The Ultimate Guide to Leather Office Chair & Furniture Care

When it comes to sophistication, comfort and timeless durability, you can’t beat a leather office chair. Whether you're sitting pretty in a vintage brown leather executive model or you’ve kitted out your workspace with refurbished leather seating, looking after it properly is essential.

And the good news? Leather furniture maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy habits and regular TLC, your leather office chair (and other leather furniture) can look better for longer.

Here at Zero, we specialise in refurbished office furniture that holds up well over time, but even the most high-end leather chair needs a little help now and then. So, here’s everything you need to know about leather furniture care.

1. First Things First: What Kind of Leather are you Dealing With?

Before diving into any care products or methods, it's important to understand what kind of leather your chair is made from. Real leather behaves differently from bonded or faux leather, and how you clean the leather for each type will vary slightly.

Genuine leather often has a natural grain and will age beautifully with the right maintenance. Faux leather (also known as PU or vegan leather) tends to be more resistant to staining but won’t benefit from conditioning products in the same way. Knowing what you’ve got is the first step in learning how to look after leather furniture the right way.

2. Regular Cleaning: Keep Dust, Dirt, and Grime at Bay

Refurbished Walter Knoll Turtle Lounge Chair

Leather might be more forgiving than fabric when it comes to spills, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free. A key part of leather furniture care is regular, gentle cleaning.

• Dust weekly using a soft, dry cloth or a vacuum with a brush attachment. This helps stop dirt from embedding into the surface.
• Wipe monthly with a slightly damp cloth to remove any sticky patches or general build-up.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and never scrub. Most leather doesn’t get on well with soap, bleach or anything alcohol-based.

A clean chair not only looks better but lasts longer, too. Consider this your first golden rule of leather furniture maintenance.

3. Deep Conditioning: Leather Needs Moisturising too

Just like your skin, leather can dry out and crack over time, especially in offices with central heating or air conditioning.

• Use a specialist leather conditioner every 6–12 months to keep the surface supple and hydrated.
• Apply it with a clean cloth, using circular motions, then buff off any excess.
• Don’t overdo it, too much conditioner can cause a build-up.

This is a key part of leather sofa care, and the same goes for your leather office chair. It keeps that premium look and feel going for years.

4. Keep it Away From Heat and Sunlight

• Leather doesn’t love extremes. Direct sunlight can fade and dry out the surface, while heat sources (like radiators) can cause cracking.
• Position your leather office chair or sofa away from windows and heaters.
• Use blinds or curtains to reduce direct light if needed.
• If your chair is on castors and gets moved around a lot, be mindful of where it ends up during the day.

This simple step makes a big difference in long-term leather furniture care.

5. Deal With Spills the Right Way

Refurbished Walter Knoll - Andoo Chair

Whether it’s a coffee mishap or a splash of water, the best way to protect your leather is to act fast:

• Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean, dry cloth to soak up the spill immediately.
• For oily marks, use a little talcum powder to absorb the grease before brushing it away gently.
• Avoid using household cleaners, always opt for products designed specifically for leather care.

These rules apply to everything from an executive leather office chair to a sleek leather sofa.

6. Consider Protection Products

There are a number of leather care protectors on the market, designed to repel spills and create a barrier against everyday wear. They can be especially helpful in high-traffic workspaces or shared office environments where your leather furniture gets a lot of use.

It’s not essential, but it’s a smart extra if you want to be proactive about how to look after leather furniture.

7. When in Doubt, ask the Experts

If your leather office chair has seen better days, or if you're not sure how to clean a particular type of leather, don’t risk DIY damage. Reach out to a leather specialist or ask us here at Zero Office Furniture, we’re always happy to give tailored advice for refurbished leather furniture.

We know a thing or two about bringing office furniture back to life. Our range of high-quality leather office chairs has been expertly restored and thoroughly cleaned, so with just a little regular maintenance, you can keep it looking as good as new.

Time to Give Your Leather Office Chair Some TLC

Leather furniture maintenance isn’t just about keeping things clean, it’s about extending the life of an investment. Whether you’re wondering "how do you care for leather furniture" or just want a few tips on giving your executive leather office chair a bit more love, the steps are simple: clean, condition, protect and repeat.

So if you’ve got a home office, meeting room or boardroom with leather furniture in it, this guide should help you keep everything looking polished, professional and perfectly maintained.

Looking for a refurbished leather office chair that combines style and sustainability? Browse our latest collection here.