A massage chair carries dozens of moving parts, all working under your body weight, several times a week, for years. If you skip proper massage chair maintenance, you’ll start to notice it within months. Cracking leather and damaged upholstery are usually the first signs you’ll notice. Before long, motor failure can also occur.
The maintenance to prevent this only takes a few minutes a week, and doesn’t require a specialist skill set.
Quick Answer
- Wipe down weekly with a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth, never harsh chemicals.
- Vacuum monthly on low suction to clear dust from seams, tracks, and crevices.
- Condition leather every few months to stop cracking and fading.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and off a shared power board with other high-draw appliances.
- Book a professional service annually if you use your chair a few times a week, or every 4–6 months for daily use.
How to Clean a Massage Chair Without Damaging It
Turn the chair off and unplug it before you start. This protects both you and the electronics inside. Wipe the entire surface with a soft, lint-free cloth, working into seams and crevices where dust and skin oils build up.
For spot cleaning, a few drops of mild soap in warm water is usually enough. Skip alcohol, bleach, and solvent-based cleaners altogether, since these strip protective coatings and dry out upholstery. If you're unsure what's safe for your specific model, check the manufacturer's manual first.
Massage Chair Care by Upholstery Type
Genuine and synthetic leather need different treatment from fabric. Wipe leather down weekly, then apply a leather conditioner every 2 to 3 months to replenish the natural oils that keep it supple.
Left untreated, leather that's exposed to sunlight and dry indoor air can start fading and cracking within months, as UV rays break down the material's fibres and pigments, with fading sometimes visible in as little as four to six months near a sunny window. Browse our range of leather massage chairs if you're weighing up upholstery options for your next chair.
Fabric-covered chairs are more forgiving but still need regular vacuuming to stop dust from settling into the weave. Remove any detachable cushions or covers periodically to clean underneath them properly.
Where You Place Your Chair Matters
Position your chair away from direct sunlight and away from kitchens or bathrooms where moisture is a factor. Do not set the massage chair up in a damp humid room. Good massage chair care starts before you even switch it on: plug it into a dedicated, surge-protected outlet rather than a shared power board. A sensitive electronic appliance like a massage chair needs stable, dedicated power rather than sharing a power board with other electronic appliances. General power boards lack proper surge protection, and do not protect your investment from power surges from an internal or external surge..
When to Call in a Professional
Unusual noises, uneven massage pressure, or a chair that no longer reclines smoothly are all signs it's time for a service. Demand for high-end chairs in Australia keeps climbing, which also means a properly maintained chair holds its resale and functional value far longer than one left to fend for itself.
Worried your current chair is nearing the end of its useful life? It's worth checkingare massage chairs worth it before deciding whether to repair or replace.
Get Expert Guidance from Relax For Life
Every chair we sell at Relax For Life comes with manufacturer-backed care guidance and local warranty support, so you're never guessing how to look after your investment. If you're shopping for a chair built to withstand years of daily use, shop Relax For Life massage chairs or explore our full-body massage chair range for options with easy-care upholstery and accessible service points.
A little consistent massage chair maintenance goes a long way. Stick to a simple weekly wipe-down, a monthly deeper clean, and your chair will keep delivering the same relief on day 1,000 as it did on day one.
