fabric dining chairs in a restaurant

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid: How to Clean Fabric Dining Chairs

Fabric dining chairs, especially chairs for restaurants, can be damaged by improper cleaning methods. Stains, discoloration, and wear can quickly diminish their appeal. For high-traffic restaurant use, the wrong approach can lead to costly replacements or a diminished impression on customers. This guide will reveal the top cleaning mistakes to avoid and provide practical tips to maintain the beauty of your fabric dining chairs.

In this post, we will cover:

Key Cleaning Tips for Protecting Your Fabric Dining Chairs

vinyl and fabric dining chairs in a restaurant

When cleaning fabric dining chairs, always consult the owner’s manual first. Different upholstery types require specific care methods. What works great for microfiber may not work for velvet or leather, and following the manufacturer’s recommendations ensures you are protecting the material for dining room chairs while effectively cleaning them. 
By tailoring your cleaning approach to the material, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your chairs, whether at home or in a busy restaurant setting.

Tips for Cleaning Fabric Dining Chairs

Whenever possible, clean fabric dining chairs quickly after spills and stains. Here are some practical tips for maintaining the beauty of general fabric chairs:

  • Blot Spills Immediately: Blot spills immediately with a clean, absorbent cloth. Don’t rub the spot! Rubbing the stain will cause it to spread and will push it deeper into the fabric.
  • Treat Stains with Care: To treat most stains, use mild cleaning solutions or a mix of water and dish soap. Gently dab the area, then rinse with a damp cloth to remove residue. Always test on a hidden spot first. 
  • Apply a UV and Stain–Repellant Spray: Hindsight’s 100%. These sprays create a protective barrier, making spills easier to clean and reducing discoloration from sunlight.
  • Vacuum Regularly: A vacuum with an upholstery attachment will remove dirt and crumbs. Regular maintenance keeps the fabric fresh and prevents buildup that can lead to stains.

Following these steps ensures your fabric dining chairs remain clean, vibrant, and ready for use in any setting.

Best Practices for Microfiber Upholstery

Microfiber upholstery is durable and sleek but requires unique cleaning treatments. Unlike other fabrics, microfiber is sensitive to plain water, which can leave unsightly water rings or worsen stains.

To clean microfiber effectively: Use a microfiber-specific cleaner or a solution recommended in the manufacturer’s care guide. 

  • Spot Test Cleaners: Spot-check cleaners in an inconspicuous area before using – just as a precaution.
  • Blot spills: Blot spills immediately with a clean dry cloth to prevent liquids from soaking in.
  • Gently fluff the fabric with a soft-bristle brush: Gently brushing microfiber fabric for dining room chair seats restores its texture and appearance after cleaning. 

These tips will keep your microfiber dining chairs beautiful and long-lasting.

Tips for Cleaning and Conditioning Leather Upholstery

Leather requires specialized care to maintain its luxurious texture and natural durability. Unlike fabric or microfiber, leather needs regular conditioning and cleaning to prevent cracking and drying.

Care for leather dining chairs by: 

  • Cleaning Gently: Remove dirt and spills with a damp cloth and a mild leather cleaner. Avoid chemicals that can strip the leather’s natural oils. 
  • Avoid Excess Moisture: Too much water can weaken leather and lead to discoloration. 
  • Condition Regularly: Use a high-quality leather conditioner every few months to prevent cracks and dryness. Leather conditioning will replenish lost moisture and maintain its beauty
  • Protecting Against Sunlight: Keep leather chairs away from direct sunlight or use protective treatments for sunlight protection. 

Cleaning and conditioning your leather dining chairs ensures their beauty and durability.

Special Care for Velvet and Suede Dining Chairs

Cleaning velvet and suede dining chairs requires special care to retain their elegance. Cleaning these materials with water-based methods can leave stains, stiffen the fabric, or damage their texture.

  • Use Dry Cleaning Methods: Use a fabric brush or dry cleaning sponge designed for delicate materials to remove dust and surface debris without damaging the fabric.  
  • Avoid DIY Water-Based Cleaning: Moisture could cause irreversible marks or texture loss on velvet or suede upholstery fabric. Professional upholstery services are best for deep cleaning suede and velvet dining room chairs
  • Gently Remove Surface Stains: Light stains can be gently blotted with a clean, dry cloth, or use a small amount of rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab. The technique is important; rubbing can push the stain in deeper or flatten the texture of the fabric
  • Preserve the Pile: Gently brush the velvet with the pile to restore its plush feel. Use a suede eraser to remove minor scuffs or blemishes to clean suede dining room chairs.

Carefully handling velvet and suede dining chairs and using professional cleaning services when needed will maintain their luxurious appearance for years.

How Can I Stain-Proof My Dining Chairs?

Here are some effective methods of stain-proofing dining room chairs: 

  • Apply Fabric Protectors: Apply stain-resistant sprays designed for upholstery in moderation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, to avoid over-saturating the fabric or altering the upholstery texture. 
  • Consider DIY Covers: Custom slipcovers or chair pads are affordable and practical. 
  • Select Stain-Resistant Materials: Purchase chairs with stain-resistant fabric, or upholstery treated with advanced stain-blocking technology. These materials are ideal for high-traffic areas and offer durability and style.

Keeping Your Dining Chairs Clean and Protected

Knowing how to clean upholstered dining chairs starts with understanding the unique aspects of each material type. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations and use cleaning products for your chair’s upholstery. Doing so will enhance the durability and appearance of your fabric or upholstered dining chairs. 
Call our US-based team for expert advice if you’re looking for the best type of restaurant chair for your needs. At MTC, we’re proud to be local to Lee’s Summit, MO, and will help you select the perfect dining room chairs for your space!