Salon chairs are vital components of your business. They’re where your clients relax while you work your magic. On top of that, salon chairs also contribute to the aesthetic of your space. For these reasons, you’ll want to do everything you can to keep your chairs in tip-top shape.
Luckily, with the right care routine, you can maintain the look and feel of salon chairs for years to come. To help you get started, here’s everything you need to know about properly cleaning and maintaining your salon chairs.
Types of Salon Chairs and Their Care Needs
The first step is to familiarize yourself with the material your salon chairs are made of. Each type demands a slightly different approach, so it pays to understand what you’re working with.
Vinyl Chairs
Vinyl is a salon favorite thanks to its durability and easy-to-clean nature. However, it’s not indestructible. Harsh cleaning products can cause cracking or peeling over time. Use mild soaps mixed with water to wipe down vinyl chairs. Also, avoid anything abrasive.
Leather Chairs
If your salon demands luxury seating, leather salon chairs fit the bill. Unfortunately, leather requires more love to maintain its sleek appearance, but it’s well worth the effort. Leather cleaners and conditioners are great options to prevent drying or fading. Also, limit direct sunlight exposure, as UV rays are leather’s sworn enemy.
Fabric Chairs
Fabric offers a cozy and stylish look, but they’re the trickiest to maintain. That’s because these chairs quickly absorb spills and odors if not treated immediately. A fabric-friendly cleaner or upholstery shampoo will maintain the chair’s quality, but if the fabric is detachable, wash it separately to keep it fresh and vibrant.
A More Detailed Look at Regular Cleaning
While that overview touched on how to properly clean and care for your salon chairs, that’s only scratching the surface. There’s a lot more you need to know, and most of it starts with creating a regular cleaning routine.
After all, a clean salon is a happy salon—not to mention more hygienic! Following a regular cleaning routine for your chairs is the key to keeping them looking their best while maintaining a comfortable experience for clients.
Most of the time, this daily process will involve wiping down your chairs to get rid of hair, product residue, and stains. You’ll need a soft, damp cloth and a gentle cleanser suitable for the chair material. If possible, go the extra mile and clean hard-to-reach areas like the chair base and the reclining mechanism. Dust and grime will slowly sneak their way into these parts without ongoing maintenance.
How To Handle Deeper Cleans
Though regular cleaning keeps your chairs looking great on the surface, deep cleaning will still be necessary to tackle the nitty-gritty details. Scheduling monthly deep cleans removes hidden dirt and odors while extending the longevity of your chairs.
Clean vinyl chairs with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Apply this mixture with a soft sponge, gently scrubbing the surface. Rinse off with warm water, then dry the chair using a lint-free cloth. If you spot stubborn buildup, a touch of white vinegar can often do the trick.
Leather chairs require special attention during deep cleanings. After wiping them down with a damp cloth, use a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the material supple and crack-free. This process cleans and hydrates chair surfaces, giving them a polished finish.
Fabric chairs benefit from a good steam-cleaning session to remove deep-set stains and kill bacteria hiding in the fibers. Test the steam cleaner on a small, hidden area first so you don’t accidentally damage the fabric.
Smart Tips To Prevent Damage
By adopting a few proactive strategies, you can keep salon chairs in prime condition and save yourself from costly repairs or replacements down the line.
Be Careful With Sharp Objects
Salons are filled with tools like scissors, razors, and combs, which can accidentally damage your seating. Train your staff to handle sharp objects with care and keep them away from chair surfaces whenever possible.
Use Protective Covers
Protective covers can be your chair’s best friend if used correctly. Covers shield against product spills and hair clippings, making daily cleanup quicker and easier. Plus, they’re affordable and available in various styles to match your decor.
Keep Chairs out of Direct Sunlight
Set up your station in a shaded area to limit sun exposure; curtains also block out harsh UV rays if you can’t find a shaded spot. You’ll do your chairs a big favor, extending their longevity.
Use Approved Cleaning Products
Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning products. Using the wrong cleaner can lead to discoloration, cracking, or other severe damage. If in doubt, test a small amount on an inconspicuous area of the chair first.
Tighten Bolts and Check Mechanics
Loose screws or squeaky mechanisms can quickly spiral into larger issues. Set up a regular inspection schedule to tighten bolts, oil the hinges, and confirm that the hydraulic pumps function correctly.
Fixing Common Chair Issues
Even with the best care, salon chairs are bound to encounter issues eventually. To stay ready for anything, check out these common problems to be on the lookout for and how to remedy them.
Stains
For most stains on salon chairs, the key is to act fast. You can apply a paste of baking soda and water to vinyl surfaces with a soft brush, working gently. Blot the stain on a fabric chair with a mix of cold water and mild soap, avoiding harsh scrubbing. Leather benefits from a professional cleaning for tougher marks.
Tears or Rips
Small tears in vinyl are worth watching for. You can fix many of them by using repair kits that include adhesive patches. When tears occur in leather chairs, seek professional repairs to avoid further damage. Some fabric tears may require light sewing, but for larger tears, you can use iron-on patches.
Persistent Odors
Does your salon chair have funky lingering smells? Sprinkle a little baking soda on a fabric chair, then leave it overnight before vacuuming. If your vinyl and leather chairs smell bad, wipe them down with a cloth dipped in a gentle vinegar solution to neutralize odors.
What To Do If Your Chair Is Beyond Repair
If time has taken its toll on your salon chairs and there’s not much you can do to return them to their former glory, full replacements might be in order. By purchasing all-purpose salon chairs from Keller International, you can make your shop look like new again.