Ways To Clean Dining Chairs
Messes and spills are unavoidable, especially on dining seats. You eat and drink settled on these chairs, so it’s not really a matter of if but when.
Don’t worry though; when the inevitable happens, our tips will make cleaning stains from any type of dining chair, hassle-free and straightforward.
Before You Start
You need to consider a few things before you begin cleaning to ensure you do it right. Such as:
1. Act Quickly
As soon as the accident happens, deal with it immediately. Leaving the stain to sit for hours can do further damage and cause lasting marks. Whereas cleaning it straight away makes it easier to lift the mess and prevents severe damage.
2. Read The Care Instructions
When trying to clean dining chairs, the last thing you want to do is cause additional harm. So, it’s imperative you read your dining chair’s care instructions before you begin.
3. Gathering your supplies
For convenience, it’s helpful to have all the cleaning products you need to lift the marks. To remove almost any stain, you will need:
· Dishwashing liquid
· A deep bowl
· Microfibre cloths
· Soda water
· Baking powder (to deodorise)
· hydrogen peroxide (for deep cleaning)
· Steam cleaner (optional but beneficial)
4. Identify the type of stain
Different spills require alternate cleaning solutions. Was it a liquid that spilt? Then it’s generally better to clean with a water-based solution like dishwashing liquid, soda water and H2O.
Whereas food-based messes require heavier products like a paste, left on to absorb.
5. What material your chairs are made of
Dining chairs come in various materials, including fabric, leather, wood, metal, and rattan. And just like the type of stain, different chairs require alternative cleaning solutions. So, it’s essential you identify the type of material yours are made of before you commence.
Steps To Clean Your Chairs
Firstly, start by removing the liquid or brushing off the mess. Don’t rub though; this will just push the product further into the material.
Once you’ve removed the substance, you can begin the cleaning process depending on your textile.
Fabric Dining Chairs
Fabric seats are incredibly stylish; however, when it comes to cleaning, they require a lot of attention. Cloth seats come in various styles, including velvet, suede, linen, microfiber and upholstered.
But don’t worry, there’s no need to buy new chairs, the stains can come out, they just require some extra steps. For proper removal:
1. Create a solution: The best mixture for cleaning linen seats is a gentle, natural soap, soda, and water combination. Add HOT water to a bowl and mix in a few drops of liquid soap and 1 cup of soda water.
2. Apply the product: Once you’ve created the solution, dip a microfibre cloth in it and begin to blotch the stain. Start in the centre and work outwards. Repeat the process until it is clean, and use a new cloth each time.
IMPORTANT- if you’re only doing one section rather than the whole surface of the fabric, make sure you don’t have hard edges around the area you applied water; this can lead to water stains.
3. For deep blemishes: If the spill refuses to lift, consider spraying the chair with hydrogen peroxide. It’s a mild antiseptic that’s very effective for removing stains such as mould, protein or fruit and vegetables. Spray a light amount onto the surface and leave for around ten minutes in a light space (this chemical substance breaks down better in the sun).
4. Removal: Now that you’ve given the stain a clean, it’s time to lift the solution. The best way to do so is with a steam cleaner, as it will draw up all the liquids and cleaning water. However, if you don’t have one, you can pad the area with a dry microfibre cloth to lift any remaining water – it may just take longer.
5. Deodorise: Finally, to remove any off-putting smells, sprinkle some baking soda over the area. It’s a natural deodoriser that will absorb any remaining residue. Leave for at least half an hour, then vacuum off.
Leather Dining Chairs
Unlike fabric dining seats, leather mediums are better at repelling messes. However, the timeless material can absorb water-based spills. To remove a substance from leather chairs:
1. Remove the liquid: Firstly, you want to find a cloth to absorb the fluid on the chair. You should do this immediately, so the seat has less to absorb.
2. Add a microfibre cloth: Once the surface liquid is dealt with, place a microfiber cloth over the area of the spill and let it sit for a couple of hours. It will absorb the leftover water. Give it a gentle padding before you remove any excess.
3. Use corn-starch: For big spills, you may require a product that’s perfect for attracting liquids like corn-starch. Sprinkle over the area and leave for only a few minutes before wiping off.
Rattan Dining Chairs
Rattan based furniture is simple to clean because it’s a natural substance that’s very durable. However, if you spill anything on your rattan dining seats, here are some valuable steps to help clean them properly.
1. Remove the mess: Firstly, start by brushing or wiping the substance from the surface of the chair. This way, you can access the damage beneath and prevent it from staining intensely.
2. Cleaning solution: Now it should only be residual mess remaining. Don’t worry; the rattan can be easy to clean. Simply create a removal product with some hot soapy water. You can add vinegar for an even deeper clean.
3. Scrub: With your solution ready, get a gentle brush like an old toothbrush or scrubbing product and lightly rub the area. This will raise the stain and any remaining colour from food-based messes.
4. Rinse off: Get some clean water and wash off the cleaning soap until the chair is fresh again.
Wooden Dining Chairs
If you’re trying to clean wooden dining chairs, the great news is it’s an easy medium to sterile. It’s highly durable, very low maintenance and generally repels all types of spills. However, some accidental messes can cause damage if your wooden chair is uncoated.
1. Remove the spill: Like every other type of dining chair, you need to start by wiping off the mess so you can adequately access the stain beneath it. Especially if it’s a food-based spill which will mark very quickly.
2. Avoid: You mustn’t clean any uncoated wood with a multi-purpose cleaner or directly place water onto its surface. This will only further enhance the stain and prevent it from ever coming out.
3. Use soap water: In a bowl, mix some hot water and soap. Then dip a cloth into the water and thoroughly wring out before rubbing the affected area. To prevent any water stains, use a dry rag to lift any leftover H2O.
4. A paste for tough stains: If the mark is food-based, sometimes soaping water won’t help. So instead, create a paste with baking soda and a touch of water. Then apply to the area and rub until it raises. It’s essential you thoroughly dry it afterwards to prevent those water stains.
