Cleaning of paper cord should begin gently. The seat is a woven construction, and the goal is not to soak it through or scrub a single stain hard. First find the instructions for the chair and the installed cord.
If the seat is worn through or has broken strands, chair weaving and an assessment of the material are more relevant than further cleaning.
Distinguish between dust, stains and wear
Examine the seat in good light. Is there loose dirt between the threads, a defined stain, or an area where the cord is physically damaged? Take a photo before you do anything. It makes it easier to assess whether a treatment helps or changes the surface.
An old seat may have a different colour than new cord. This difference does not necessarily need to be removed by cleaning. Do not automatically compare with a new product image.
For spills: blot rather than rub
Carl Hansen & Søn's paper cord guide recommends blotting spills and avoiding rubbing liquid further in. It advises against washing-up liquid and, where needed, describes using a soft, well-wrung cloth with a mild, colourless soap solution.
Follow the instructions for your own chair. Do not use this description as permission to soak the seat or test concentrated cleaning agent. Previous treatment and a different yarn type can change the prerequisites.
Stop if the surface changes
If the thread begins to fray, the colour bleeds, or the stain spreads, you should stop. Note which agent is used and how wet the seat became. Several subsequent attempts can make the assessment more difficult.
Send photographs of the entire seat, the stain and the underside when requesting advice. Also state what was spilled, if you know. A stain cannot be promised removed without knowing the material and condition.
Prevent wear according to how the chair is used
Watch out for materials and clothing that may transfer colour. Use the chair according to the manufacturer's instructions and address new damage before resuming normal use.
If you are unsure whether the seat is actually paper cord, see the overview of materials for chair weaving. When replacing it, the guide to choosing paper cord can help with colour, pattern and documentation. Care and renewal are separate decisions; an intact seat does not automatically need reweaving because of age alone.
