Upholstered dining chairs allow you to bring more texture and colour to your dining room, your kitchen or a dining area in an open-plan living space. They’re a great way to tie the room together (and they’re more comfortable too). 

Of course, in a setting where food is around, spills are going to happen. But that doesn’t mean you have to forego the upholstered dining chairs you love for wipe-only materials. 

Instead, follow these tips to remove stains from your fabric-covered dining chairs. 

How to clean velvet upholstered dining chairs

Depending on the food or drink that has been spilled, you want to remove the excess first and foremost. If it’s dry, use a vacuum cleaning to lift any crumbs. Or if it’s wet, use a spoon, or a cloth to blot the excess. 

Next, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Dampen a cloth and gently dab the stain. Velvet’s a really absorbent fabric, so make sure to wring out the cloth before cleaning—you want to avoid soaking the velvet too much. 

Leave it to air dry for 12–24 hours. Once the area is completely dry, use a soft brush to restore the velvet’s texture. 

How to clean leather upholstered dining chairs

First, remove as much of the food or liquid as you can with a spoon or blunt utensil. Then, use a dry microfibre cloth to remove the excess. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. 

Next, mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water (tip: don’t use abrasive cleaners as it can damage the leather). Dampen a cloth with the soap mixture to gently wipe the stain with small circular motions.

Dry with a clean dish towel and wipe the seat with some leather conditioner. This not only helps keep the leather soft, it can also even out the appearance of the leather if it has been stained with an oil-based food.

How to clean linen upholstered dining chairs

Dab the stained area with a dry cloth to absorb as much of the spill as possible, but avoid rubbing. If there are any crumbs, remove with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner. 

Next, make a cleaning solution of mild detergent and warm water. Dip a cloth into the mixture and gently blot the stain. Then rinse with clean water and a damp cloth to remove any excess soap.

To finish the job, press a clean towel into the fabric to absorb moisture and leave to completely air dry. 

How to clean bouclé upholstered dining chairs

Quickly after a spill, use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to remove crumbs and loose debris from the bouclé. Dab the stained area with a dry cloth to absorb liquid, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.

Spot clean the stain with a mixture of warm water and a mild soap. Work it very gently into the stain with a cloth—you don’t want to snag the knots of the bouclé. Like velvet, bouclé can absorb a lot of moisture, so wring out your cloth each time you dip it in the cleaning solution.

Lastly, press a towel into the seat to absorb moisture and leave to air dry. 

Easy-clean upholstered dining chairs from Swyft

Whether velvet, leather, linen or bouclé, all of our upholstered dining chairs are made with the same FibreGuard technology that you’ll find in our sofas and armchairs. FibreGuard resists stains and protects fabrics, giving you upholstered dining chairs that are easy to clean should you accidentally knock over your morning coffee at the table. 

Looking to update your upholstered dining chairs? There are three styles to choose from in our range:

• The classic Dining Chair 01

• The retro-inspired Dining Chair 02

• The sleek Dining Bench 01