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How To Clean Chair Pads [Manually or In Washer]

How To Clean Chair Pads [Manually or In Washer]

Nothing stays clean forever, even the chair pads you sit on are prone to dirt buildup. Whether in your kitchen, living, or dining room, you rely on them to withstand daily use while enhancing the look of your room.

To ensure that these chair pads remain long-lasting and in excellent condition, regular cleaning must be done.

Though most chair pads are not machine washable, they must still be cleaned. The way of cleaning depends on the nature of the problem like pet hair, dust, and dirt, which may require vacuuming to remove odors, stains, and debris; however, some stains may require specific treatments.

Remember that even the most quality materials deteriorate over time if not properly cared for. If neglected, the pads may become discolored and absorb odors.

No worries, getting rid of dirt and stains is simple by following these tips.

chair with pillow cushion

Cleaning Seat Pads Depending On The Problem

Dust/Dirt/Pet Hair

Foams, no matter where they are made from, can attract dust and debris over time.

This is common, especially if you live with pets since stray pet hair and dander could be present as well.

To remove such dirt, you may vacuum chair pads using the upholstery-brush attachment to help loosen the debris that lingers on the pad.

You may also use a small brush with nonabrasive bristles like a toothbrush to loosen the debris stuck in seams and crevices as you vacuum just in case the upholstery brush is not working.

In general, for pet-hair removal, you may just wipe the pad with your hand wearing a rubber glove if the vacuum cleaner is unavailable.

The glove works by collecting the pet hair and lift them from the fabric.

Spills and Spot

Spills happen no matter how careful you are.

But before it can ruin your chair pad, blot the spilled liquid to prevent it from soaking furthermore, especially if it is made from textile-based or leather pads.

You may use paper towels or white cloths when blotting; otherwise, the dye from the spill may transfer on the cushion.

For spills of food items, let's say chocolate syrup or spaghetti sauce, make sure to grab as much of the substance using the paper towel.

The correct way to wipe the spill is towards the middle as this helps prevent it from spreading even more. Then blot the spot afterward.

For blot spills like ketchup or mustard, blot the contaminated spot using a vinegar-soaked white cloth to help prevent and remove the stains. Using vinegar helps in getting rid of pet danders and odors.

Moreover, you can also clean other stains by blotting them with a small amount of dish soap on a damp, white, soft cloth. Then remove the soap by wiping the outside of the spill using a freshly damped white cloth.

Bad odor

Sometimes, the scent of the pad requires a little freshening and a bit of cleanup.

To get rid of the smell, sprinkle baking soda on top of the pad, then let it sit for a couple of minutes, then vacuum the baking soda away.

If you think that the pad still stinks, apply more baking soda and allow the foam to rest outdoors for a couple of hours in a shady area.

Make a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar and water and then spray the solution on the pad. This also helps get rid of unwanted odors.

To make sure that the solution does not cause discoloration, apply it first in white cloth and then observe if there's a color change.

Overall cleaner

An intense and thorough overall cleaning comes in handy if the seat is frequently used or hasn't been cleaned for years.

You may create your chair pad cleaner by mixing 1 part of dish soap or laundry soap with 4 parts of water. Then whisk the mixture to create an evenly distributed cleaner solution.

Apply the suds, not the liquid on the surface of the pad using a soft-bristled brush. Then scoop the suds away from the applied surface using a rubber scraper.

For the last step, finish it by wiping the pad down with a soft, dampened cloth. Then air-dry the surface. Wait for it to dry completely before you put it back again in the chair.

While most of the seat pads are made from latex materials, which are definitely machine washable. Therefore, follow these care instructions when washing your chair pads.

How To Wash Chair Pads In The Washing Machine

  1. Balance the washing machine before putting them inside.
  2. Remember that latex foam filling becomes very heavy when wet, do not overload the machine. Wash the pads one at a time.
  3. Don't forget to group those with like colors.
  4. Wash using cold water.
  5. Wash in a gentle cycle
  6. Use mild laundry detergents such as Woolite and ECOS or anything that is allergy free and for sensitive skin. Avoid using brighteners, bleach, or color-safe bleach, and the likes.

Drying Instructions

  1. Avoid drying the foam cushions in the dryer, or it will deteriorate the foam.
  2. If the cushions are dripping wet when they come out of the machine, use your hands to press and squeeze any excess water out of the foam before drying.
  3. To hasten the drying process, dry the pads outside. Make sure to place them away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading.
  4. For optimum results, dry them on a rack or hang them on a line.
  5. Allow 24 hours or more to ensure they are dried completely.
  6. For indoor drying, dry them in a well-ventilated area. However, expect that they require a longer time to dry.
  7. Turn the pads every couple of hours to ensure that both sides are drying.
  8. When the foam is almost dry, fluff the pad in the dryer on a no-heat setting. Do not try this if your dryer gets warm in the no heat setting.
chair pillow cushions stacked

How To Handwash Chair Pads?

If you prefer to hand wash your chair pads, here are some care instructions to follow:

  • If the chair pads happen to be soiled with loose dirt or crumbs, vacuum them to remove seated dirt. Do not use brush heads.
  • Create a solution by mixing cold water with dishwashing liquid or use a gentle laundry detergent. Apply hydrogen peroxide or oxygen cleaner if the pads are heavily spoiled.
  • Apply the cleaning solution by blotting using a clean cloth or white paper towel. You may also use a spray bottle or just soaked them in a tub of cool soapy water. Avoid scrubbing or brushing the foam as it can damage it or scratch the chair pad.
  • Rinse off the cleaning solution using a cloth or damped paper towel. You may also just immerse or spray the surface with clear, cool water.
  • If too saturated, press or squeeze out the excess water by hand. Then dry them in the line or using a rack.
  • Allow 24 hours or more to dry the pad completely.
  • Avoid using a dryer or expose the pads to a powerful heat source, as this will degrade the foam.

How To Protect Chair Pads?

Since spills and spots are inevitable, lessen the risk of damaging them by protecting your chair pads with these tips:

Fabric selection

The weave and the composition of the chair pads play a role in its overall maintenance.

Therefore, it is essential to consider when choosing chair pads that are made from high-quality fabrics. Look for tightly woven low-nap fabrics to minimize and avoid damages from minor food and drink spills.

Protective covers

Besides, look for fabrics that have been pre-treated for stain resistance. Or you may apply stain repellant spray for fabrics such as Soft Clad, but check the manufacturer's directions for suitable fabrics and correct usage.

Manufactured seat covers

Many homeowners prefer removable, impermeable plastic covers that are designed to protect the fabric-covered seat pads for many years.

Luckily, there are commercially available vinyl or fabric-coated vinyl that is more comfortable and more flexible for long-term use.

Photo credit: ©canva.com

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