Steelcase chairs are some of the best on the market. They are built to last, made from sustainable materials, and have a fantastic reputation.
We could go on and on about why Steelcase chairs are amazing, and why the Steelcase Leap chair is one of their best models. But chances are that if you’re reading this, you probably already have a Steelcase chair and are trying to figure out how to take care of it.
Steelcase chairs have a limited lifetime warranty, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to do any maintenance on them to keep them looking new and pristine.
Here are a few ways to maintain your Steelcase Leap chair for decades to come.
Table of Contents
1. Respect the Weight Limit
Weight limits are put on chairs for a reason. They give the customers an idea of how strong the chair is and let them know how to keep it in good condition.
The weight limit on a Steelcase Leap chair is 400 pounds, which is a lot higher than most office chairs. This gives you an idea of the quality and durability of the product.
If the chair’s weight limit is continually surpassed, it will wear out more significantly quickly. This means a perfectly good and well-built chair could suffer damages that could have easily been avoided.
If you or whoever is using the chair is over 400 pounds, don’t worry, you can still enjoy the remarkable craftsmanship Steelcase has to offer. The Steelcase Leap Plus chair is built to accommodate bigger-bodied individuals and give them the ergonomic support they need to feel comfortable.
The Steelcase Leap Plus holds up to 500 pounds of weight. We highly recommend going for this version if you surpass the 400-pound weight limit of the classic Steelcase Leap. You’ll end up getting several more years out of your purchase.
2. Change the Wheels
Most people don’t think about the wheels (casters) of an ergonomic chair. They are too focused on the armrests and cushions that they forget how they are wheeling around from one end of the room to another.
The wheels are some of the first components to show wear and tear. They scuff and don’t always work well on every kind of surface.
Changing the wheels is very easy. Turn the chair on its side and pop the old wheels off and stick the new ones on.
Alternatively, if you aren’t ready to change the wheels, giving them a good clean will also rejuvenate them. Take a damp cloth and wipe them down, then grab a Q-tip and clean the inside to get any dirt or fluff out. This will help them roll smoother.
3. Clean It Regularly
Cleanliness is next to godliness, so keeping your Steelcase Leap chair clean and stain-free is essentially to keep it looking as fresh and new as possible.
Not all stains are created equal though, so here are a few spills you might encounter and how to get rid of them:
- Alcohol and Coffee: Apply diluted vinegar over the stain and rinse immediately.
- Butter: Wash with soap flakes or dish liquid and rinse immediately. You can also use a solvent if you have one.
- Chocolate: If the stain is fresh, use diluted vinegar. If it’s been there a while, use soap flakes or dish liquid to wash it and rinse immediately.
- Fruit juice: Treat it with an oxidative bleaching agent or a color-fixing agent.
- Urine: Accidents happen! Fresh stains can be removed with soap flakes or dish soap. Dried stains should be treated with an enzyme agent.
If you want to learn more about stain treatments for Steelcase chairs, click here.
When the pandemic hit, Steelcase realized people didn’t just want to clean up stains, they wanted to sanitize their chairs. While we don’t think you need to sanitize your chair full-on, we do recommend cleaning its surfaces now and then to avoid dirt and bacteria buildup.
Steelcase recommends that you use water and soap to clean your chair.
To clean fabric surfaces, mix water and soap well and spray it on the cushions. Wait for a couple of minutes then vacuum the surface with a wet/dry vacuum.
For hard or plastic surfaces, use the same spray and wipe them dry with a soft cloth.
It is much easier to clean your chair often than wait until it’s super grime and gross. You might need to spend much more time scrubbing and vacuuming to bring it back to its original state.
4. Lubricate It
Steelcase Leap chairs just have a few moving parts, but they are all super important. A squeak here or a rough turn there will decrease the chair’s value and make it feel a lot older and worn.
Before you lube up a Steelcase Leap chair, you need to remove the pads for easier access. You can unscrew them and slip them off the frame of the chair.
The tracks under the seat of the chair tend to create a lot of friction if not well-maintained, so they should be lubricated. You can use WD-40 for this. Use the lubricant in moderation. The chair should not be wet with the substance.
You can also lubricate the sides of the seat that connect to the bottom of the armrest and around the swivel if it’s getting a little rusty or difficult to turn.
5. Replace the Lumbar Support
The Steelcase Leap lumbar support system is one of the biggest reasons why people invest in the chair. It makes sitting for long periods comfortable and takes pressure and tension off the lower back and sitting bones.
Unfortunately, the lumbar support system can wear out, not giving the proper support you need after a while. But don’t worry, this isn’t a reason to sell or throw the chair away.
Changing the lumbar support system is simple and a great way to refresh your Steelcase Leap.
The lumbar support is tucked behind the back cushion of the chair. To access it, reach behind the cushion back and unhook the support. Do this on both sides. Afterward, you will be able to slide the lumbar support panel out.
To put the new lumbar support system in, slide the panel between the cushion and the chair’s back, making sure the handles are facing out. Secure it where the middle of your lower back hits.
Keep in mind that you may not even need to change the lumbar support system in the chair. If you find that it’s not serving you properly, it might just need to be adjusted. Everybody’s back is different and if you’re a little taller or shorter, the lumbar support system may need to be removed.
Be sure to watch the video linked above if you need a visual.
6. Replace Gas Cylinder
A Steelcase Leap will not move up and down smoothly without a well-functioning gas cylinder, so if your chair is a little old, the gas cylinder might need to be changed. Replacing smaller parts like this is a lot more economical and environmentally friendly than buying a new chair.
You will need a pipe wrench to replace the part, so be wary of that before attempting the replacement.
Use the wrench to turn the cylinder and base off the seat of the chair. Once it’s removed, use a rubber matter to hit the cylinder out from the center of the base. This may take a little force.
Once the old cylinder is fully removed, put the new one in the base, set the chair on top, and push it into place.
Changing the cylinder will give your chair a much more fluid feel.
In Conclusion
There are lots of ways to maintain and rejuvenate your Steelcase Leap chair. Replacing small parts and giving it a clean now and then may sound like a lot to do for an office chair but bring tremendous benefits.
It’s a lot more affordable and convenient to make small adjustments throughout the years than find yourself sitting on a dilapidated chair that needs replacing simply because you didn’t put the time in to take care of it.
Also if you’re just going to choose one way to maintain your chair, we recommend cleaning it regularly. This will keep it looking new and happy. Plus, no one likes a dirty office chair.
Do you own a Steelcase Leap chair? How do you take care of it? Have you replaced any parts yet and if so, has that made a big difference in how the chair feels and functions?
We’d love to know about your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Good luck taking care of your Steelcase Leap chair! We know it will thank you!
My name is Vance, and I am the owner of To Ergonomics. Our mission is to improve your workflow by helping you create a supportive and welcoming environment. We hope that you’ll find what you’re looking for while you’re here.