Office upholstery lasts longer and looks better when it is vacuumed regularly, spills are blotted straight away, and fabric seating is professionally cleaned on a cycle, more often in reception and meeting rooms. Always check the manufacturer’s care label before using any product. This guide covers simple day-to-day care and when professional cleaning makes sense.
Office upholstery care at a glance
Upholstery care covers office chairs, sofas, booths and fabric seating in meeting rooms and waiting areas. Fabric collects dust, skin oils and food crumbs, which dull colours and leave marks over time. This guide is for office managers and facilities teams responsible for furniture in busy spaces.
- How often to vacuum seating?
- Regularly in busy areas such as reception and meeting rooms.
- First thing to check?
- The manufacturer’s care label, which says which cleaning methods are safe.
- When to call professionals?
- For general soiling, stains you cannot shift, or before an important visit.
Simple routine care
- Vacuum seats, backs and crevices with an upholstery attachment.
- Keep food and drink away from fabric seating where possible.
- Rotate cushions on sofas so wear is even.
- Keep seating out of strong direct sunlight, which fades fabric.
Spills and marks
- Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Do not rub.
- Check the care label before using water or any product.
- Test on a hidden area first.
- Leave stubborn or large stains for professional cleaning rather than risking water marks.
Professional upholstery cleaning
DNA Cleaning Solutions cleans office chairs, sofas and fabric seating in meeting rooms and waiting areas, usually alongside carpet cleaning so the whole space is refreshed at once. We bring the equipment and products, and work can be scheduled out of hours or at weekends. For carpets, see our office carpet care guide.
What the care label codes mean
Most upholstered office furniture carries a cleaning code on its label or under the seat. It tells you, and your cleaners, which methods are safe.
| Code | Meaning | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| W | Water-based cleaning only | Water-based upholstery cleaners and wet methods are suitable |
| S | Solvent-based cleaning only | Avoid water, which can leave rings or shrink the fabric |
| WS or S/W | Water or solvent | Either method, chosen for the type of stain |
| X | Vacuum only | No liquid cleaning; brush and vacuum, and ask a professional about anything more |
If there is no label, treat the fabric as unknown and test any method on a hidden area first.
What happens when we clean office upholstery
- We check each item’s fabric and care code, and note marks that need pre-treatment.
- Seats, backs and crevices are vacuumed to lift loose dust and crumbs.
- Marks are pre-treated with a product suited to the fabric.
- The upholstery is cleaned with a method matched to its code.
- Furniture is left to dry before use, so we usually clean out of hours or at weekends, often in the same visit as the carpets.
Questions we are often asked
- Can you clean upholstery and carpets together?
- Yes. Upholstery is often cleaned in the same visit as the carpets.
- Do we need a contract?
- No. Upholstery cleaning can be booked as a one-off.
- Which areas do you cover?
- London and Greater London, including Heathrow.
Get a free upholstery cleaning quote or call +44 20 3826 8555.
