The wheels of office chairs require cleaning from time to period as dust, dirt, and hair can get caught within them. Cleaning the wheels helps keep your chair moving smoothly and also prevents damage to wheel casters. The process of cleaning is straightforward, but it is time-consuming, as it is necessary to remove the wheels to remove the debris stuck there.
Here’s how to take care of your rolling office chair from the top to the bottom!
What Are the Different Types of Office Chairs Wheels?
Most office chairs are equipped with 2 to 2.5 inches of wheels. However, there are also models with 3 inches. The bigger the wheel, the less resistance you will encounter while moving across the hard and soft office floors. When you’re looking for replacements for the wheels on your chair at work, take measurements of the diameter for greater accuracy.
Types of Caster Wheels
Caster wheels are the movable components of office chairs, where you will find the wheels protruding from the chair. They are often a source of dust hair, debris, or even hair that can impede the smooth motion of the wheel. Most chairs have hard or soft casters according to the chair model.
Soft Caster Wheels
Soft wheels are created by using either a silicone or a rubber material. It is usually the most preferred option for wheels because the soft material can easily glide across all types of flooring. Additionally, the smooth, rubbery surface helps to reduce the sound and vibrations.
Hard Caster Wheels
However, the hard caster wheels were designed for floors with carpets. The wheels made of plastic are constructed from PVC resin, PVC, or some other material that is hard and are made to give an easier ride on rugs and carpets. They are the typical office chair casters and are comparatively inexpensive when compared with lightweight caster wheels.
What You’ll Need
- An old blanket, towel, or even cloth
- Butter knife or another flat-head tools
- Duct tape
- Scrub brush
- Soapy water solution: 1 cup water and 3 to 5 drops of dish soap
- Disinfectant Rubbish alcohol
- Lubricant spray or silicone (optional)
How to Clean Office Chair Wheels: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Place a Towel on the Floor and Place the Chair Upside Down
Clean your area by laying a large towel or blanket cloth across the flooring. This will ensure that your chair remains spotless after you turn it upside-down. The towel can also help prevent your chair from falling off or falling when cleaning it.
Turn the chair to the upside until you are able to work with those wheels comfortably. You might need the screwdriver, butter knife, or a similar flat-headed tool to take the wheels off. Refer to the guide provided by the manufacturer whenever you can, and then check the screws that need to be removed.
Step 2: Remove the Wheels
Take the wheels off with care. Begin working on a single spin at a time and then use a tool to assist you in taking the wheels off without harming them or yourself. The majority of office chairs come with wheels that can be bent out, so make sure you check the model and brand of your chair to determine if it is.
If not, you can make use of a flat tool to take the wheels off. Make sure you take out any screws that are in place if the wheels have been battened down. Place those screws within a different compartment or container during your work to ensure that you don’t lose them.
Step 3: Clean the Chair Leg
Be sure to clean the chair leg, as well as the wheels! Get rid of hair and other particles from the portion of your chair. There’s probably some dirt on the leg itself. It is therefore recommended to get rid of them as they could obstruct the wheels later on. Clean the legs of the chair with alcohol, too.
Step 4: Clean the Wheels
It’s time to get started with the wheel. Get rid of any visible dirt or debris by pulling away all large parts. The use of a crochet needle or hook tool can help you remove dirt. It is also possible to employ a brush to get rid of the bits of debris that are wedged within the wheel.
Cut a small amount of duct tape and put it on the wheel. This will remove tiny pieces of debris that have fallen off the wheel. Make sure to get in and over the wheel cover and also within the space between both wheels if this is the case.
Use soapy solutions to wash the wheels. The answer should be scrubbed directly on the reels until the dirt has completely disappeared. Turn the wheel as you work to traverse the entire length of your revolution. Cleanse with mild sanitizer, such as ruby alcohol.
Step 5: Place the Wheels Back Onto the Office Chair Casters
Wipe the wheels clean and put them back onto the chair you are using for work. The wheels should be screwed back into the chair or push them back into the chair to hear the clicking sound. Examine the movement that the wheels make by turning the chair upside-down and then observing how smoothly the wheels roll across the floor.