How to Clean Salon Chairs: 6 Essential Tips

Every salon owner knows that salon chairs are among the most expensive and essential items in your business. You can’t have a client walk in looking for a luxurious experience only to be greeted with a stained and dirty salon chair—of course not! That’s why it’s so critical that you and your staff know how to clean salon chairs the right way.

How to Clean Salon Chairs

It's not just about aesthetics, either. Maintaining your salon chairs is also safeguarding your investment. Salon chairs receive a heavy workload and are subjected to a daily onslaught of hair trimmings and salon products—sprays, gels, dyes, you name it! Failing to maintain your salon chairs properly can result not only in client dissatisfaction, but in costly, budget-eating repairs and replacements as well.

In this article, we’ll be unveiling six key tips for keeping your salon chairs in tip-top condition. From tackling sticky residue to taming squeaky mechanics, we’ve got your bottom-line covered!

How to Maintain High-Quality Salon Chairs: 6 Key Tips

Tip #1 – Clean Up Excess Hair

The cornerstone of maintaining high-quality salon chairs is regular daily cleaning. And that starts with removing any excess hair that accumulates on the chair after each client. Even tiny, almost invisible hairs can wreak havoc on your salon chairs, compromising hygiene and accumulating in the mechanics of your chairs, ultimately leading to mobility issues. Use a small vacuum cleaner and/or compressed air to remove these pesky hairs, paying particular attention to the chair’s crevices.

Tip #2 – Spot Clean for Spills and Stains

Spills and the resulting stains are an unfortunate reality in a salon setting. To prevent them from becoming permanent eyesores, you’ll need to deal with them promptly. If your salon chair has fabric upholstery, use a fabric cleaner specifically designed for the chair's material. If your chairs feature vinyl or leather upholstery, a gentle leather cleaner is suitable. Always adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations and test any cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first to avoid potential damage.

Tip #3 – Clean and Disinfect Regularly

When you get into the nitty-gritty of how to clean salon chairs, the material of the chair will dictate the cleaning methods and products to use. For vinyl and upholstery, for instance, a daily cleaning routine involves using a sponge and warm, soapy water, followed by a rinse with plain, warm water. Leather, on the other hand, can’t be cleaned with soap and water. Instead, use a specific leather cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

And in all cases, be sure to avoid harsh soaps, alcohol-based disinfectants, or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the chair's material. Opt instead for a specific salon chair cleaner, disinfectant, or Blue Light UV disinfectant for a safe and effective clean.

Tip #4 – Apply Upholstery Protection  

Applying a fabric or upholstery protector is a great way to create a barrier against spills and stains, making it much easier to clean up messes before they become an issue. As always, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular salon chair material before applying any protectants.

Tip #5 – Professional Deep Cleaning  

A deep cleaning session done by professionals is essential for keeping high-quality salon chairs in ideal condition. Depending on the chair's fabric or material, schedule professional cleanings at least once or twice a year. Professional cleaning services will have the expertise and specialized equipment to effectively remove any deep-seated dirt, grime, and stubborn stains.

Tip #6 – Hydraulic and Recline Maintenance

The maintenance of the hydraulic and recline mechanisms of your salon chairs should not be neglected either. To ensure smooth operations, follow these steps:

  • Avoid leaving the headrest off the chair for extended periods to prevent dust, dirt, and hairs from clogging the mechanisms.
  • Regularly oil the hydraulic mechanisms to keep them functioning properly.
  • Keep bolts free from grime and rust by cleaning and drying them regularly and tightening them as needed.
  • Inspect and retighten the bolts under your chair regularly to prevent damage.

To wrap things up, the cleanliness and maintenance of your salon chairs are essential for both aesthetics and functionality. By following these six tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your chairs, enhance the client experience, and maintain a hygienic and professional salon environment. Remember, a well-kept salon chair is a reflection of your commitment to quality and client satisfaction!

At Dream in Reality Salon, we specialize in high-quality salon furniture, and that includes a salon stool to fit any aesthetic! And don’t forget to check out our huge selection of salon chairs today!