How to Sanitize Your Steelcase Products

Fabrics + Soft Surfaces

Fabrics + Soft Surfaces

Do not use disinfectants unless the fabric is specifically approved for this. Disinfectants will damage most fabrics. A fresh water rinse after application of harsh commercial cleaners is required.

Ask yourself: Is deep-cleaning necessary?

If you do want to deep clean soft surfaces, follow these steps:

  1. Mix 1 part clear dish detergent and 16 parts water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray soft surface lightly and evenly until damp. The spray should coat the surface but not soak through.
  3. Let sit for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Use a wet/dry vacuum (such as a Shop Vac) to remove all moisture from the surface.
  5. Allow to air dry until completely dry.
Hard Surfaces (Glass, Plastic, Laminate, Paint, Wood, Metal, etc.)

Hard Surfaces (Glass, Plastic, Laminate, Paint, Wood, Metal, etc.)

All Steelcase standard hard surfaces can be disinfected as follows:

  1. Use one of the 5 cleaners listed below.
  2. Spray hard surfaces lightly and evenly. 
  3. Wipe dry.

Approved Disinfectants for Hard Surfaces:

These are the only disinfectants that are EPA-approved as effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and that are proven not to negatively impact material finish. Damage caused by using any cleaning products except these will not be covered by warranty.

  • Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
  • Formula 409 Disinfecting Spray
  • Clorox Non-Bleach Disinfecting Wipes
  • Lysol All Purpose Spray Cleaner
  • Fantastik All Purpose Spray Cleaner

Can’t Find Any of These Disinfectants?

If you can’t find one of these approved disinfectants, you can use instead a 1:16 dishsoap/water mixture in a spray bottle. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then wipe dry.

Download a print version of hard and soft surface cleaning instructions.

Play VideoCleaning your Steelcase Products

To demonstrate proper technique for reducing risk of virus transmission without damaging your product’s finish.

Watch the Video

Important Notes Regarding These Cleaning Instructions

  • Do not use disinfectants unless the fabric is specifically approved for this. Disinfectants will damage most fabrics. A fresh water rinse after application of harsh commercial cleaners is required.
  • For the latest information on potential exposure pathways for COVID-19 infection, including contact with surfaces, please see the CDC website.
  • Before using any cleaner, check first to ensure it complies with your company’s EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) requirements.
  • Please work with your Facilities and EHS staff to determine how frequently your products should be cleaned.
  • Always follow the cleaner manufacturer’s instructions for use, including dilution and dwell time (time that the cleaner remains on surface before being cleaned off).
  • Proper personal protection equipment (PPE) such as gloves and eye protection, as directed by the cleaner manufacturer, must be worn.
  • Never mix cleaners together, especially bleach and ammonia, as the mixture produces toxic fumes.
  • Ensure that proper ventilation is used during cleaning, in accordance with the cleaner manufacturer’s directions.
  • To avoid risks of fire or shock, always disconnect electrical power when cleaning products that use or provide electricity.
  • Be careful not to allow liquids to enter any openings in electrical products.
  • Since these types of cleaners are marketed under a large number of brand names, it isn’t possible to evaluate all cleaners on all surfaces.
  • Due to the wide variation in the end use of these cleaning products (including amount of product applied, elapsed time before removal from the surface, physical action used to remove the cleaner, and the number of applications), your results may vary from the test results used to develop this guide.
  • If you are unsure about the use of a given cleaner on a surface, please test it first on a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding with a broader cleaning program.
  • These guidelines apply only to products manufactured by Steelcase. For guidance on cleaning other products, refer to the manufacturer of those products’ manufacturers.
  • For custom materials (COM), contact the material manufacturer for cleaning guidelines.
  • For guidelines specific to Designtex fabrics, refer to instructions on their website.
  • Steelcase cannot make a determination of the effectiveness of a given disinfectant product in fighting pathogens, such as COVID-19. Please refer to your local public health authority’s guidance on how to stay safe from potential infection.

Additional Information

For additional manufacturer information, please reach out to your Workplace Consultant or contact us.