How to Clean a Bean Bag Chair

Keep your bean bag chair looking new with these 5 simple cleaning tips. Learn how to maintain comfort and extend the life of your bean bag with ease.

Bean bag furniture is a versatile, easy-to-maintain, and modern alternative to traditional furniture, offering features such as removable, washable covers and a practical design for everyday living.

Whether you have a bean bag chair for your pet, kids, or yourself, it will eventually need cleaning. 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 liquid 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. Some specialty fabrics may require dry cleaning, so always check the care label for 'dry clean only' instructions. 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:

• Remove general dirty areas by gently wiping the surface with a damp cloth and mild detergent before treating specific stains.

• Spot treat dark stains with sparkling water.

• Spot-treat greasy stains with a 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.

Deep Cleaning the Bean Filling

Deep cleaning the bean filling is a crucial step in maintaining your bean bag chair's freshness, comfort, and hygiene. Over time, dust, dirt, and pet hair can settle into the beans, affecting both the feel and cleanliness of your bean bag. Here’s how to give your bean filling a thorough cleaning:

1. Remove the Bean Bag Cover: Start by unzipping and removing the bean bag cover. If your bean bag chair has an inner liner, take it out to access the bean filling. For bean bags without a removable liner, carefully open the cover to reach the beans.

2. Vacuum the Bean Filling: Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled attachment to gently vacuum the bean filling. This helps remove dust, dirt, and pet hair without disturbing the beans too much. Vacuuming regularly can prevent buildup and keep your bean bag feeling fresh.

3. Deodorise with Baking Soda: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda evenly over the bean filling. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb any lingering odours and moisture. Afterwards, thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda.

4. Spot Clean Stubborn Stains: If you notice any stubborn stains on the beans or inner liner, spot clean the affected area with a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Gently scrub in a circular motion with a soft-bristle brush, being careful not to damage the beans or liner.

5. Air Dry Completely: After cleaning, allow the bean filling to air dry completely in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight or using a dryer, as excessive heat can cause the beans to lose their shape or become damaged.

6. Reassemble Your Bean Bag: Once the bean filling is dry and odour-free, carefully refill the bean bag cover and zip it closed. Your bean bag chair will feel refreshed and ready for use.

Regular deep cleaning of the bean filling is an important part of bean bag care. Always check your bean bag’s care label for specific cleaning instructions, as different materials and fillings may require unique methods. By following these steps, you’ll keep your bean bag chair clean, comfortable, and inviting for years to come.

How to Clean Bean Bag Chairs with Special Materials

• For faux leather bean bags, wipe the surface with a damp cloth and avoid harsh chemicals to preserve the material.

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-bristle 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-bristle 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.

• Spraying the cover with water can help remove surface dirt before drying and 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.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the fabric and reduce the lifespan of your bean bag.

Polyester Range

Our 1680D Polyester is ideal for machine washing. Remove the cover and wash in warm water (40°C). 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 use in bean bag chair covers and other applications.

Why Use Olefin Material?

Olefin fabric contains no polyfluorinated compounds or anti-microbial chemicals. It's naturally stain-resistant and offers durability, colour fastness, comfort, and low environmental impact. Other benefits include:

• It comes in many colours.

• 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, use a metal spoon to scrape and then 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 a combination of water, dishwashing soap, and laundry detergent. For butter stains, use a combination of dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, and glycol solvent. Freeze chewing gum with an ice cube and scrape it off with a spoon. Select an outdoor bean bag chair made of olefin fabric to protect against 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. Select a bean bag chair with a machine-washable cover for effortless cleaning.

What is Olefin Material Used for?

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 fibres 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 a mixture of 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 specifically designed for pool use). 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 it on the floor. Keep sharp objects away from stored bean bag covers to prevent snags or tears. 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 specifically designed for use in 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

To access the bean bag filling, you can use a paper clip to unlock the zipper mechanism before refilling.

Relax and Buy a Bean Bag Chair

Now that you know how to clean a bean bag chair, find your favourite style and material! Explore Beanbags R Us and have your pick.