How to clean fabric kitchen chairs – expert solutions for a spotless finish, fast

Wondering how to clean fabric kitchen chairs? These simple methods will revive your material quickly

Bright, white kitchen with large island with black granite countertop and white based with cupboards, three bar chairs in rattan, two black cone pendant lights hanging over island
(Image credit: Elizabeth Cooper Interior Design, photography by Tom Grimes)

Knowing how to clean fabric kitchen chairs may appear niche – but these furnishings are becoming increasingly popular in the most practical room of the home. 

When refreshing your kitchen ideas, it is natural to begin with large surface areas, such as your countertops or floors. However,  it is the little details will give your space a clean finish overall. So, if you're in possession of this particular dining decor, then knowing how to clean fabric kitchen chairs is essential. 

How to clean fabric kitchen chairs – 3 methods to refresh your material easily 

Kitchen with dark island

(Image credit: Susie Watson Designs)

Refreshing your kitchen seating ideas is an effective way to rejuvenate your kitchen quickly, but the process is surprisingly easy with the right cleaning tips

'Cleaning fabric upholstered kitchen chairs can be difficult to clean because you can't just throw them into the washer. But that doesn't mean that they are impossible to clean,' says Michelle Hansen, a cleaning expert and owner of Practical Perfection

Michelle explains that you can often use the same products and tools on upholstered chairs as you would on the carpet, so if you have a carpet in your home, the process will feel even simpler. These are the 3 methods that the experts suggest using in your kitchen. 

1. Invest in a commercial cleaning product 

kitchen island with white worksurface and white painted upholstered chairs with green cabinets behind and double oven

(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

Sometimes, knowing how to clean a kitchen begins with your favorite branded products – and this is the case with Michelle's method. 'If you are just looking to spot-treat an area, Folex is an incredible stain cleaner that does wonders for kitchen chairs with fabric on them,' the expert says. 

Michelle recommends spraying the cleaner on any part of the fabric that looks particularly stained before letting it sit on the problematic area for approximately one minute. You should then scrub the stain out – and repeat if the dirt persists. 

2. Experiment with a carpet cleaner  

Michelle already suggested that the cleaning process mimics a carpet, but what makes it so similar? The answer, the expert suggests, is in your carpet cleaner. 

'If you have a portable carpet cleaner, this is an even better solution because it actually draws out the stain with powerful suction. And using both the Folex and the portable carpet cleaner is the best of both worlds,' she adds. 

Kitchen

(Image credit: Martin Moore)

3. Opt for a traditional soapy method 

If you're looking for a quick method using nothing but your pre-bought kitchen essentials, then you can opt for a more old-fashioned way of cleaning too. Expert Davin Eberhardt from Nature of Home recommends soaking the fabric chair in the bucket of hot water for ten minutes. 

'Scrub the chair with a soft, lint-free cloth [such as this one from Amazon] soaked in soap and water, then rinse off the soap residue with fresh water,' Davin says. You should then dry the chair thoroughly before storing it away. 

Whether you choose to pick up a new product or go natural, these methods will elevate your kitchen and dining space, so you're ready for your next dinner party, quickly. 

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.