Tips and advice

How to care for your salon chairs | Guide with photos

Want your chairs to look new for longer, feel clean for every client – and avoid brittle upholstery? Let’s find a simple routine that works in a busy salon. Most “leather” salon chairs are actually vegan leather (faux leather). That’s good news: it’s strong, stain-resistant and ages pretty good – especially when you care for it the right way.

22. September 2025

What ends up on your chairs in a typical day?

Shampoo, hairspray, skincare, colour residue, coffee, sweat and everyday dust. Over time it all forms a film that dries the surface out. That’s why it pays to use a care product that cleans gently and restores elasticity, so the material doesn’t dry and crack. Don’t want to read the whole article? You can grab the care kit right here.

Why Carisma from Greiner?

Because Carisma Cleaning & Care Lotion is developed specifically for professional faux leather on salon chairs. It’s ready to use, cleans without solvents, lifts dirt gently and prevents drying, so the surface keeps its suppleness. The set includes a high-pile, reusable microfibre cloth that makes the process quick and safe – and yes, it’s been thoroughly tested in real salon use.

A realistic routine

Picture closing time. Shake the bottle, mist one – two sprays onto the cloth (not directly on the chair), then wipe seat, arms and back in calm, circular motions. Finish with a quick polish using the cloth’s smooth side and the chair looks fresh and even – no residue film. It takes two–three minutes per chair, and next morning you’re greeted by a subtle, clean scent and a tidy surface.

Carisma cleaning kitCarisma care kit

What if something spills?

If haircolour, coffee or anything else lands on the upholstery, reach for the cloth immediately. Speed matters. With colour, blot up as much as you can first (kitchen roll works), then follow with the kit – ideally while the client is still in the chair if possible. And keep the good habit during colour services: a proper protective cape that covers the chair saves you work and sometimes the cost of a new chair.

“Can’t I just use water and a bit of alcohol?”

Water removes loose dust, but not product film and oils. Alcohol and harsh all-purpose cleaners can dry out and erode the top-coat. The result is a fragile surface that ages too fast. If you ran a salon during the pandemic and had to disinfect constantly, you’ve seen this up close. A material-friendly care product like carisma gives you cleanliness, sheen and long-term value in one go.

A little extra love

Give seams, transitions and armrests a touch of extra attention now and then – product build-up likes to hide there. Look after the base, too: a damp cloth over the cross-base and pump keeps metal and chrome neat. Avoid rinsing with lots of water; wipe dry to prevent water marks.

A few reminders

Always test any new product on a discreet spot if the surface is delicate. Consider the age of your furniture: if the chairs are “12 years old now and were 15 when you bought them”, older coatings can react badly to harsh cleaners like alcohol. Keep products away from eyes and heated surfaces, don’t let them dry on the upholstery before wiping, and store out of reach of children.

In short

If you spray carisma onto the cloth and wipe the chair at closing time each day, your leather stays fresh and supple, and you’ll meet a clean work surface every morning. When spills happen, treat them right away. Make it a habit and you’ll extend your chair’s lifespan, improve first impressions – and keep things pleasant for both you and your clients.

Written by Rasmus Østergaard

Author at Just Add People

Meet the author

Rasmus Østergaard is an editor and journalist at Just Add People. Rasmus is responsible for making useful information about the hairdressing profession and the beauty industry easily accessible to everyone.

Read more about Rasmus

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