Dining chairs deal with everyday spills, crumbs, food marks and frequent use. The best cleaning method depends on the material, so a PU chair should not be treated in the same way as a linen or corduroy chair.
Before cleaning any dining chair, check the manufacturer’s care instructions first. If you are unsure, test the product on a hidden area and allow it to dry before treating a visible section. Upholstery advice generally recommends vacuuming loose dirt, blotting spills rather than rubbing them and avoiding excess moisture.
Basic Cleaning Steps for Every Dining Chair
Use this simple routine before trying to remove a stain:
- Remove crumbs and loose dirt with a soft brush or upholstery vacuum attachment.
- Blot fresh spills with a clean, dry, light-coloured cloth.
- Do not scrub, as this can spread the stain or damage the fibres.
- Test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
- Use the smallest amount of liquid needed.
- Allow the chair to dry fully before using it again.
Do not use bleach, abrasive sponges or strong household cleaners unless the manufacturer specifically says they are suitable. Never soak an upholstered chair, and do not use a steam cleaner without checking the care instructions.
1. PU and Faux Leather Dining Chairs
PU, or faux leather, is popular for dining chairs because it is smooth and easy to wipe after meals. It is often a practical choice for busy kitchens, family dining areas and homes where food spills are common.
How to clean PU chairs
- Wipe dust away with a dry microfibre cloth.
- For everyday marks, use a lightly damp cloth with warm water.
- For food or grease, use a small amount of mild soap diluted in water.
- Wipe away any residue and dry the surface with a clean cloth.
- Pay attention to seams, stitching and the front edge of the seat.
Avoid bleach, alcohol-based products, abrasive cleaners and excessive water. Do not use a leather conditioner unless it is specifically suitable for PU or faux leather. Prolonged direct sunlight and strong heat can also increase the risk of drying, cracking or peeling.
2. Linen and Flax-Effect Fabric
Linen-style upholstery has a soft, natural appearance and works well in relaxed dining spaces. However, woven fabrics can absorb spills quickly, so prompt action is important.
How to clean linen dining chairs
- Vacuum gently using a soft upholstery attachment.
- Blot tea, coffee or food spills immediately.
- If the care instructions allow water-based cleaning, use a small amount of suitable upholstery cleaner.
- Work from the outside of the mark towards the centre.
- Avoid soaking the fabric or rubbing aggressively.
- Let the chair dry naturally with good airflow.
Do not machine-wash fixed upholstery or remove covers unless they are specifically designed to be washed. Natural fibres can fade in direct sunlight, so keep linen dining chairs away from prolonged strong sunlight where possible.
3. Technical or Performance Fabric
Technical fabric usually refers to a durable synthetic or blended upholstery fabric designed for everyday use. It may be more resistant to wear and easier to maintain than delicate natural fabric, but it is not automatically stain-proof or safe to soak.
How to clean technical fabric chairs
- Vacuum the seat, backrest and seams regularly.
- Blot spills quickly with a clean cloth.
- Use a fabric cleaner only when the product instructions permit it.
- Apply cleaner to the cloth rather than flooding the chair.
- Test for colour transfer and texture changes before cleaning the full area.
- Dry the chair fully before sitting on it.
Different technical fabrics have different finishes. Always follow the specific care label instead of assuming that a durable fabric can be cleaned with bleach, steam or strong detergent.
4. Corduroy Dining Chairs
Corduroy has a distinctive ribbed pile that adds warmth and texture to a dining area. The ribs can collect crumbs and dust, so regular light cleaning is better than occasional aggressive scrubbing.
Corduroy dining chairs are often chosen for their soft texture and comfortable, relaxed appearance.
How to clean corduroy chairs
- Vacuum gently in the direction of the ribs.
- Use a soft brush to loosen crumbs from the grooves.
- Blot spills without rubbing across the pile.
- Use only a suitable upholstery product after testing it in a hidden area.
- Once dry, gently restore the pile with a soft brush if needed.
Avoid stiff brushes, hard scrubbing and excess water. These can flatten the ribs, create uneven shading or leave the fabric damp inside the cushion.
5. Velvet Dining Chairs
Velvet can add colour and a more luxurious feel to a dining room, but its pile can show pressure marks and changes in direction.
For everyday care, use a soft brush or a suitable upholstery attachment to remove dust. Treat spills immediately by blotting gently. Do not rub the pile back and forth, and do not apply a wet cleaner unless the care instructions specifically allow it.
If a velvet chair develops visible pile shading, allow it to dry fully before brushing lightly in one consistent direction. Persistent or large stains are best handled by a professional upholstery cleaner.
6. Bouclé and Textured Fabric
Bouclé and other looped fabrics are comfortable and tactile, but their loops can catch on rough objects and may be difficult to restore if pulled.
Vacuum gently with a soft attachment and avoid dragging sharp tools across the surface. Blot small spills with a clean cloth and use only a fabric-safe product approved for the chair. Do not scrub the loops or pull at loose threads.
How Often Should You Clean Dining Chairs?
For most households, a practical routine is:
- After meals: wipe PU surfaces and remove visible crumbs.
- Weekly: vacuum upholstered seats, backs and seams.
- After a spill: blot immediately and treat according to the care instructions.
- Every few months: inspect high-contact areas such as seat fronts, arms and stitching.
- For large or persistent stains: contact a professional upholstery cleaner.
Regular light care helps prevent dirt and oils from becoming embedded in the upholstery.
The safest way to clean dining chairs is to match the method to the material. PU can usually be wiped with a lightly damp cloth, while linen, technical fabric, corduroy, velvet and bouclé need gentler, more controlled care.
Always check the manufacturer’s instructions, test products in a hidden area and avoid soaking upholstered furniture. If you are choosing new dining chairs, compare the material, care requirements and level of daily use before making a decision. You can also explore the Joolihome Dining Chair Collection for examples of PU, linen, corduroy, velvet and other upholstery styles.