So, you finally splurged on a high-end gaming chair—maybe it’s an APOL Aevum, Behemoth or something that looks like it belongs in a race car cockpit. Either way, congrats. Your spine is thrilled, your posture is grateful, and your setup looks significantly cooler.

But before you get too comfortable reclining at 165° with a smug smile, let’s talk reality: even the best gaming chair won’t stay perfect forever—unless you show it some love.

Gaming chairs, like all great things in life (relationships, plants, ramen noodles), require maintenance. And if you want yours to last longer than your ranked grind to Diamond, this guide’s for you.

Here’s everything you need to know to keep your gaming chair in top shape for the long haul—with a touch of humor, plenty of practical tips, and advice your future self (and your spine) will thank you for.

🎮 1. Respect the Recline — Don’t Abuse the Tilt

Look, reclining your gaming chair all the way back is one of life’s underrated joys. It’s how you nap mid-game without fully admitting you’re napping. But constantly slamming it backward or sitting on the edge like it’s a barstool? That’s a recipe for early chair retirement.

✅ Tip:

  • Use the recline feature gently and return it to an upright position when not in use.

  • If your chair has a multi-tilt mechanism, learn to use it properly—it exists for more than just dramatic thinking poses.

🧽 2. Clean Your Chair Regularly (Yes, That Includes the Crumbs)

Let’s not pretend. You’ve probably eaten at your desk. We all have. And somewhere between the keyboard and your gaming chair base is a secret ecosystem of snack debris.

Over time, dust, crumbs, oils, and sweat build up on your chair, especially if it’s upholstered with PU leather or fabric.

✅ Tip:

  • Wipe it down weekly using a damp microfiber cloth.

  • Use a mild cleaner—or even better, a dedicated gaming chair cleaner kit (APOL sells some, wink wink).

  • Don’t forget the base and wheels. They collect just as much grime, and no one deserves a squeaky roll.

💦 3. Watch Out for Sweat Damage (Your Chair Isn't a Towel)

Gamers sweat. It’s part of the grind. But if you’re sitting on your throne for hours on end in a tropical climate—or during intense clutch moments—sweat is your chair’s worst enemy.

Over time, it can degrade the material, especially PU leather, and leave salt marks that are not exactly the vibe you want for your sleek setup.

✅ Tip:

  • Consider using a breathable chair cover during long sessions.

  • Wipe down the seat and backrest after sweaty sessions like you would at the gym. (Please do this. Your chair and future self will thank you.)

🧰 4. Tighten Bolts Every Now and Then (Your Chair Isn’t Self-Healing)

That creaky armrest? That slight wobble when you lean back? That’s your gaming chair crying for help. Screws, bolts, and other hardware loosen over time—especially with movement, recline, or if you lean like you're trying to phase through your desk.

✅ Tip:

  • Every month or two, grab the included Allen key and give your chair a quick check.

  • Tighten all major joints—armrests, base plate, tilt mechanism, backrest.

This 5-minute maintenance ritual can save you from expensive repairs or even replacement.

🪑 5. Don’t Sit Like a Gremlin

We’re not here to posture-shame anyone, but if you’re gaming while:

  • Sitting on one leg

  • Perched on the edge like a gargoyle

  • Cross-legged like a meditation monk …you’re accelerating chair wear.

Gaming chairs are designed for even weight distribution. Wild sitting positions put pressure on areas not meant to handle it, especially the seat foam and gas lift.

✅ Tip:

  • Sit fully back, engage the lumbar support, and use the chair like it was designed.

  • Want to move around? Do stretches instead. Your joints will appreciate the break.

🧼 6. Take Care of the Armrests (They’re Not Handles!)

Ever grab the armrests to push yourself up or lean on one side like you’re giving a TED Talk? Over time, this can loosen the armrest or even cause the padding to peel (especially on PU models).

✅ Tip:

  • Use your legs or the seat base to stand—not the armrests.

  • For scuffs or wear, clean with mild soap and water, then apply a vinyl conditioner or fabric protector depending on the material.

🌀 7. Don’t Ignore the Casters (A.K.A. the Wheels)

When your gaming chair starts sounding like a haunted shopping cart, it’s not a ghost—it’s dust and hair clogging the wheels.

Casters collect a ridiculous amount of gunk and eventually stop rolling smoothly. This not only ruins the vibe, but can also damage your flooring.

✅ Tip:

  • Every 2–3 months, flip your chair and pop out the wheels.

  • Use tweezers or a vacuum to clean out hair and dirt.

  • Add a drop of WD-40 or lubricant for a smooth roll.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Care Now, Game Longer

A good gaming chair is an investment—and like any piece of high-performance gear, it needs care. You don’t have to baby it, but treating it with a bit of respect will add years to its life and comfort to your back.

Think of it this way: the better shape your chair is in, the fewer distractions you have while gaming. No more adjusting every five minutes, no more mysterious creaks, no more “why does this chair feel like it gave up on me?”

You game hard. Your chair should keep up.

And if you’re still out here gaming on a dining chair… we need to talk.