruses, mold, mildew, and fungus.

To thoroughly disinfect and clean the fabric, use the following steps:

1. Remove spills with an absorbent cloth or paper towel (if necessary, clean heavily soiled areas with soap and water)
2. Remove excess moisture and soap via vacuum or by wiping with a clean, dry cloth (remove all soap so that it does not attract soil)
3. Test the Crypton Disinfectant & Deodorizer in a small, inconspicuous are
4. Apply Crypton’s Disinfectant & Deodorizer by holding it 6-8 inches from surface (do not inhale)
5. Rinse with water after application
6. Allow the surface to remain wet for 10 minutes
7. After 10 minutes, wipe dry or allow to air dry

Woven & Coated Polyester Fabrics

For general maintenance of woven and coated polyester fabrics, regularly vacuum surfaces to remove all dust and loose particles, clean any soil or stain areas, and regularly disinfect.

To disinfect, first confirm that it is safe to use bleach on your product by testing a small area in an inconspicuous spot. Mix a solution of bleach and clean water with a ratio of 1:10. Protect and cover the furniture framework along with surrounding areas, and work in a well-ventilated area with gloves and eye protection.

After disinfecting the upholstery, rinse it well multiple times with clean water. Any bleach left on the fabric will cause the fabric to break down, shortening the lifespan of the product.

Woven & Knit Fabrics

The following list of suggested cleaners can be used to disinfect woven and knit fabrics. Note that these cleaning products have not been rigorously tested against all fabric types and styles, so the information that follows should be regarded as general suggestions rather than recommendations. Always test the cleaning solution first on a small, inconspicuous area.

• Lysol Disinfectant Spray
• Peroxide-based wipes (various brands)
• Alcohol wipes with or without quaternary disinfectant (various brands)

Disinfecting instructions:

Lightly wet the fabric and allow it to air-dry. Note that when using wipes, if color is transferred onto the wipe, the fabric is not colorfast to that product, and these wipes should not be used. Avoid the use of bleach-based wipes unless the fabric is known to be colorfast to bleach. If unknown, assume the fabric is not bleach-safe.

Polyurethane Upholstery

For general maintenance of polyurethane fabrics, regularly vacuum surfaces to remove all dust and loose particles, clean any soil or stain areas, and disinfect.

Treat stains as quickly as possible. It will become increasingly difficult to remove a stain the longer it’s allowed to set. Remove solid or semi-solid substances by using a flat object. Remove as much of the stain as possible and then vacuum thoroughly using the proper attachments before cleaning with an agent.

Pre-test any cleaning method or agent in a small, hidden, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the fabric. We recommend using several less concentrated applications of cleaning solutions rather than one concentrated application because that will be less likely to damage the fabric.

Avoid allowing cleaning fluids to penetrate the surface of the fabric. Remove fluids immediately by blotting with a clean, colorfast, absorbent cloth.

Remove stains by using a soft brush or sponge and then apply warm, soapy water to the stain. Do not over wet as this may leave a ring and soak up any remaining cleaning solution. Use light, quick strokes, and start from the outside of the stain and work towards the center. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the area as this may damage the fabric. Use a clean cloth and cool water to remove any residue.

Allow fabric to dry thoroughly and do not use heat as that will set the stain into the fabric.

To disinfect, first confirm that it is safe to use bleach on your product by testing a small, inconspicuous area. Protect and cover the furniture framework along with surrounding areas, and work in a well-ventilated area with gloves and eye protection.

After disinfecting the upholstery, rinse it well multiple times. Any bleach left on the fabric will cause the fabric to break down, shortening the lifespan of the product.

PVC Vinyl Upholstery

To disinfect PVC (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl upholstery, we recommend using these EPA-approved solutions. Always, pre-test any cleaning method or agent in a small, hidden, inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.

• A solution of 10% bleach mixed with 90% clean water
• Super Sani-Cloths®
• Virex™ II, 256

Note: Cleaners and disinfectants should be used in recommended dilutions and never in a concentrated form. Make sure to wipe off disinfectants with clean water and then dry the vinyl with a clean towel to remove any chemical resident that could discolor or degrade the material surface.