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How to care for your Vitra Eames lounge chair

vitra lounge chair fabric nubia pink how to care for it

Care & maintenance for the Vitra Eames lounge chair

Why care matters

The Vitra Eames lounge chair is a design icon crafted with high‑quality materials: moulded plywood shell, premium leather (or fabric) and a precision cast aluminium base. Proper maintenance not only preserves its beauty, but also extends its lifespan a chair by Charles & Ray Eames is meant to be enjoyed for decades. 

What are the general care instructions?

Use a soft, damp cloth for most surfaces. 

Choose environmentally friendly, mild cleaning agents and always test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot first. 

Treat any spills or spots promptly: blot (don’t rub) with a lint-free cloth. 

 

close up of Vitra Eames Lounge chair & Ottoman - Santos Palisander, black Leather, black/polsished sides - ex-display / Sale - close up


What about Material specific care?

Here’s how to care for the key materials on your chair:


Leather upholstery

Avoid placing the chair in direct sunlight or too close to heat sources this can dry out the leather. 

Wipe light dirt or dust with a barely damp cloth don’t soak the leather. 

To remove stains:

Use a mild leather cleaner (foam or liquid) for regular cleaning.

For small marks (like pen), a colourless pencil eraser may help. 

After cleaning, apply a designated leather care product to keep the leather supple. 

Do not use harsh substances like turpentine, shoe polish, or aggressive stain removers. 

If your chair has “Premium F” or “Natural F” leather (olive-leaf tanned), Vitra offers a specific care set just for that. Please get in touch with us.

 

Wood / veneer

The moulded plywood shell is sealed with a high-quality lacquer. 

Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth; for tougher spots, you can use mild detergent, but dry immediately afterward. 

Avoid strong polishes, waxes, or silicone-based cleaners they can damage the finish or leave residue. 

Avoid placing the chair in extremely dry or humid environments: large fluctuations in temperature or humidity can affect wood veneer (warping, cracking). 

 

Metal (base / frame)

For polished aluminium or chrome, use a normal glass cleaner and a soft cloth, then dry.

For powder-coated metal, clean with pH-neutral, water-based detergent (pH 5–8) and a soft, non‑abrasive cloth.

Never use abrasive cleansers, powders, or acidic cleaners (like citric or acetic acid). 

 

vitra eames lounge chair and ottoman showing 2 different finishes


What about routine maintenance & longer‑term care?

Annual maintenance: At least once a year, treat the leather with a cleaner + conditioner to maintain suppleness. 

Glide Replacement : The chair uses glides at the base. If you need to replace them, Vitra offers original spare glide (in black or white, for hard or soft floors).

Refurbishment / Repair: If cushions wear out, the shock mounts degrade, or the veneer needs restoration Vitra offers a repair and refurbishment service through their Circle Store Campus. 

 

What are the recommended care products?

Leather Care Set for Smooth Leather: Vitra sells a dedicated cleaner + care lotion + sponge + cloth.

Leather Care Set for Olive-Leaf-Tanned Leather (“Premium F” / “Natural F”): A product designed specifically for this type of leather.


Is there a Warranty and is it authentic?

We only sell genuine Vitra  Eames Lounge Chair, manufactured by Vitra, explore more about the Vitra lounge chair and ottoman.

Vitra products are designed for longevity; proper care helps preserve their quality for generations. The Eames Lounge Chair is eligible for the 10-year limited manufacturer warranty, this  warranty is granted exclusively to private customers )for private use. The warranty is only activated if the product is registered online at my.vitra.com within six months of the purchase date.

For warranty or service questions, please get in touch with us as for spare parts and repairs.

 

Read more about the Vitra Eames lounge chair:

Vitra Eames lounge chair colours materials finishes guide

Vitra Eames lounge chair classic vs xl version

Vitra original vs. fake Eames lounge chairs: how to spot an authentic classic

 

classic vitra eames lounge chair and ottoman with black leather

Quicklook Q&A

 

How often should I clean the chair?  

 Dust leather and wood surfaces weekly with a soft, lint-free cloth. For leather, a deeper clean/condition should be performed at least annually.

What cleaning agents should I avoid?   

Never use abrasive powders, strong chemical solvents, acidic cleaners (like vinegar), silicone-based polishes, or harsh stain removers on any material.

Can I use my own leather conditioner?  

 While mild, pH-neutral leather care products are generally safe, we strongly recommend using the Vitra-specific Leather Care Set for guaranteed material compatibility and longevity.

How do I protect the wood veneer? 

Avoid placing the chair in direct sunlight or close to heat sources. Maintain stable room humidity to prevent warping or cracking of the sealed plywood shell.

Are the glides replaceable?  

 Yes. If moving the chair causes scratching, you can replace the original glides. Vitra offers specific spare glides for both hard and soft flooring.

Do you have any other questions?

Please get in touch, call us on 01423 524777 or use the Web Chat if you’d like to speak to us anytime.


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