Fabrics for Ergonomic Task Chairs
Whilst the mesh ergonomic task chair has gained in popularity in recent years, the traditional fabric ergonomic task chair remains a mainstay of office furniture. In this article, we will look at some of the fabrics that cover ergonomic task chairs.
Fabrics for Ergonomic Task Chairs: Vinyl
Vinyl is an inexpensive, hardwearing fabric that has the advantage of containing anti microbial and anti bacterial properties. It is stain resistant and can be wiped clean easily in the event of a spill. It provides an attractive leather effect, especially when textured.
The main disadvantage of vinyl as a fabric for ergonomic task chairs is that it doesn't breathe very well. This means that it can become sweaty in hot weather and cause discomfort for the user.
Fabrics for Ergonomic Task Chairs: Polyester
Polyester first came into prominence as a covering for furniture in the 1950s. It has a reputation as a "cheap and nasty" textile with John Waters even using it as the title of a film satirizing upper middle class lifestyles - supposedly, the very word "Polyester" is enough to conjure up images of suburban tackiness. It is also extremely flammable, so care must be taken to check that a polyester upholstered chair has been fireproofed before buying it for your office.
Having said that, polyester is not without its advantages. It is the least expensive form of upholstery for fabric ergonomic task chairs and combines the stain resistance of vinyl with the breathability of natural cloth.
Fabrics for Ergonomic Task Chairs: Microfiber
Microfiber is a specific type of polyester invented in 1986 that has extremely thin filaments, to make it more like natural fibers than traditional polyester. Whilst microfiber upholstered chairs can be slightly more expensive than other fabric ergonomic task chairs, microfiber does have several advantages over other fabrics. It is more attractive for one thing, and it is versatile enough to simulate a range of other materials, from cotton to leather.
It is also very absorbent. This is a positive if you were to spill something on it, but the downside of this is that it makes it harder to clean. The thin fibers lead to a large surface area, meaning that stains can become ingrained if it is not cleaned correctly. Spills should be cleaned promptly, and you should be careful not to scrub too hard, otherwise the fabric can become distorted. There should be a code under the cushion or with the literature that comes with you microfiber upholstered chair giving the correct cleaning method. These codes are as follows:
DC Dry Clean Only.
S Clean only with dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate. Do not use water. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
SW Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
W Clean only with water-based shampoo or foam upholstery cleaner. Do not over wet. Do not use solvents to spot clean. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and laundered.
WS Spot clean with upholstery shampoo, foam from a mild detergent, or mild dry cleaning solvent. Do not saturate with liquid. Pile fabrics may require brushing to restore appearance. Cushion covers should not be removed and dry cleaned.
X Do not clean with either water- or solvent-based cleaner. Use vacuuming or light brushing only.
