How to Fix a Squeaky Office Chair
Is your office chair constant squeaking? You can fix it yourself with some basic supplies. I’ll show you how to fix a squeaky chair using either Vaseline or grease spray.
What You’ll Need
Before starting, get one of these lubricants:
- WD-40 or similar spray lubricant
- Vaseline/petroleum jelly
- Silicone spray
- Mechanical grease
You’ll also need some paper towels or rags to clean up any excess.
In the video you see how I fix the IKEA Markus chair squeaky noise.
Find the Squeak
First, you need to locate exactly where that squeaky sound is coming from.
Sit in the chair and move around while listening carefully. The squeak usually comes from one of these spots:
- The seat tilt mechanism under the chair
- The height adjustment lever
- The wheels or casters
- The backrest connection points
- The armrest joints

Applying the Lubricant
If using spray lubricant:
- Flip the chair upside down or on its side
- Spray a small amount directly into the squeaking joint or mechanism
- Move the part back and forth to work the lubricant in
- Wipe away any excess with a paper towel

If using Vaseline:
- Put a small amount on your finger or a cotton swab
- Apply it directly to the metal parts that are rubbing together
- Work the mechanism back and forth several times
- Clean up any extra Vaseline
Final Steps
After applying the lubricant:
- Test the chair by sitting in it and moving around
- If you still hear squeaking, apply a bit more lubricant
- Give it a final wipe-down to remove any excess
- Test all moving parts to make sure everything moves smoothly
Prevention Tips
To keep your chair squeak-free longer:
- Clean and lubricate it once a year
- Keep the mechanisms free of dust and dirt
- Tighten any loose screws regularly
If the squeak comes back after a few weeks, repeat the process.
It could take a couple of applications to completely silence an office chair squeak.
For most squeaky chairs, this simple fix should do the trick and save you the cost of buying a new one.
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