You have come to the realization that it is time to purchase a new office chair, but with the large variety of options available it can become overwhelming to determine which chair will work best for you. Although it may seem like a simple purchase to make, there are many components on an office chair that should be considered prior to purchasing. The four main parts of an office chair are the seat, the armrests, the mechanism, and the backrest. All of these parts combined can lead to a healthy and comfortable sitting experience, but if one is overlooked or ignored it can also lead to pain and discomfort. Perhaps the one part of an office chair that is most often overlooked is the backrest.

A good backrest will provide the support needed to keep you sitting comfortably for extended periods of time. When determining which backrest is best suited for you it is important to keep a few things in mind. The first aspect to consider is if you have any prior medical conditions that affect how you sit through the work day. Many workers in the United States have sat in a cheap office chair that does not properly fit them for most of their careers which inadvertently leads to experiencing back pain and aches throughout the work day. Others have suffered from injuries or accidents that also affect their sitting experience. Luckily, with the vast assortment of ergonomic chairs available there are may different models and designs specifically tailored for all different types of injuries and back pains.

For those that suffer from lower back pain, it is best to find a backrest that is going to provide lumbar support. The most common type of lumbar support found on many different office chair models is a contoured backrest. The back forms an "S" shape which molds to the natural shape of the spine. It is crucial to find a backrest that can be adjusted in height in order to properly position the lumbar support to meet your body's specific needs. Another unique option that is available for lower back pain sufferers is an inflatable lumbar support, which is a small air pump inserted into the lower part of the backrest that can be inflated or deflated depending on the level of support that is needed. This option is available in high-end ergonomic chairs .

For those that suffer from upper back pain and shoulder pain it is advisable to find a backrest that is going to provide full back support. An office chair that is considered to have a high back will support both the upper back and shoulders. Chairs that are deemed to have a mid back or low back are a good option for those that do not suffer from upper back pain but should be avoided by those that do. Another option for those that need extra neck support and like to lean back in their chairs is a headrest.

Whether you suffer from upper back pain, lower back pain, or no back pain at all, the backrest is one of the most important aspects of any office chair and should be taken into consideration when searching for your next new office chair.

There is nothing worse than finding a nasty stain on your office chair fabric, it seems once it’s there it almost appears to grow and magnify each time you look at it. The question is what is the best way to deal with a bad fabric stain? And the answer really depends on what the stain is caused by.

Here are some of the most common stains found on office chairs and how to best deal with them.

Soft Drinks, Tea and Coffee Stains   

Fabric stains on office chairs caused by soft drinks, tea and coffee are very common after all it’s just so easy to slop your drink when working in your chair.

As with the majority of fabric stains speedy treatment is vital so it is always best to act quickly. Begin by mopping up any excess fluid with a white paper towel, do this by blotting the stain and don’t start rubbing at it.

Next, mix up a solution of 33% white vinegar (acetic acid) and 66% warm water, dampen the stain with the solution with either a cloth or a misting spray.

Allow it to soak in for a short time and then blot again with a clean paper towel, repeat this process if necessary.

Grease Stains

Again speed is important when dealing with grease stains. Begin by sprinkling the greasy mark with talc or corn starch and let the grease absorb into the powder before brushing it off. This will remove any grease sitting on the surface of the fabric.

Next, use a dry cleaning solvent to damp the stain to dissolve the grease using a white paper towel to blot the affected area and remove the grease. It may well be necessary to repeat the treatment where the stain is particularly bad.

A cautionary note, before using any solvent always test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t adversely react with the fabric color.

Chocolate Stains

Chocolate is a real menace in the office, you’re having a snack and before you know it a lump of chocolate falls on the chair and then you sit on it and the damage is done.

Where it’s a big lump it is worth placing an ice cube in some cling film and pressing it against the chocolate to harden it, then take the back of a pen knife and carefully scrape off the build up of chocolate.

Once you have done this use the dry cleaning solvent procedure suggested for grease stains, remembering to test for color fastness first.

General Office Chair Fabric Maintenance

You may find you will need to clean the remainder of your chair fabric if it is a few years old as spot cleaning can leave the area a lot cleaner than the remaining fabric.

It’s always a good idea to keep your chair fabric in good condition by regular cleaning, left untreated minute grit particles embed themselves and act like sandpaper causing premature wear in your seating upholstery.

Regular vacuuming with a good cleaner as well as light beating to agitate the dirt particles is a good idea and will help prolong the life of your chair’s fabric.

Where the fabric is heavily worn it may be too late to restore its finish and investing in a new chair may be necessary.