Hit enter to search or ESC to close

Upholstery Care and Cleaning Guidelines

Medical Upholstery Cleaning Advice

Help protect the appearance, performance and service life of your medical upholstery

Cleaning a dentist chair

Correct cleaning and disinfection can help your newly upholstered treatment beds, examination couches, chairs and other medical furniture remain hygienic and in good condition for longer.

Medi-Wizard uses a range of specialist upholstery materials to suit different environments, performance requirements and colour preferences. Because these materials can respond differently to cleaning products, it is important to follow the guidance supplied for the particular upholstery fitted to your equipment.

Download our Upholstery Care & Cleaning Guidelines
Medical equipment and upholstery cleaning

Before using disinfectant wipes or chemical cleaners

Always check that the exact cleaning or disinfecting product is approved for the specific upholstery material fitted to your equipment.

A product described as suitable for PVC, vinyl or polyurethane is not necessarily suitable for every medical upholstery material.

This applies particularly to:

  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Bleach or chlorine-based products
  • Alcohol-based cleaners
  • Solvents and stain removers
  • Other strong chemical cleaning agents

If you are unsure which upholstery material has been fitted, or whether a product is compatible with it, please contact Medi-Wizard before use.

Ask us about your upholstery

Essential Information: Upholstery Cleaning

Before using disinfectant wipes or chemical cleaners

Always check that the exact cleaning or disinfecting product is approved for the specific upholstery material fitted to your equipment. 

This applies particularly to:

  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Bleach or chlorine-based products
  • Alcohol-based cleaners
  • Solvents and stain removers

Routine cleaning

Unless the upholstery manufacturer’s instructions say otherwise:

  1. Clean the surface using warm water, mild soap or a mild detergent.
  2. Use a soft microfibre or cotton cloth.
  3. Remove any remaining cleaning residue with clean water and dry the surface thoroughly.

Always follow any material-specific instructions supplied with your newly upholstered equipment.

Cleaning products and methods to avoid

Unless they have been specifically approved for the upholstery material, avoid:

  • Abrasive cleaners, scouring pads and stiff brushes
  • Solvents or preparations containing solvents
  • Unapproved stain removers
  • Bleach or chlorine-based products
  • Alcohol-based cleaning products

Why using the correct product matters

Incorrect, excessive or repeated use of an unsuitable cleaning or disinfection product may cause:

  • Discolouration or staining
  • Hardening of the upholstery
  • Cracking
  • Peeling
  • Premature deterioration of the surface

IMPORTANT:
Material-specific cleaning guidance

Medi-Wizard works with a range of specialist upholstery materials. This allows us to select an appropriate material for each setting, but it also means cleaning instructions can vary between jobs.

Where you have received material-specific cleaning guidance, that guidance takes priority over the general recommendations on this page.

If you need help, send us:

  • Your company or site name
  • The equipment or furniture concerned
  • Your Medi-Wizard job number, if available
  • The name or a photograph of the proposed cleaning product

We can then help identify the material fitted and advise whether you should refer to specific manufacturer guidance.

Important furniture cleaning info

Important warranty information

Damage or premature deterioration caused by using cleaning or disinfecting products contrary to the upholstery manufacturer’s instructions or the care guidance supplied by Medi-Wizard may not be covered by the applicable material or workmanship warranty.

Always follow the current instructions issued by both the upholstery manufacturer and the manufacturer of the cleaning or disinfection product.

Medical Upholstery Cleaning Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use disinfectant wipes on medical upholstery?
Only if the exact wipes are approved for the specific upholstery material fitted. Disinfectant wipes vary in their chemical composition, so a wipe being labelled suitable for vinyl does not confirm that it is suitable for every upholstery material.
Q: Can I clean the upholstery with bleach or alcohol?
Do not use bleach, chlorine or alcohol-based products unless the upholstery manufacturer confirms that the material is compatible with them. Repeated use of an unsuitable product can damage the upholstery surface.
Q: What should I use for everyday cleaning?
Unless the material-specific instructions state otherwise, use warm water with mild soap or a mild detergent and a soft microfibre or cotton cloth. Remove any residue with clean water and dry the surface.
Q: How can I find out which material has been fitted?
Contact Medi-Wizard with your site details and job number, if available. We can help confirm the upholstery material and provide the relevant care information.

North Yorkshire

ADDRESS
Reedshaw Reservoir House
Reedshaw Lane
Cowling
North Yorkshire
BD22 0NA

PHONE
01535 633100

Lancashire

ADDRESS
Unit 9 Kenyon Court
Kenyon Road
Lomeshaye Industrial Estate
Nelson, Lancashire
BB9 5TF

Get in touch