Rise and Recline Chair Advice

How to clean your recliner chair

Kai Anders

19th August, 2026

There’s nothing quite like sinking into your favourite rise and recline chair after a long day. But just like anything that gets regular use, it can start to show signs of wear and tear.

If you’ve been wondering how to clean your recliner chair properly, we’ll walk you through the best ways to freshen up the fabric, what to avoid, and how to keep the mechanics and electronics in good working order.

Key takeaways:

Always unplug your rise and recline chair before cleaning - water and electronics do not mix.
Fabric recliners need gentle upholstery cleaner or mild soapy water, while leather needs a pH-balanced leather cleaner and conditioner.
Cleaning your recliner chair and keeping it well maintained can extend the life of your chair.

Material	Regular clean	Stain treatment	Products to use	Products to avoid
Fabric	Vacuum, then use a damp microfibre cloth.	Blot and use an upholstery cleaner in a circular motion.	Upholstery cleaner and mild soapy water.	Bleach, ammonia, and excessive water.
Leather	Dust, then use a lint-free cloth with a leather cleaner.	Wipe immediately with a leather-safe cleaner.	Apply a pH-balanced leather cleaner and conditioner.	Direct application, heat sources, and abrasive pads.
Faux leather	Use a barely damp microfibre cloth.	Wipe immediately with a dry cloth.	Apply a mild soap solution with a dry cloth.	Bleach, solvent sprays, and steam cleaners.

A clean recliner chair in a cosy living room in front of the fire

Before you clean your recliner chair

Before cleaning your rise and recline chair, there are a few important but necessary steps to consider.

Unplug electronics

Rise and recline chairs come with features including heat and massage functions. As a result, you’ll want to unplug yours from the wall. This will ensure you are safe to use any water or chemical solutions without interfering with the electrics of the chair, which can cause serious harm if mixed.

Unzip removable covers

Our rise and recline chairs are designed with fixed upholstery for a sleeker look and a more comfortable seating experience. Some feature removable seat and back cushion covers for easy washing. If your chair does have removable covers, you can wash them separately, either by hand or as instructed on the label. Be sure to let them air dry fully before popping them back onto your chair and avoid using a tumble dryer, which can reduce fabric quality or even shrink them.

Understand the care label

Most upholstered furniture has a care label with a single letter code. Before reaching for any cleaning product, it's worth checking yours as the code tells you exactly which type of cleaner is safe to use.

W = Water-based only. Use a water-based upholstery cleaner or a mild soapy water solution.
S = Solvent-based only. Use a solvent-based or dry-cleaning upholstery product only. Water can cause shrinkage or staining on S-coded fabrics.
WS = Either type. Both water-based and solvent-based cleaners are safe, but we still recommend patch testing first.
X = Vacuum only. Avoid any liquid-based cleaner. For stains on X-coded fabric, contact a professional upholstery cleaner.

Can't find a care label? All Oak Tree Mobility chairs come with material guidance in your chair's documentation. If you're unsure, our customer care team is happy to answer any questions.

Patch test the fabric

Cleaning products contain a myriad of different chemicals which could interfere with the fabric or leather on your rise and recline chair. If you’re unsure how a cleaning product might react, choose a small, hidden section of the recliner, such as the back of the skirt or under the seat cushion, and dab on a small amount of your chosen cleaner. Wait 10-15 minutes and check for any discolouration, fading or changes in fabric texture.

How to clean a fabric recliner chair

Fabric recliner chairs come in a variety of stylish colours and textures, from smooth microfibre to plush woven finishes, like in our Signature Fabrics range.

All of our fabric upholstery comes Scotchgard™ protected as standard. This involves the chair being treated with a chemical barrier that helps to repel liquids, resist oil and water stains, and block dirt from sinking into fibres. However, this doesn’t mean the chair is completely resistant to stains or general wear and tear.

Routine cleaning of your fabric recliner chair is still necessary to remove the dirt, dust, and crumbs that naturally build up from everyday use - keeping your chair looking as good as it feels.

1. Select the right cleaning products

For fabric rise and recline chairs, gentle cleaning solutions are usually the most effective. Begin with an upholstery cleaner that’s specifically designed for fabrics. If you don’t have one on hand, a simple mix of warm water and a small amount of mild household detergent can work just as well.

2. Vacuum to remove dust

A very common thing we notice when we visit customers is chairs that haven't been vacuumed in the seams. So it’s important to hoover all of the chair crevices, as they can pick up a surprising amount of debris and dust.

3. Spot clean stains and dirty areas

Dab a small amount of the fabric-safe upholstery cleaner onto a microfibre cloth, or dip it into the warm soapy water and wring out so the cloth is damp, not soaking. For stained or dirty areas, simply blot the surface repeatedly. For trickier, older stains, lightly rub the area with the microfibre cloth before swapping out for a soft-bristled brush and cleaning in a circular motion.

4. Dry fully

Once cleaned, use a separate damp cloth to wipe away residual soap or moisture. Allow the area you have cleaned to air dry fully for at least 4-6 hours before reattaching covers or sitting back down.

A rise and recline chair in William Morris print

How to clean a leather recliner chair

Leather rise and recline chairs can last a very long time when cared for properly. Leather needs to be cleaned with specific products in order to prevent the material from drying out, cracking, bleaching or fading.

1. Choose the right cleaning products

Gentle products are necessary to protect leather’s unique qualities. A leather-specific cleaner, one that is pH-balanced and non-abrasive, is best. A leather conditioner or balm is also a great option for smaller, regular maintenance.

2. Remove dust

Start by dusting down your chair. Again, pay particular attention to seams and corners. You could use a soft brush or an upholstery attachment to your vacuum cleaner.

3. Clean the surface

Then apply a small amount of leather cleaner to your lint-free cloth and wipe the surface gently. Never apply cleaners directly to the surface of the leather as this might cause discolouration. Remember to work in sections, and if a leather grain is visible, always in the same direction it follows.

4. Let it dry

Once cleaned, wipe excess products with a damp cloth and let the leather air dry. This will take significantly longer than with a fabric chair, so stayremain patient and don’t attempt to speed up the drying process with portable heaters or hair dryers.

5. Condition the leather

Lastly, apply a small amount of leather conditioner on a dry cloth and massage it into the leather in a circular motion. This hydrating product acts like a moisturiser and will help keep the material soft and supple, forming a protective barrier against future stains.

 A brown leather recliner chair in a living room after it has been cleaned

Cleaning products to avoid

All-purpose cleaners and any that include bleach or ammonia should be avoided at all costs. These are not designed for soft furnishings and can cause severe damage to fabric and leather. Avoid using excessive water as this can lead to water stains, internal and structural damage, and can create mould. Lastly, try to avoid harsh scrubbing pads, which can fray materials and finishes.

How to care for your recliner's mechanism and electronics

As a rule of thumb, you should always carry out regular checks of the underside of your furniture. Listen out for squeaking and clanging sounds as these could be signs of stiffness. If noticeable, try adding a small amount of lubricant to moving parts.
Avoid placing excessive weight on structurally weaker parts of the recliner, such as the footrest, backrest and arms.
To clean your chair’s handset, wipe with a dry or barely damp microfibre cloth; never let moisture run into buttons or cable connections. If the buttons feel sticky, use a cloth with a tiny amount of mild soap and dry immediately.
Empty any side pockets regularly and vacuum the inside if the material allows.
After cleaning your chair, make sure everything is dry before plugging it back in.
Once dry and reconnected, check that the ‘rise’ and ‘recline’ buttons and ‘heat’ or ‘massage’ functions, if included, work correctly. Make sure to inspect specific functions too, e.g. how evenly the footrest lifts.

If something doesn’t feel right, please refer to your chair guide manual. An electrical concern might be a simple loose cable. But remember, never attempt any repairs yourself.

If you’re still experiencing problems, our friendly customer service team is always on hand to help at 0800 073 0063.

FAQS - The best ways to clean recliner chairs

How to remove stains from a fabric recliner chair?

Act quickly, as the sooner you treat a stain, the easier it is to remove. For tea, coffee or food stains on fabric, blot (never rub) with a clean dry cloth to absorb the liquid, then apply a mild upholstery cleaner diluted in warm water and blot again.

For greasy stains, a specialist upholstery degreaser works best but, avoid rubbing, as this spreads the stain.

On leather or faux leather, wipe spills immediately with a dry cloth, then follow with a leather-safe cleaner.

For stubborn or large stains, seek professional upholstery cleaning advice rather than risk making the mark worse.

What is the best way to clean a leather recliner chair?

The best way to clean a leather recliner is to start with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove surface dust, then apply a small amount of pH-balanced leather cleaner to the cloth - never directly to the leather. Wipe gently in the direction of the grain, working in sections. Wipe off any excess with a damp cloth, allow to air dry for at least 12 hours, then finish with a leather conditioner massaged in using a circular motion. This hydrates the leather and forms a protective barrier against future marks. Avoid bleach, ammonia-based products and heat sources.

Can I clean a recliner chair with vinegar?

White vinegar diluted 1:1 with water can be used to lift mild odours and light surface stains from fabric recliners but always patch test on a hidden area first and use it sparingly. Apply with a barely damp cloth and allow to air dry fully. Do not use vinegar on leather or faux-leather as the acidity can strip the finish, dry out the material and cause cracking or discolouration over time.

How to deep clean a recliner?

Start by vacuuming the entire chair on a low suction setting, including seams, the gap between seat and back and underneath the footrest. Remove any cushion covers and wash separately according to the label.

For fabric, apply upholstery cleaner to a microfibre cloth and work in sections, using a soft-bristled brush in circular motions on heavily soiled areas - avoid saturating the fabric.

For leather, clean with a pH-balanced leather cleaner, allow at least twelve hours to dry, then apply conditioner.

Finish by wiping down the handset with a dry cloth, checking all functions work and vacuuming around the base and motor housing before plugging back in.

Invest in a recliner from Oak Tree Mobility

Whether you’re looking for a classic fabric recliner or a sleek leather design, Oak Tree Mobility’s range of British-made rise and recline chairs is crafted with both comfort and practicality in mind. From supportive cushioning to easy-to-clean materials and simple-to-use controls, our chairs are the perfect choice for you and your home.

Ready to find your perfect rise and recline chair? Book your FREE home appointment or request our latest brochure to explore the full collection.

How to clean your recliner chair