Whether you have a bean bag chair for your pet, kids, or yourself, it will need cleaning eventually. This guide provides helpful tips on how to clean your bean bag chair properly.
How to Clean a Bean Bag Chair
For small spills, spot-treat the mess. Here's how:
- Wipe away the spill with a dry cloth, leaving only the stain.
- Apply a small amount of dish soap directly onto the stain.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Dampen a clean cloth with cold water (hot water may set the stain).
- Scrub the area, rinse with cold water, and let it dry.
Dish soap works great as a stain lifter!
Can I Put a Bean Bag Cover in the Washing Machine?
If your bean bag chair has a removable cover, check the cleaning instructions. Cotton and polyester covers can usually be machine washed. For best results:
- Unzip the cover and remove the bean filling.
- If the filling is loose, pour it into a large bag for storage.
- Wipe off any excess debris.
- Pre-soak the cover for 5-10 minutes in cold water with stain remover or baking soda.
- Wash in cold or warm water on the delicate cycle with a small amount of detergent and no fabric softener.
- Hang to dry.
Your bean bag cover will look brand new in just a few hours!
Washing the Entire Bean Bag
If the cover isn't removable, you may need to wash the entire bean bag. Place a plastic tarp underneath to protect the floor. Follow these steps:
- Spot treat dark stains with sparkling water.
- Spot treat greasy stains with mild detergent.
- Wet a cloth with carpet cleaner.
- Gently scrub the entire surface.
- Use a clean, wet towel to wipe off the cleaner until it's completely removed.
- Fan dry the chair.
Avoid dumping water directly onto the chair, as it may ruin the filling. See our article Can you put bean bags in the dryer? before using a dryer.
How to Clean Bean Bag Chairs with Special Materials
Certain materials require special treatment. Here are some tips:
Suede
Washing suede incorrectly can damage it. Instead:
- Rub messes with a damp terry towel.
- For persistent stains, use a solution of two parts water and one part vinegar.
- Clean with a metal suede brush in circular motions.
- Spray on a water-resistant protective spray.
Use a protective spray when you first get the chair. Find more tips on cleaning suede furniture here.
Vinyl
Vinyl can be tricky to clean. Try this:
- Create a paste with baking soda and a few drops of warm water.
- Dab it on the stain.
- Gently scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth.
Be aware that vinyl bean bags may contain toxic chemicals.
Plush Fabric
To keep your plush bean bag lush:
- Remove dust with dry paper towels.
- Vacuum regularly with a brush attachment.
- Gently use a soft-bristled hairbrush to remove crusty stains.
Avoid soap and water unless necessary. See How to Clean Corduroy bean bags here.
Corduroy Fabric
Cleaning corduroy requires care to maintain its texture. Vacuum gently with a brush attachment to remove dust. For spot cleaning, use mild detergent and cold water, dabbing gently. Avoid rubbing. If the cover is removable, check the care label. Avoid heat drying.
Faux Fur Fabric
To clean faux fur bean bags:
- Vacuum out dirt with a brush attachment.
- Use a professional-grade upholstery cleaner for spot cleaning.
- Hand wash with cold water and mild liquid hand soap.
- Soak for 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth.
- Apply a mixture of cold water and fabric softener, soak for 10 minutes, and rinse.
- Towel dry and fan dry.
- Brush gently with a wide-toothed comb once dry.
Lice Exposure
If your child has lice, follow these steps:
- Vacuum the bean bag chair.
- Spritz the chair with warm water and tea tree oil (do not soak).
- Cover the chair in plastic for two days.
Tea tree oil is safe for the whole family and can also help treat and prevent head lice.
How to Clean Outdoor Bean Bag Covers
Keep your outdoor bean bag covers looking their best with these tips:
- Bring bean bags indoors when not in use to protect them from pollutants.
- Store them in a dry place to prevent mould and mildew.
- Ensure all surfaces are dry before storing.
- Avoid continuous sun exposure to prevent fading.
Cleaning Your Bean Bag
Most of our bean bags can be spot cleaned or machine washed. See the instruction sheets included with the product. Contact us for replacements if needed.
Polyester Range
Our 1680D Polyester is ideal for machine washing. Remove the cover and wash in warm water (40 degrees Celsius). Use a stain remover like Vanish Napisan for tough stains. Hang to dry; do not machine dry. See how to remove oil stains from polyester fabric.
Cleaning Tips for Bean Spills
If you spill bean filling, use a vacuum cleaner indoors or an outdoor vacuum outdoors. Avoid brooms or dustpans. Clean the vacuum's dirt reservoir to reuse the beans.
How to Clean Olefin Fabric
Olefin fabric is resistant to stains, abrasions, and weathering. It's also protected against chemicals, mildew, and sunlight. Here's how to clean it:
What is Olefin?
Olefin is made from polypropylene, a sustainable textile. It was first produced in Italy in the late 1950s. Learn more about olefin fabric.
Polypropylene is manufactured from propylene, a chemical gas. Olefin fabric is upcycled from previously useless materials, and no land or water is involved in its manufacturing.
How is Polypropylene Made?
Tiny chemical molecules are stacked in a repeated pattern to create polypropylene. The long chain of molecules is melted into a thread using a spinneret machine. Olefin thread becomes stain-resistant when melted. The thread is then spun into yarn for bean bag chair covers and more.
Why Use Olefin Material?
Olefin fabric contains no polyfluorinated compounds or anti-microbial chemicals. It's naturally stain-resistant and offers durability, color fastness, comfort, and low environmental impact. Other benefits include:
- It comes in many colors.
- It's waterproof.
- It can survive any weather condition.
Olefin fabric feels smooth and waxy. Our waterproof dog beds are now made with Olefin.
How to Clean Olefin Fabric
To clean olefin fabric:
- Spot clean the material.
- Spray with water.
- Use a Wet-Vac to extract dirt and stains.
Blot wet stains with an absorbent cloth. For hard stains, tab with a metal spoon, scrape, and vacuum. Wipe down the stain, rinse with water, and use a wet vacuum. Let it air dry. For oil-based stains, blot, apply a solvent, and repeat.
Additional Olefin Cleaning Tips
Use these household products to clean olefin material:
- Water
- Dishwashing soap
- Laundry detergent
- A pinch of glycol solvent
Also, have these solutions handy:
- Paint removing chemicals
- 100% pure white vinegar
- Citric or oxalic acid
- Heated water
For beer stains, use dishwashing soap and white vinegar. For berry stains, combine water, dishwashing soap, and heated water. For blood stains, use water, dishwashing soap, and laundry detergent. For butter stains, use dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, and glycol solvent. Freeze chewing gum with an ice cube and scrape it off with a spoon. Choose an outdoor bean bag chair made of olefin fabric to prevent sun damage!
Caring for Olefin Fabric
Use cold or lukewarm water and mild laundry detergent. You can dry olefin material on "line dry" or "tumble." Iron on low, but it's best to avoid ironing. You can bleach olefin fabric with a mild bleaching solution. Olefin is one of the most rugged fabrics on the market. Choose a bean bag chair with a machine washable cover for easy cleaning!
What is Olefin Material Used in?
Olefin material has a high level of wickability, making it excellent for:
- Hiking and athletic socks
- Long underwear
- Lining for baby diapers
- Bean bag chair covers
- Hospital and medical gowns
Olefin has replaced cellulosic fibers like jute in carpets. In furniture, it's used for drapes, upholstery, and wall and floor coverings.
Washing Olefin Fabric is Easy
Cleaning olefin material is easier than ever. Spot clean, spray with water, and wet vacuum. Use dishwashing soap and white vinegar for beer stains, and water, dishwashing soap, and heated water for berry stains. Olefin fabric is more sustainable than cotton, wool, silk, and rayon.
How To Store Your Outdoor Bean Bag Covers
Store bean bags in a shady, dry outdoor area or bring them inside. Don't immerse them in water (unless they are pool products). If they get wet, remove the inner liner and turn it inside-out in direct sunlight. Use a clean, damp cloth and warm, soapy water to remove dirt. Avoid bleach. Ensure the fabric's surface is dry before placing them on the floor. See tips to remove mould from fabric and learn the difference between mildew vs mould.
Special Note for Pool Bean Bags
Our bean bag pool floats are designed to go into the pool. They feature a unique drain fabric. Drain them thoroughly after every use and allow them to dry in fresh air and sunshine. Clean with mild detergent and water if soiled.
Refill the Beans
Replace the bean bag filling if it smells. You can buy new filling and add pet-safe carpet powder. Consider bean bag filler alternatives like:
- Packing peanuts
- Dry beans
- Cotton
- Shredded paper
- Pine needles
- Rice
Relax and Buy a Bean Bag Chair
Now that you know how to clean a bean bag chair, find your favorite style and material! Explore Beanbags R Us and have your pick.