Office Furniture Care Guide: How to Clean & Maintain Every Material

Your office furniture is working as hard as you are. Spills happen. Humidity creeps in. Daily wear adds up. A little routine furniture care keeps every piece looking pristine, and protects your investment.

These care instructions cover every material in your office, helping you preserve the beauty of pieces like executive desks, ergonomic chairs, and more for years to come.

General Tips

Good habits go a long way. These apply across every material:

• Dust frequently with a soft cloth or microfibre duster.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure causes fading and structural damage across most materials.
• Use coasters and placemats. Never place hot or cold items directly onto furniture.
• Clean up spills straight away. Even water stains if left too long.
• Skip products containing bleach or acetone. Mild soap mixed with water does the job.

Wooden Furniture

Wood is sensitive to moisture and sunlight. It needs extra attention. Wipe surfaces daily with a soft, damp cloth, then follow with a clean cloth to prevent moisture marks. For stubborn stains, use mild soap mixed into warm water.

• Use coasters under mugs to prevent water rings.
• Keep wooden furniture away from heaters or air-conditioning vents.
• Every 6–12 months, apply a wood polish or beeswax treatment to restore the finish.

That seasonal polish is one of the simplest ways to extend the longevity of your wooden pieces.

Plastic Furniture

Plastic pieces, including training room chairs and popular options like canteen seating, are durable but still need care. Wash with warm water and mild soap using a soft sponge. Never use abrasive scourers. Rinse, then dry with a lint-free cloth.

Plastic fades with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Position chairs away from windows, or apply UV-filtering window film. For domestic use, furniture covers help when pieces aren’t in use.

PU-Leather and Leather

Both materials crack without consistent care. For PU-leather, wipe weekly with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild soap. Dry the surface immediately, as moisture causes peeling over time. Apply a PU-leather conditioner every six months.

Genuine leather is common on pieces like executive chairs and reception couches. Use a pH-balanced leather cleaner applied with a soft cloth in gentle circles. Condition every 6–12 months. Keep leather out of direct sunlight, as it shrinks with prolonged exposure to heat.

Tiny cracks or discolouration? The leather is dry. Clean with a damp cloth and apply conditioner immediately.

Steel Furniture

Steel cabinets and metal desk frames are sturdy but not immune to rust. Dust frequently with a lint free cloth. Wash off marks with a damp cloth and mild soap, then dry immediately. Never leave moisture sitting on metal.

In high-humidity environments, apply a thin coat of oil-based polish or anti-rust spray every six months. Avoid rough scrubbing pads, as they scratch the protective coating.

Fabric and Upholstered Furniture

Vacuum cushions regularly using a brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Spot clean spills by dabbing with a cotton cloth soaked in a mix of white vinegar and gentle detergent diluted in warm water. Never rub, as that pushes stains deeper into the fabric.

• For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda mixed with water. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then vacuum.
• Use removable washable covers on high-traffic pieces to preserve shape.
• A professional cleaning every six months removes deep-seated dirt that vacuuming misses.
• Fabric weakens with prolonged exposure to sunlight. Position chairs away from windows where possible.

Keeping Your Furniture in Top Shape

Consistency is everything. Daily dusting and prompt attention to spills will do more for the longevity of your furniture than any costly repair.

Browse the full Office Group furniture range to find durable pieces built for busy offices. Need help choosing the right materials? Get in touch for a free quote.