How to Oil an Office Chair – Learn About What Lubricants to Use

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Written by:

Updated Jun 27, 2022 11:11 PM

Fixing a squeaky office chair is often just a matter of lubricating some of the moving components on the underside of the chair. It’s important that you find the right oil to use to get the results you want and to not damage the materials of the chair. A quick oiling session may be enough to transform your seat to a top-rated office chair.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Lubricant helps moving parts operate smoothly, without friction
  • Consider the type of material of your chair to pick the right lubricant
  • More powerful lubricants can also treat rust and dirt problems

Best Lubricants to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair

There are several different types of lubricant available to use to fix a squeaky office chair. The type of lubricant you use depends on the material of your chair and the condition of the parts that need lubrication. If you, however, believe that your chair is beyond redemption, you can find a place to donate your office chair.

Silicone-Based Lubricant

Most people can use a silicone-based lubricant to solve their office chair’s squeaking problem. Silicone-based lubricants are best for chairs made with metal, plastic, or rubber materials. WD-40 is the leading brand of silicone lubricant. These lubricants are available in easy-to-use spray cans.

Penetrating Oil

Penetrating oil is a heavy-duty oil that, in addition to lubricating, will remove rust and dirt from your chair’s parts. Penetrating oil can only be used on metals. While it is very effective and long-lasting on metal, it can damage other materials, like rubber, plastic, vinyl, and wood.

PTFE Oil

PTFE oil is used in effective multipurpose lubricants that work for a long time. They are ideal for small metallic areas of your office or gaming chair. It can also be used to lubricate other objects, like hinges and doorknobs. However, PTFE oil is not waterproof and not recommended for use on anything that may be exposed to the elements.

Beeswax

Beeswax is the perfect lubricant for wooden office chairs. You won’t risk damaging or staining the wood components of the chair with this natural lubricant. It can also be effective to use when cleaning waterproof leather.

It is important that you mind your environment when oiling your office chair. Some lubricants can easily damage the beautiful mat that you put under your office chair.

F.A.Q.

How do you fix a squeaky office chair?

Squeaky noises and other noises coming from the best office chair are the cause of wear and tear, and the need to lubricate moving components of the chair. As such, fixing the noise problem is as simple as lubricating and tightening the chair as needed.


What kind of oil should I use for a squeaky office chair?

For most office chairs, a silicon-based lubricant like WD-40 is the best choice to fix a common squeaky noise. If you have a wooden office chair, it is recommended to use beeswax so as to not damage the wood. If parts of your chair are rusty, look into using a heavier-duty penetrating oil.


How do you lubricate office chair wheels?

If you find that the wheels of your office or gaming chair are making a squeaky sound, the best thing to do is to apply a little bit of lubricant to them. Use a spray lubricant and apply it to each wheel. Remove any excess lubricant that may pick up dirt and dust from the ground.


How should you clean your dirty office chairs?

While cleaning your office chair may depend on the material of the chair, generally, you can simply apply soap and water to a dry cloth and wipe the surfaces of the chair. You can use this method on most pieces of furniture made with 100% recycled polyester or polyester mixes. If you have deep stains, you may need to spot-treat those areas with a stronger solution.

How do you clean a leather office chair?

Leather chairs can actually be easier to maintain because it is easier to lift stains from the material. Though you may be tempted to use the same leather cleaner used for leather car seats, these cleaners are generally too harsh for office chairs. Instead, use a delicate cleaning foam and some warm water on a dry cloth and wipe the surface.


STAT: Chair noise can affect the productivity of employees negatively as much as 69%. (source)

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

Learn More About Office Chair