How to Clean Upholstered Dining Chairs Without Damaging Them
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To clean upholstered dining chairs without damaging them, check the fabric's care label first, blot spills instead of rubbing, test your cleaner on a hidden patch and let the chair dry completely. Much of the damage comes from too much water or the wrong product, not from the stain itself. If you bought your chairs from MG Designs Interiors, contact us or call 0115 837 0505 with the product name, and we can tell you the fabric and the safest way to clean it.
Read the Care Label First
Look under the seat or along the frame for a care label. Some fabrics, particularly on imported furniture, use a letter code:
- W: water-based cleaners are suitable
- S: solvent-based cleaners only
- WS: either water-based or solvent-based
- X: vacuum or soft brush only, no liquids
A code tells you which type of cleaner suits the fabric, but not that every product in that category is safe. Where the manufacturer gives care instructions, follow those first.
Some chairs don't carry a care label at all. The label under the seat may be a permanent fire-safety label rather than a care tag. Do not remove permanent safety labelling. If you cannot find a separate care label, treat the fabric as delicate and check the manufacturer's care instructions. Until you know more, stick to vacuuming and blotting, and patch-test before using any liquid.
Fabric matters as much as the code. A method that suits a tight linen weave can mark a velvet pile. If your chairs are covered in a designer fabric from a house such as Sanderson or Designers Guild, check that fabric's own care instructions, as they can differ from range to range. You can see the fabric houses we work with on our fabric page.
A Weekly Routine That Prevents Stains
- Vacuum with the soft upholstery attachment once a week, especially in the seat crease where crumbs collect.
- On button-back chairs, run the crevice tool around each button, where crumbs and dust gather.
- Wipe the wooden or painted frame and back rail, where hands leave grease, with a barely damp cloth, then dry it straight away. Avoid polish sprays near the fabric.
- Deal with spills straight away. The longer a drink sits, the further it travels into the padding.
Many households find a deeper clean once or twice a year is enough, and more often if the chairs see daily family use.
Check If the Seat Lifts Out
Some dining chairs have a drop-in seat pad. Some sit loosely in the frame; others are fixed with a few screws from underneath. Lifting it out lets you clean the fabric on a flat surface, dry it properly and avoid marking the wooden frame. If there are screws, keep them safe in a small bag.
If your chairs have loose covers, don't wash them unless the care label says they're washable. If they are, wash the whole set at the same time so the colours stay matched.
How to Clean a Fabric Dining Chair, Step by Step
1. Vacuum loose dust and crumbs.
2. Blot the spill with a clean white cloth, working from the outside of the mark inwards. Press, never rub.
3. Patch-test your cleaner on a hidden area, such as the underside of the seat, and wait for it to dry.
4. Clean to suit the code.
◦ On W or WS fabric, use the cleaner the manufacturer recommends, or a water-based upholstery cleaner. If the care instructions allow a mild detergent, whisk a few drops of washing-up liquid into lukewarm water and apply only the foam with a microfibre cloth.
◦ On S fabric, use a water-free upholstery solvent in a well-ventilated room, away from heat and naked flames. Wear gloves and follow the product label.
◦ On X fabric, don't use any liquid. Vacuum or brush only, and leave stains to a professional.
5. Rinse W or WS fabric by going over the area with a cloth dampened in plain water to lift any residue.
6. Dry fully. Press with a dry towel and leave the chair to air dry naturally, away from direct heat. Skip the hairdryer.
Once the fabric is clean and fully dry, a compatible fabric protector may help it resist future spills, if the fabric manufacturer recommends one. Patch-test it first and follow the product instructions.
Common Dining Stains and What to Do First
These are safe first steps. Always check the care code and patch-test, and stop if the colour or texture changes.
| Stain | First step | If it doesn't shift |
|---|---|---|
| Grease or oily food | Lift off any solids with a blunt knife. Sprinkle cornflour or bicarbonate of soda on the mark, leave for 20–30 minutes to absorb the oil, then vacuum. | On S or WS fabric, use an upholstery solvent; otherwise call a professional |
| Red wine | Blot straight away from the outside in. On W or WS fabric, blot with a cloth dampened in cold water. | Mild foam on W or WS fabric, or a professional |
| Coffee or tea | Blot, then dab with a cloth dampened in cold water on W or WS fabric. | Mild foam, then rinse and dry |
| Tomato, curry or sauces | Scrape off the excess and blot. Turmeric stains quickly, so act fast. | Professional, especially on pale fabric |
| Crayon or candle wax | Harden it with ice in a sealed bag, then gently lift the wax away. Don't use an iron unless the fabric maker allows heat. | Professional for any colour left behind |
| Pet hair | A damp rubber glove or lint roller, then vacuum. | Not usually needed |
| Smells | Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on dry fabric, leave for a few hours, then vacuum thoroughly. | Professional clean |
| Dye from jeans | Don't scrub, as this spreads the dye. | Professional |
How the Method Changes by Fabric
As a rough guide, finished leather can be practical for everyday spills, while velvet may show marks more visibly. Linen and linen-blend upholstery can vary considerably depending on the weave and finish, so always follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
| Fabric | Safest approach | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| W or WS code | Manufacturer-approved cleaner or mild foam, blot, rinse with a damp cloth | Soaking the seat pad |
| S code | Water-free solvent on the spot only | Water rings, poor ventilation |
| X code | Vacuum or soft brush; professional clean | Any liquid |
| Velvet | Blot, then brush gently along the pile | Rubbing, which flattens it |
| Bouclé | Vacuum gently, blot, light foam if the code allows | Brushing hard or pulling snagged loops |
| Finished leather | Soft, slightly damp cloth, dried at once | Harsh sprays, soaking |
| Aniline leather | Blot immediately; leather-specific cleaner only | Water, which can darken it |
| Faux leather | Mild soapy water on a soft cloth, wiped dry | Solvents and alcohol wipes |
| Linen | Blot fast, light foam if the code allows, test first | Water marks, shrinking |
The same principles apply whether your chairs have curved backs like the Washington Style Curved Back Dining Chair, button backs like the Loire Button Back Dining Chair, or plain seats.
If you're choosing new chairs, look at durability as well as colour, and compare fabrics and finishes across our dining chairs.
Mistakes That Damage Chairs
- Soaking the seat. This leaves the foam wet inside and can cause water marks.
- Rubbing. It pushes the stain deeper and roughens the weave.
- Bleach or strong household sprays.
- Baby wipes and antibacterial wipes. Their chemicals can strip colour from fabric and the finish from leather.
- Steam cleaning without checking. A W or WS code doesn't mean steam is safe. Only use it if the manufacturer allows it.
- Skipping the patch test.
- Ignoring the care instructions. Unsuitable products may affect your warranty as well as the fabric.
When to Leave It to a Professional
Call a professional upholstery cleaner in any of these cases:
- the fabric is X code
- the chair is antique or sentimental
- large areas are soiled
- a grease, dye or sauce stain is still visible after the first steps above
- the stain has already set
A second attempt with stronger products often makes things worse.
The Safe Way to Clean, in Short
Start with the care label, then vacuum, blot, patch-test, use the gentlest cleaning method that suits the fabric, and dry the upholstery thoroughly. The safest approach is to do less than you think you need to and repeat if required.
If a stain won't shift or the fabric is worn through, re-covering is often a better option than replacing the chair. A well-made frame can outlast its cover by many years, and drop-in seats are usually particularly straightforward to re-cover. Our Long Eaton upholstery service can re-cover a favourite set of chairs in a fabric of your choice. Call us on 0115 837 0505 or get in touch to check whether your chairs can be re-covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use washing-up liquid on upholstered dining chairs?
Only if the manufacturer's care instructions allow it. On W or WS fabrics where they do, whisk a few drops into lukewarm water and apply only the foam. Patch-test first and avoid soaking the fabric. Don't use it on S or X fabrics.
How do I remove a red wine stain from a dining chair?
Blot straight away with a clean white cloth, working from the outside of the mark inwards, and don't rub. On W or WS fabric, blot with a cloth dampened in cold water, then press dry. Set-in stains may need a professional.
How do I get a grease stain out of a fabric dining chair?
Lift off any solids, sprinkle cornflour or bicarbonate of soda on the mark to absorb the oil, wait 20–30 minutes, then vacuum. If a mark remains, use a solvent cleaner on S or WS fabric, or call a professional.
Can I use vinegar or bicarbonate of soda on upholstery?
Bicarbonate of soda is usually safe used dry, to absorb grease or smells, then vacuumed off. Vinegar is acidic and can affect some dyes, finishes and leather, so only use it if the care instructions allow. Patch-test either one first.
Can I steam clean upholstered dining chairs?
Only if the manufacturer specifically allows it. A W or WS code doesn't mean steam is safe, as heat and moisture can mark velvet, shrink some fabrics and soak foam padding.
How do I clean leather dining chairs?
For finished leather, wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry straight away. Aniline leather absorbs water, so blot spills and use a leather-specific cleaner instead. Always test on a hidden spot first.
What if my dining chair has no care label?
Treat the fabric as delicate. Check the manufacturer's care instructions or ask the retailer, and until then stick to vacuuming and blotting. Patch-test on a hidden area before using any liquid, and ask a professional if the fabric is valuable or the stain stubborn.
