Easy Chair Care tips to make your chair last longer
Let’s admit it: a gaming chair is an investment. The last thing you’d want to do is have to replace it prematurely. If you’ve been neglecting your chair, it’s time to start taking care of it more seriously. These simple care tips will do wonders in extending the lifespan of your gaming chair.
Leather vs leatherette: what’s the difference?
When it comes to gaming chairs, the main materials used are either leather or leatherette.
While many see leatherette — also known as faux leather — as an inferior material, this isn’t always true. In fact, Leatherette can be easier to maintain than real leather, making it accessible for everyone. Plus, unlike real leather, it is also non-porous, meaning that it is much more resistant to humidity and light.
Two of the most common kinds of synthetic leather are Polyurethane (PU) and Polyvinyl Choloride (PVC), with each having certain nuances between them.
PU | PVC | Real leather | |
Structure | Less layers, more pliable | More layers, more durable | Very pliable and flexible |
Breathability | More breathable than PVC | Not as breathable as PU | Extremely breathable |
Resistance to stains | Good resistance to stains | Best resistance to stains | Low resistance to stains |
Resistance to water | Not as water resistant than PVC | Lack of pores, extremely water resistant | Low resistance to water, can be damaged easily without proper care |
Plus, a well-made leatherette chair even outlasts real leather if taken care of properly and here’s how!
*This guide will cover the realm of PVC leather care and how to keep your gaming chair in tip-top shape.
Keep it away from liquid
When it comes to any type of leather —yes, even faux leather— moisture is the enemy.
While PVC leather is water-resistant, its resistance decreases as it ages. As much as possible, avoid situations which might introduce moisture to your chair, such as sitting down right after a shower or a sweaty run.
Furthermore, PVC leather is not completely resistant to the effects of perspiration. Perspiration is acidic in nature and can affect the pH levels of the coating, make it more prone to damage.
Immediately wipe down sweat after a long gaming session to prevent this and avoid sitting on your chair with abrasive materials such as jeans, which increases friction, causing the top layer to wear down more quickly.
Any dry, lint-free cloth or microfiber dusting glove (easily found in DIY stores) can be used to clean any PVC leather gaming chair like the uThrone Gaming Massage Chair. Otherwise, you could also use a seat cushion or towel to protect and minimise direct contact with the upholstery.
No light, no problem
Many people like to place their gaming setups next to the window. However, direct, prolonged exposure to sunlight can dry out PVC leather, resulting in peeling and cracking. This can also cause a chalky appearance or discolouration of the upholstery, which will make your gaming setup look admittedly a lot less cool.
While the upholstery of the uThrone is ultra-resistant to humidity and light, it’s better to err on the side of caution and keep it in a cool, dry place. Not only will it be better for your chair, it’ll also be better for your eyes.
Clean it regularly
Regular chair care can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your PVC leather chair.
- Dust every day with a microfiber cloth to prevent dust from accumulating
- Use a mild soap, mixed with water, on tougher stains. Wipe with a damp, not wet, cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and acetone, which can leave traces on your chair, causing it to dry out and crack.
- Avoid abrasive cleaning materials such as abrasive sponges that can cause scratches on the upholstery.
Ensure that the chair is fully dry before using it as per normal — don’t leave it to dry in the sun!
P.S. if the weather is particularly humid, you may want to clean your chair more frequently to prevent mould or mildew from forming.
While not necessary, wiping off dirt and body oils with a leather cleaner can also help maximise the longevity of your chair.
Use the chair as intended
Practice a good sitting posture, which will distribute your weight evenly across the chair. More unconventional ways of sitting, no matter how comfortable they may be, can cause the material to stretch and tear.
Besides that, these positions negate the ergonomic capabilities of the uThrone and do nothing for your back health.
With proper maintenance and care, your PVC leather gaming chair can go a long way
Proper, regular care of your PVC leather chair can extend its lifespan.
The OSIM uThrone Gaming Massage Chairs uses a premium quality PVC leatherette that has undergone rigorous quality certification tests by BOKEN, Japan’s leading textile and lifestyle goods testing organisation. With a high resistance to water, humidity, dirt, and light, the OSIM uThrone is built to last.
