Bean bags are a great addition to any living space, providing both comfort and style. However, with frequent use, they can become dirty and require cleaning. Taking out the beans is the traditional way to clean a bean bag, but it can be a time-consuming and messy process. But fear not, there are ways to clean your bean bag without having to remove the beans.
Bean bag chairs are so comfortable and fun. But like any furniture, they can get dirty over time. Cleaning a bean bag chair comes with a unique challenge – you can’t just dump out and wash the filling like you would a throw pillow. The beans need to stay put inside their outer shell.
Luckily there are easy cleaning methods to freshen up your bean bag and remove stains dirt, and odors without extracting all those little beans. With the right techniques and products, you can have it looking and smelling like new again.
Why It’s Important to Clean Bean Bag Chairs
Keeping your bean bag chair clean not only makes it look better but also extends its lifespan. Letting dirt, grime, and spills accumulate can lead to:
- Bad odors from bacteria growing in spilled liquids
- Stains setting deep into the fabric
- Beans clumping together from dirt and oils
- Degraded or ripped fabric from letting messes sit
Giving your bean bag an occasional deep clean removes these contaminants so they don’t cause premature wear.
How to Clean a Bean Bag Chair
1. Vacuum regularly
The first line of defense is vacuuming frequently. Use the brush attachment to loosen and suck up dust, crumbs, and other debris from the surface. Go over the entire chair, getting into crevices and creases.
Vacuuming helps
- Remove loose dirt before it gets ground in
- Lift pet hair, dander, and dust mites
- Pluck off lint, fuzz, and pilled fabric
- Clear out small objects that fell into the beans
2. Spot clean spills and stains
For fresh stains or spills, it’s best to treat them immediately before they have time to set. An upholstery cleaner formulated for fabric is safe to use. Spray it directly onto the soiled area and gently blot with a clean cloth.
For tough, dried-on stains, make a cleaning paste. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap with 1 tablespoon water and rub it into the stain using a soft-bristled brush. Let it sit for 15 minutes before wiping away with a damp cloth. The soap helps lift grease while the water keeps beans from getting sudsy.
3. Freshen with baking soda
Over time, bean bag chairs absorb odors that get trapped in the beans. Baking soda helps deodorize and absorb lingering smells.
Liberally sprinkle baking soda all over the surface. Using your hands, massage it into the fabric. Let it sit overnight so the baking soda has time to absorb odors. In the morning, vacuum up the baking soda.
4. Wash the cover
For a deeper clean, remove the bean bag cover and wash it. This works best for covers that have a zippered lining and are machine washable.
First, take the cover off and shake out any loose beans. These can go back inside afterward. Wash the cover on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Line dry or tumble dry on low.
Once fully dry, put the cover back on and redistribute the beans that shook out. The beans will fluff up the chair again.
5. Hand wash beans
With the cover off, you have access to wash the beans too. This isn’t necessary for routine cleaning but can be done to sanitize the filling every few years.
Place a portion of beans into a bucket or basin. Add cold water and a small amount of mild, liquid hand soap – about 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. Swish the beans around to get soapy water worked in. Let soak for 15-20 minutes.
Drain out the soapy water. Rinse the beans with clean water, draining after each rinse cycle. Keep rinsing until rinse water runs clear. No soap should remain in the beans.
Lay beans on towels and air dry completely before returning them to the cover. Hand washing ensures beans get fully cleaned without damage.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
When cleaning your bean bag chair, steer clear of:
- Harsh detergents – Can degrade fabric or leave behind residues
- Hot water – May shrink or warp fabric
- Bleach – Can discolor and weaken fabric
- Abrasives – Like scouring pads, damage cover material
- Solvents – Including rubbing alcohol, dry cleaning fluid
- Vacuum beating – Aggressive beating can rupture beans
- Wet extraction – Pulls moisture into the filling
Read furniture tag instructions and do a spot test when using any new product.
How Often to Clean a Bean Bag
Depending on use, bean bags should be cleaned:
- Vacuumed every 1-2 weeks
- Spot cleaned as needed
-Surface cleaned every 1-2 months - Beans washed every 2-3 years
- Cover washed 2-4 times per year
Clean more frequently if used heavily or by kids/pets. Fluff and rearrange beans occasionally to prevent permanent indentations from forming.
Extend Your Bean Bag’s Life
Here are some extra tips for keeping your bean bag chair in great shape for years:
- Add a removable cover to protect the inner shell
- Flip and rotate the chair to evenly distribute wear
- Set on a moisture-proof mat to avoid dampness
- Keep away from direct heat sources
- Store out of direct sunlight when not in use
- Avoid letting kids use as a trampoline or wrestling mat
- Add more beans periodically to fill out sagging spots
- Patch small holes immediately to prevent ruptures
With routine upkeep and proper care, a quality bean bag can stay super comfy and trendy looking for over a decade. A little cleaning goes a long way!
Steps to Clean Bean Bags Without Removing Beans
Before you start to clean the bean bag, vacuum it to get rid of any loose pet hair, dirt, or debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristled attachment or a handheld vacuum. Make sure to vacuum all sides of the bean bag, including the seams and corners.
Step 2: Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning is an effective way to remove stubborn stains or spills from the bean bag. Mix a small amount of mild detergent with warm water in a spray bottle. Test the solution on a small, hidden part of the bean bag to make sure it doesn’t damage or change the color of the fabric.
Try the cleaner out first, then spray it on the stain or spill and wait a few minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the area in a circular motion. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you may damage the fabric. Use a clean cloth or towel to blot the area dry.
How to Clean a Bean Bag Without Removing Beans
How do you clean a beanbag?
Let the beanbag dry. Vinyl fabric is one of the most popular fabrics used for beanbags and some of the easiest to clean without taking out the beans because they are waterproof. Most families with kids or nursing mothers prefer vinyl beanbags. Food spills are easily cleaners off without having to divest the bag of the beans.
Can you clean bean bags without removing beans?
You can clean bean bags without removing beans. However, you must check the manufacturer’s guidelines to clean it safely. The ability and the method to clean bean bags without removing beans highly depends on the type of bean bag filler used in the bean bag. Further, read the below factors and get knowledge before making a decision.
How to dry a bean bag?
The cotton towel helps absorb excess water from the bean bag. Hence, it is better to use a cotton towel to speed up the drying process. Moreover, do not place your bean bag under direct sunlight to dry. Because it may fade bean bag fabric, place your bean bag under the tree or shaded area. Then let it air dry.
How to vacuum a bean bag?
Step1: First, cover the bean bag with a heavy-duty plastic bag Step2: Then, place vacuum cleaner tube inside the plastic bag Step 3: Next, point the end of the vacuum pipe into the bean bag and wrap the plastic bag opening around the pipe. Note: Do not let the polythene bag suck into the vacuum pipe. Because it can be damaged or melt.