How To Get Hair Out Of Chair Wheels

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Updated December 1, 2022

Office chair caster wheels can accumulate debris over time, including hair, dust, paper, and more. This debris can eventually clog up wheels and cause maneuvering problems.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Remove caster wheels for easy access to accumulated hair and debris.
  • The duct tape method can be applied to remove smaller chunks of hair.
  • Clippers and tweezers are useful for larger chunks of hair and for reaching into the wheel cracks.

How to Clean Hair Out of Office Chair Caster Wheels

The most popular office chairs tend to vary wildly when it comes to the design and implementation of their caster wheels. Any dirt like hair on the wheels will affect how your office chair moves or how the office chair fits, which will reduce your productivity. In other words, there is no “one size fits all” solution to cleaning up clogged wheels. We do, however, have some general guidelines and tips.

Insider Tip

Many modern office chairs feature removable casters, which can be screwed off or popped off easily.

An Easy How-to Guide on Cleaning Caster Wheels

Here are a number of steps to take to clean hair and related gunk from the wheels of your office chair. Learning how to correctly clean and maintain your office chair will increase its longevity.

Remove the Casters

Many modern office chairs feature removable casters, which can be screwed off or popped off easily. Removing these casings should be your first step, as this will allow easy access to wheels themselves to apply cleaning fluid. Some casters may require the use of a screwdriver for removal. If that is the case, place the screwdriver between the chair leg and the base of the caster. Then, gently push until the caster is removed. Not all chairs feature removable casters, however, so you may have to flip the chair around and access the wheels that way.

Duct Tape Procedure

A simple way to remove hair and debris from a caster wheel is to use the duct tape method. Duct tape is a simple household item that most consumers already own, so this method also saves money. Roll a section of the tape out on a finger with the sticky side facing out. Place the duct tape on any debris or hair located on the caster wheel, and then pull swiftly. Chunks of hair should easily come off. Repeat the procedure as needed. It’s an effective method for removing cat hair from wheels as well.

Warning

Not all chairs feature removable casters, however, so you may have to flip the chair around and access the wheels that way.

Clippers and Tweezers

If the wheel is too clogged up for duct tape to have much of an impact, then you may need to use clippers and tweezers to shred away tufts of hair and related debris. Use a pair of clippers to cut the hair into sections and then use the duct tape method described above. Tweezers are also a great solution, as they can easily reach into the cracks of the wheels to remove deeply embedded hair and debris. Once all of the hair has been removed, you can simply wash the wheels with a cleaning solution of warm water and soap. If you still find mobility issues with your chair then perhaps you need to fix your chair by drilling a hole in the bottom of the office chair.

STAT: Most office chairs tend to come standard with 2” to 2.5” wheels. (source)

Cleaning Office Chair Wheels FAQ

Can you replace office chair wheels?

Most modern office chairs feature wheels that can be removed and replaced. Check with your manufacturer before attempting the procedure so you know how to properly replace your office chair’s wheels.

Are all office chair wheels the same?

No. There are many types of office chair wheel designs, though many chairs come standard with 2” to 2.5” wheels.

What are the wheels on a chair called?

A caster (or castor) is an undriven wheel that is designed to be attached to the bottom of a larger object, such as an office chair.
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