The popularity of gaming seats has increased over the past few years. As more people build dedicated gaming setups in their homes, a gaming chair is often seen as an essential piece of gear. However, as with any chair you sit in for extended periods, gaming chairs can get dirty over time. Cleaning your gaming chair regularly is important for health and hygiene reasons. Keeping your chair clean will also help it last longer and maintain its visual appeal.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the steps and best practices for cleaning your gaming chair. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of How To Clean A Gaming Chair at home with a little effort.
Why You Should Clean Your Gaming Chair
Before we get into the cleaning details, let’s go over some of the key reasons it’s important to keep your gaming chair clean:
- Hygiene – Gaming chairs absorb body oils, sweat, hair, dirt, food crumbs and other debris that transfer from your body over time. Regular cleaning keeps germs and bacteria at bay.
- Odor Removal -Cleaning helps get rid of any built-up odors from daily use. Studies show that sitting for too long in one position can cause body odor to transfer to furniture.
Related: How to Clean Office Chair Smell – A Comprehensive Guide
- Extend Furniture Life – Allowing dirt, grime and body oils to build up can actually break down the upholstery and internal components over time. Keeping the chair clean preserves its condition.
- Visual Appeal – Lastly, a clean chair simply looks nicer. Built-up dirt in crevices or stains on the upholstery are visually unappealing.
Thoroughly cleaning a gaming chair 1-2 times per month is recommended for most gamers. Those who use their chair more heavily may need to clean more frequently.
Understanding The Anatomy Of A Gaming Chair
Before we dive into the cleaning process, it is essential to understand the different components of a typical gaming chair. This will help us focus our cleaning efforts on the right areas.
- Seat Cushion – Made of foam or mesh, the seat cushion is where you spend most of your time. It needs regular cleaning to remove stains and odors.
- Backrest Cushion – Similar to the seat cushion, the backrest cushion also collects dirt, sweat, and oil deposits from skin and hair.
- Armrests – The armrest surfaces are high-contact areas prone to greasy fingerprints and skin oils.
- Base and Wheels – The chair’s metal or plastic base and caster wheels pick up dirt from the floor over time.
- Adjustment Levers – Grips and levers used to adjust the chair’s recline, tilt, and height need disinfecting.
- Padding and Upholstery – The cushion covers, padding fillings, and any fabric or leather upholstery trap debris.
Knowing the different areas will help target cleaning solutions accordingly. Let’s move to the step-by-step cleaning process.
Supplies Needed To Clean a Gaming Chair
Cleaning a gaming chair doesn’t require any specialty cleaning solutions. Most standard household cleaning supplies will work great. Here’s an overview of items you’ll want to have on hand:
- Vacuum Cleaner – This is useful for vacuuming up any loose dirt, crumbs, pet hair or debris. Handheld vacuums make it easier to reach small spaces and crevices.
- Microfiber Cloths – These are perfect for wiping down all surfaces. The smooth microfiber material traps and lifts dirt and dust without leaving behind lint.
- Mild Soap – Look for a gentle soap or diluted all-purpose cleaner. Stay away from harsh chemicals.
- Water – Lukewarm water helps activate soap and rinse away dirt after cleaning.
- Stain Remover (Optional) – For stubborn stains, a mild stain remover can help lift discoloration. Always spot-test first.
- Leather Conditioner (For Leather Chairs) -Using a conditioner 1-2 times per year nourishes leather and helps it resist dirt.
- Toothbrush or Small Brush – This is helpful for scrubbing in small crevices and hard-to-reach areas.
That covers the key supplies that will make gaming chair cleaning easy. Now let’s get into the step-by-step process.
How To Clean a Gaming Chair – Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to clean your gaming chair thoroughly:
Step 1 – Vacuum The Chair
Use the vacuum attachment to go over the entire chair. Vacuum the top and bottom cushions, crevices, armrests, and any other surface that collects dust and debris. Getting rid of loose particles first makes the remaining steps easier.
Step 2 – Spot Clean Stains
Inspect the chair for any obvious stains on the upholstery, armrests or other areas. Use a small amount of mild soap diluted with water and gently rub it into stains. For tough stains, allow the solution to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing with a cloth. A stain remover can also help lift stubborn marks. Just remember to spot-test first in an inconspicuous area.
Here are some tips for removing common stains from a gaming chair:
- Food/drink stains: Blot with a clean, damp cloth to lift the stain. You can make a paste from water and baking soda and gently rub it onto the stain before blotting dry.
- Grease/oil stains: Make a paste of dish soap and apply it directly to the stain. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before gently dabbing it away with a damp cloth.
- Ink/marker stains: Blot with rubbing alcohol onto the stain and wipe clean. Work the alcohol into the stain without over-saturating the surrounding upholstery material.
- Blood stains: Treat freshly by soaking the stain in cold water or applying hydrogen peroxide. For set-in stains, try a pre-wash stain remover or enzyme detergent.
- Sweat stains: Make a paste of white vinegar and apply directly to the stain. Let it dry completely before vacuuming away residue.
- Dirt/mold stains: Create a solution of one part water and one part white vinegar. Wipe onto the stain and let air dry in sunlight if possible.
- Pet stains: Use an enzyme-based cleaner or gentle soap and water. Avoid harsh cleaners that could further set the stain.
Be patient and work from the outer edges of stains inward to avoid spreading them further into the fabric. Always test cleaners in inconspicuous areas first.
Step 3 – Wipe Down Cushions
Here are the steps to wipe down cushions of gaming chairs:
- Remove all cushions from the chair frame and lay them out on a flat surface. This makes it easier to clean all sides of the cushions.
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing a gentle detergent or upholstery cleaner with warm water in a spray bottle. Test the solution on a small hidden area first to check for colorfastness.
- Spray the cleaning solution all over the cushion surfaces and scrub with a soft bristle brush or damp cloth to work it into any dirt or stains. Pay special attention to crevices and welts.
- Once clean, lay the cushions out to air dry completely before returning them to the chair frame. Avoid direct sunlight or heat which can cause fading over time.
Step 4 – Clean Crevices
Here are the steps to clean the crevices of gaming chairs:
- Remove all cushions and parts from the chair frame to access all crevices and joints.
- Use a toothbrush or old soft bristle brush to scrape away any debris trapped in crevices. Twist and turn the brush to remove dirt from all angles.
- Spray a cleaning solution of warm water and mild detergent or upholstery cleaner directly into crevices. Let it soak for five minutes.
- Use a toothpick, cotton swab or crevice tool to scrub inside crevices, pushing out any remaining dirt or grime. Rinse clean with a damp cloth and allow to air dry fully before reassembling the chair.
Step 5 – Clean the Base
The metal or plastic frame and wheels of a gaming chair also require periodic cleaning. Follow these steps:
- Wipe down the entire outer frame including arms using a mild soap solution or electronics cleaning spray on a microfiber cloth.
- Pay attention to dirt traps like crevices, buttons and joints. Gently rub to remove ingrained dirt.
- For wheels, remove them from the chair if possible for better cleaning access.
- Spray the multi-surface cleaner directly on the wheels and hub areas. Wipe off the grime with a cloth.
- You can also use a toothbrush or small brush to scrub stuck dirt from wheels and cracks.
- Rinse the frame and wheels thoroughly with a damp cloth and let air dry.
- Apply a protective spray-like armor all over the frame periodically to maintain the shine and prevent rusting of metal parts.
Keeping the frame and mechanics like wheels clean prevents premature wear and ensures the smooth operation of your gaming chair.
Step 6 – Rinse and Dry
With a clean cloth, wipe away any excess cleaning solution. Allow the chair to fully air dry before using it again. Don’t sit or place heavy objects on the chair before it dries.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when cleaning a gaming chair:
- Don’t use harsh cleaners or chemicals. Stick to gentle soap and water or upholstery cleaners specifically designed for fabric. Harsh cleaners can damage the fabric or synthetic leather surfaces over time.
- Avoid soaking or over-wetting the chair. Lightly dampen cloths and spots instead of drenching. Excess water can get into seams and mechanics.
- Don’t wash removable padding or cushions in the washing machine unless the tag specifically says it’s machine washable. Agitation could wear down the filling. Hand wash with mild soap only.
- Be careful while vacuuming or brushing pleather or synthetic leather surfaces vigorously. Some fabrics can pill or lose texture from too much friction during cleaning.
- Don’t submerge the entire chair or use a pressure washer. Water could seep into electrical components or joints if the chair isn’t fully dry afterward.
- Don’t leave chairs outside to fully air dry. UV light from the sun can cause fabric or plastic to degrade more quickly over time.
- Be gentle when cleaning heavily soiled areas to avoid scrubbing too hard and wearing down the material. Blot stains, don’t rub.
- Make sure the chair is completely dry before sitting in it again to avoid mold or mildew issues.
Tips For Keeping Your Gaming Chair Cleaner Longer
In addition to cleaning your chair regularly, there are some habits you can form to keep it cleaner day-to-day:
- Vacuum around the chair frequently to get off dust and pet hair before it settles into the material.
- Avoid eating messy foods and snacks while sitting in your chair to prevent stains.
- Wipe down leather after each use; wipe other materials a few times per week.
- Use an office chair mat under your chair’s wheels to prevent dirt and debris from grinding from your floor into the chair.
- If you sweat a lot, try using a towel over your chair and wash it frequently.
- Purchase removable chair covers that you can launder more aggressively than the chair itself.
- Rotate through 2 chair covers so one is always clean.
- Keep chairs out of direct sunlight to avoid fading; close blinds or curtains if needed.
- Consider wearing lounge clothes or pajamas in your chair rather than outside attire.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of effort, your gaming chair can always be maintained clean and comfortable. Remember to vacuum or wipe frequently touched areas between deep cleans. Cleaning not only removes grime but also disinfects the chair’s porous surfaces. This upholds hygiene during marathon gaming sessions. Apply the steps provided and say goodbye to odors and bacteria growing in your favorite seat. Keep your trusty gaming pal thoroughly cleaned for long-lasting performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to clean a gaming chair with simple answers:
Q: How often should I clean my gaming chair?
It’s recommended to clean your gaming chair at least once a month or every 2-4 weeks to remove dirt and sweat that accumulates over time.
Q: What is the best way to clean the fabric of a gaming chair?
The best way is to use an upholstery cleaner or mild detergent mixed with lukewarm water. Gently scrub the fabric with a soft bristle brush and let it air dry completely.
Q: Can I machine wash the cushions of my gaming chair?
No, it’s not recommended to machine wash gaming chair cushions as it can damage the foam inside. Hand wash them instead using a cleaning solution.
Q: How do I clean the mesh material on my gaming chair?
For mesh, use a dry microfiber cloth or a lightly damp one to wipe away any dirt. Avoid soaking mesh as it may soak in moisture permanently.
Q: Will cleaning damage the warranty of my gaming chair?
No, regular cleaning using the manufacturer’s recommended methods will not void the warranty. Just avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing that could potentially damage parts.
