Your Upholstered Office Chairs Need More Attention
Many business owners are very attentive to the cleanliness of their workplace. They know that the look of their offices, waiting areas, and other public spaces reflect on the quality of their company. The floors may shine, the garbage cans are emptied, and the bathrooms sparkle, but they may be neglecting another important feature.
Upholstered seating needs as much attention as the rest of the room for many reasons. This type of seating is found in most offices for employees as well as for clients, vendors, or other visitors. The chairs kept in reception rooms, boardrooms, and break areas all need to be cleaned and not just neatly stacked or straightened.
Carefully Chosen Designs
Chairs used in offices or waiting areas are not usually chosen randomly. Most chairs used in high-traffic areas are made from stain resistant or treated fabric. A patterned material helps to hide the occasional blemish. The effort pays off because it is possible to hide a lot of otherwise visible stains, but just because it is hidden, it does not mean the chair is clean.
Possible Health Risks
Medical facilities are most at risk from the spread of contagions in common areas, but every public seating area is exposed to germs. People visit offices and reception areas of all types when they have a cold or the flu. Without proper cleaning, it is possible for anyone that touches the furniture to become ill, including employees tidying up during the day.
A study in 2012 discovered that the average office has over 500 different types of bacteria present and one of the top two offenders were office chairs. Many of the bacteria were found to be harmless, but there were some (like salmonella) that could cause problems in people with weak immune systems, and the number of bacteria could build to levels high enough to cause sick building syndrome.
Mold growth is possible on chairs in buildings with high humidity levels and no direct sunlight. Deep cleaning, frequent flipping, and airing out cushions will help to prevent this unhealthy occurrence. Professional cleaning teams have the equipment to clean upholstery and dry it thoroughly afterward to prevent any additional risks from mold or mildew growth.
Do not ignore the chairs in private offices either. Many people eat at their desks and leave behind crumbs as well as other debris like hair or skin particles. Over time the bacteria levels rise because of the frequency of use and the constant exposure to contaminants the chair receives.
Appearance is Reduced
Without regular care, all furniture begins to look less appealing. Upholstery becomes faded or discolored from stains, and the frames can lose their sheen. A simple wipe down with a dust rag is useful and important for daily cleaning but is still not enough. A complete cleaning service is regularly needed to keep colors bright and to protect wood, metal or plastic frames.
Protect the Investment
Cloth upholstery needs to be vacuumed and frequently shampooed for the same reasons carpets require these steps. If dirt and other debris are not removed, the fabric will wear out faster and become matted and less attractive. Over time, the bacteria in the fabric can multiply and eventually produce an unpleasant odor.
Even vinyl and leather need extra care to keep the material soft and supple. The wrong cleaning products could cause harm. A wet cloth will remove any surface debris, but to keep the shine and to protect the fabric it is also necessary to apply a vinyl or leather conditioner.
It is nearly impossible for any office staff to perform their work duties and keep up with the many cleaning tasks needed in busy commercial areas. Do not overwhelm employees; hire a cleaning service instead. At DRC Contract Cleaning we have the knowledge and equipment to keep an office or other commercial areas clean. Contact us for rates and the services available.
