Bean bag chairs get used the way furniture is supposed to be used — daily, casually, and often by the whole household. That also means they eventually collect dust, skin oils, snack spills, pet hair, and the occasional mystery mark. The good news: most bean bag chairs are straightforward to clean if you use the right method for the fabric and you avoid soaking the filling.
This guide breaks down how to clean a bean bag chair properly, from quick spot cleaning to washing removable covers and handling outdoor fabrics. Use it as a simple checklist whenever your bean bag needs a refresh.
Before You Start: Check the Basics
Before you grab cleaner, take 60 seconds to work out what you’re dealing with:
- Is the cover removable? (Zippered outer cover vs non-removable shell)
- What fabric is it? (Cotton, polyester, faux suede, corduroy, faux fur, outdoor fabric, etc.)
- Is there an inner liner? (This makes cleaning and refilling much easier.)
- What kind of stain is it? (Oil, food, ink, drink, mud)
Always test any cleaner on a hidden area first. If colour transfers to your cloth, switch to a milder method.
Quick Clean: Weekly Maintenance That Prevents Deep Cleaning
Most “dirty bean bags” don’t need a full wash — they need frequent light maintenance so grime never builds up.
- Vacuum the surface using a soft brush attachment (especially seams and creases).
- Lint-roll or wipe down for pet hair and crumbs.
- Air it out occasionally to reduce odours (shade is best).
- Rotate and fluff the chair so wear stays even and the fill stays comfortable.
How to Spot Clean a Bean Bag Chair
For small spills and fresh stains, spot cleaning is usually all you need. The key is acting quickly and using as little moisture as possible.
Step-by-step spot cleaning
- Blot first with a dry cloth or paper towel. Don’t rub — rubbing pushes the stain deeper.
- Use a mild solution of cold water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.
- Dab the stain using a clean cloth. Work from the outside in.
- Rinse lightly by dabbing with a cloth dampened with clean cold water.
- Dry thoroughly with a towel, then let it air dry fully before use.
Tip: Avoid hot water on most stains — heat can set proteins (like milk) and lock dyes into fabric.
Can You Put a Bean Bag Cover in the Washing Machine?
If your bean bag chair has a removable cover, washing it is the easiest way to restore freshness. Many cotton and polyester covers can be machine washed, but always follow the care label first.
How to wash a removable bean bag cover
- Unzip the outer cover and remove it from the inner liner.
- Shake it outside to remove loose debris and dust.
- Pre-treat visible marks with a small amount of detergent (or a fabric-safe stain remover).
- Wash on a gentle cycle using cold or lukewarm water.
- Avoid fabric softener (it can leave residue and reduce absorbency).
- Air dry in the shade. Avoid high heat drying unless the care label explicitly allows it.
If you’re unsure about using a dryer (or you’ve accidentally shrunk covers before), read can you put bean bags in the dryer? before you attempt it.
What If the Cover Isn’t Removable?
Non-removable bean bag chairs can still be cleaned — you just need to be careful not to soak the filling. Water trapped inside a bean bag can lead to odours, clumping, and mildew.
Gentle surface-clean method (non-removable covers)
- Place an old towel or protective sheet underneath.
- Vacuum the bean bag thoroughly first.
- Mix mild detergent with cold water and dampen a cloth (don’t saturate it).
- Wipe the whole surface in sections, focusing on high-touch areas.
- Rinse by wiping again with a clean damp cloth.
- Dry with towels, then use airflow (fan + open windows) until fully dry.
Important: Never pour water directly onto a bean bag chair. If the filling gets wet, drying it fully is difficult and odours are likely to follow.
How to Clean the Inside Liner and Manage Odours
If your bean bag has an inner liner, you’ve got a big advantage. The cover can often be washed separately while the liner stays clean and protected.
For odours, start simple:
- Vacuum the cover and seams (pet hair and dust hold smells).
- Air the cover outside in shade.
- Lightly sprinkle baking soda on the cover, leave for 30–60 minutes, then vacuum off.
If the smell seems to be coming from inside (not the fabric), the fill may need topping up or replacing. Keep this as a last resort rather than a default, as most odours are surface-level and removable with cleaning and drying.
Cleaning Common Stains: What Works Best
Food and drink spills
- Blot immediately.
- Use cold water + mild detergent and dab gently.
- Rinse by dabbing with clean water.
Grease and oil stains
- Blot, then dust with baking soda or cornflour to absorb oil (leave 20–30 minutes).
- Vacuum the powder off.
- Spot clean with a small amount of detergent solution.
For deeper guidance on oil marks (especially on heavy-duty polyester covers), see how to remove oil stains from polyester fabric.
Ink stains
- Blot carefully (don’t spread it).
- Dab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth (test first).
- Rinse and dry.
How to Clean Bean Bag Chairs by Fabric Type
Different fabrics need different handling. Use the section that matches your cover.
Cotton
Cotton is generally easy to wash, but it can shrink with heat. Stick to cold or lukewarm water, gentle cycle, and air drying in the shade. Spot clean quickly to prevent stains setting into fibres.
Polyester
Polyester is typically forgiving and easy-care. Most polyester covers handle gentle machine washing well and dry faster than cotton. Avoid harsh solvents and abrasive scrubbing that can roughen the surface.
Faux suede
Use minimal water. Vacuum first, then spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid saturating faux suede, and avoid vigorous rubbing which can create shiny patches.
Corduroy
Vacuum with a brush attachment in the direction of the pile. Spot clean by dabbing (not rubbing), then let it air dry. If you want a fabric-specific walkthrough, use how to clean corduroy.
Vinyl
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. For stubborn marks, use a baking soda paste, gently dab, and wipe clean. Avoid harsh chemicals that can dry or crack the surface.
Faux fur / fluffy fabrics
Vacuum gently with a brush attachment first. Spot clean with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent, then blot dry. Once fully dry, brush lightly with a wide-tooth comb to restore texture.
How to Clean Outdoor Bean Bag Covers
Outdoor fabrics are built for tougher conditions, but they still need regular cleaning — especially if they’re exposed to sunscreen, food spills, damp air, or bird droppings.
If your chair lives outside, use purpose-built outdoor bean bags rather than indoor cotton fabrics.
Outdoor cleaning routine
- Brush off loose dirt and rinse lightly with water.
- Spot clean with mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse thoroughly so soap residue doesn’t attract more dirt.
- Air dry completely before storing.
- Store in a dry place when not in use to reduce mould risk.
If you’re cleaning after heavy rain or damp conditions, be extra careful about storage. Mould can develop in closed, humid spaces — and it’s much easier to prevent than remove. If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, read mildew vs mould.
Poolside and “wet zone” bean bags
Pool-specific designs use drain-friendly construction so water can escape. If you use bean bags near water, it’s safer to choose pool bean bags designed for that environment. Rinse off chlorine or salt water, drain fully, then dry in open air.
What to Do If You Spill the Beans
It happens — a zip gets opened, the liner tears, or a curious kid finds a way. If bean filling spills:
- Use a vacuum cleaner (hose attachment works best).
- Avoid brooms and dustpans — they scatter beads and build static.
- Empty the vacuum canister into a clean bag if you plan to reuse the fill.
If your chair is used in family spaces, child-safe locking zips help prevent accidental opening and keep the filling contained.
When Cleaning Isn’t Enough: Signs It’s Time to Refresh Your Setup
Sometimes the cover is clean, but the chair still doesn’t feel right. Consider a refresh if:
- The chair looks flat and doesn’t hold shape for long.
- There’s a lingering odour even after washing and drying the cover.
- The inner liner has been damaged or compromised.
If you’re deciding whether to repair, refresh, or replace, browsing the full bean bag chairs range can help you compare fabrics and styles that better match your space and cleaning preferences.
Quick FAQs
How often should I clean a bean bag chair?
Vacuum weekly (or fortnightly), spot clean as needed, and wash removable covers every few months depending on use, pets, and spills.
Can I steam clean a bean bag chair?
Steam can work on some fabrics, but it adds moisture and heat, which can create water marks or shrinkage. If the cover is removable, washing is usually safer. If it isn’t removable, use minimal moisture and ensure thorough drying.
Why does my bean bag smell after cleaning?
Usually it hasn’t dried fully. Any trapped moisture can cause odour. Increase airflow and drying time before using it again.
Simple Cleaning = Longer Life
The best way to keep a bean bag chair looking new is to treat small messes quickly, wash covers when needed, and avoid saturating the filling. With a bit of regular maintenance, your bean bag stays comfortable, hygienic, and ready for daily use — without turning into a big cleaning project.
