Care & Maintenance

Coalesse Best Practices

As organizations around the world seek to understand what the post-Covid-19 workplace looks like, we know that many will have questions around the cleanability of products, particularly those within compact and high-traffic areas.

Fortunately, with the recommended options and surface materials, Coalesse products can be easily cleaned and disinfected to ensure employees feel safe and welcome in their return to the office. Below are cleaning guidelines and specification tips for Coalesse products and surface materials.

The following guide is specific to Coalesse products offering a range of crafted materials. For any unmentioned or standard materials (including, laminate, veneer, and powder coated surfaces), please refer to the Steelcase Inc. general cleaning guide and recommendations here.

Fabric

Under normal use, clean with soft cloth dampened with water. For spots and spills, we recommend professional cleaning. For COM, refer to the specific cleaning instructions recommended by the fabric supplier.

Bleach cleanable fabrics are suggested. A matrix of available graded-in and standard fabrics for Coalesse products is available at the end of this page.

Fusion Fabric

Available on Massaud Work Lounge tablets and arms, Lagunitas Personal table tops, and Hosu footpads, Fusion fabric can be safely cleaned with 5:1 diluted bleach.

Faux Leather

Coalesse standard faux leather finishes (including Destiny, Finesse, Prestige, Panache, Ovation, and Elegance) can be cleaned with diluted bleach in a 10:1 ratio.

Under normal use, clean with soft cloth dampened with water. For spots and stains, use the recommended mixture of Woolite® and water. Rinse with clean water and air dry.

Polypropylene Shells

Polypropylene finishes found on Enea, Enea Lottus, Enea Café Wood, and Enea Altzo943 seating can be safely cleaned with 10:1 diluted bleach.

LessThanFive Smooth Paint and Woven Carbon Fiber Finishes

The LessThanFive chair can be cleaned repeatedly with 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol and non-abrasive common cleaners (such as 409). Tip: Do not use paper towel or abrasive cleaners on LessThanFive.

For removal of indigo from denim, use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with a soft cloth.

To remove small scratches on the high gloss chairs (Carbon Weave, Red Fade, and Copper), only wax-based paste, like SC Johnson Paste Wax or Trewax Clear Paste Wax, can be used. Waxing is not recommended for matte chairs (Light Fade, Dark Fade, and Blue), as this will change the matte finish of the chair.

Free Stand

The Coalesse Free Stand Table frame and soft-touch surface can be cleaned with a range of cleaners, as well as 10:1 diluted bleach.

Emu Outdoor Fabric

Remove loose dirt with soft bristle brush or hose down with cold water. Clean with mixture of water and mild soap. Rub in mixture with soft brush and allow to thoroughly soak into fabric. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and air dry. Never use water over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not machine dry. For light cleaning, avoid using detergents.

For stubborn stains use mixture of one gallon cold water, 1/2 cup bleach and 1/4 cup mild soap for one hour.

Detergents can be used without harm, though they may remove some of the water and stain resistant properties in the fabric.

SW_1 and Lagunitas Knit

Clean with warm water and soap. Wet sponge and wipe fabric. Household cleaners such as Windex® may be used. Do NOT use cleaners containing bleach.

Leather

Under normal use, regular dusting and vacuum cleaning are all that is necessary. For spots and spills, wipe excess liquid immediately. If necessary, use lukewarm water cleaning the entire area where spot occurred and air dry. For stubborn spots or stains, use a solution of mild non-detergent soap and air dry. For butter, oil, or grease, wipe excess with dry cloth and then leave alone. The spot will dissipate into the leather. Do not apply water.

Chrome

Use commercial cleanser and polish, according to manufacturer’s directions.

Granite/Glass

Under normal use, clean with Windex and soft cotton cloth.

Powder Coat Finishes

Chairs and table bases should be cleaned with a liquid detergent and water. Remove stubborn stains with liquid cleanser, such as Formula 409®.

Laminate and Solid Phenolic

Clean with soap and water. For stubborn stains, use a non-abrasive household cleaner.

EMU Oudoor Paint

Store in an enclosed and dry area during winter to avoid condensation. Before winter and regularly every quarter, clean the metal surfaces with a cloth dipped in water or detergent and protect them with Vaseline oil or car polish. Do not use ethyl alcohol or detergents that contain even in small quantities acetone, trichloroethylene, or ammonia (or solvents in general). When storing tables, do not stack them or put the tabletops in direct contact with each other. Handle the seats with care when stacking them to avoid damaging the varnished surfaces.

Polished Aluminum

Finishes on table bases should be cleaned with a commercial powder, liquid, or paste metal cleaner and polish. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Veneers and Painted MDF

Clean regularly with mild soap and water and dry with a soft cloth. Tip: Never use ammonia-based cleaners or wax on wood surfaces.

Carl Hansen & Son Wood Finishes

Oil/White Pigmented Oil: Wipe clean with damp cloth. Wood should be treated twice per year on all surfaces, or as needed to remove scratches and stubborn stains. Stain/Varnish, Clear lacquer, CHS Color: Wipe clean with damp cloth.

Vinyl

Under normal use, clean with soft cloth dampened with mild soap solution. For stubborn stains and spills, a sponge or soft brush may be used with mild non-abrasive cleaner.

Transolid

Clean regularly with mild soap and water. Dry with a soft cloth.

Inspection

Tables should be inspected and maintained regularly by tightening screws and bolts, inspecting casters and glides for damage, and inspecting all moving parts for damage and wear.

Product Specification Tips

When specifying Coalesse products, there are many ways to accommodate for frequent cleaning, movement, and storage of products as a result of Covid-19. We recommend:

Limit Upholstery Selection Select

Coalesse products are available with or without upholstery and upholstered inserts. It is recommended to specify no upholstery or limited upholstery on these products. If using upholstery, specify a bleach-cleanable fabric. Applicable Coalesse products include:

• Enea, Enea Lottus, Enea Altzo943, and Enea Café Wood seating: Specify with polypropylene seat
• Montara650 Seating: Specify with wood seat or upholstered seat pad
• Lox Seating: Specify with seat only
• Emu outdoor products: Specify applicable products without cushions
• Carl Hansen & Son products: Specify applicable products with wood seat

Choose Casters

Product may need to be moved frequently to align with changing Covid-19 spacing guidelines. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a 5-star base on products if it is available, rather than fixed bases. Applicable Coalesse products include:

• SW_1 Conference Seating
• Massaud Conference Seating
• Bindu Seating
• Lox Chair (also offers a plastic, cleanable surface where user grips to move and adjust)

Consider Stack-ability

In addition to easy movement, short and longterm storage may also be a factor in accommodating for Covid-19 spacing guidelines. Consider products that stack for easy storage and offer a dolly for transport. Applicable Coalesse products include:

• Montara650 Chair: Stacks 6 high and offers a dolly for easy transport
• Enea and Enea Lottus Chairs: Stack up to 10 high and offer dollies for easy transport
• Capa Chair: Stacks up to 5 high and offers dolly for easy transport
• LessThanFive Chair: Stacks 4 high (light, carbon fiber construction also makes transport easy)
• Carl Hansen & Son: Many products offer stacking, including CH88, PK1, and CH20 Elbow Chair.
• EMU Outdoor Chairs: Many products offer stacking, including select Heaven, Round, Lyze, and Pattern styles.