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.
That moment when you’ve just settled into the perfect position in your bean bag, snack in hand, ready to binge your favorite show, and…spill. Ugh, not again. But before you resign yourself to sad soggy bean bag fate, know that you can totally clean up that latest stain without the tedious task of emptying out all those tiny beads. With a few simple supplies and techniques, you can spot treat most messes and keep your bean bag fresh and clean minus the bean removal hassle.
As a bean bag lover myself I’ve dealt with my fair share of spills over the years. My bag has endured dribbles of ice cream drips of coffee, smears of pizza sauce – you name it. But thanks to some handy cleaning hacks, I’ve been able to remove even the toughest stains without having to extract a single bean. Here are my tried and true methods for cleaning a bean bag without removing the beans, broken down by type of stain.
Tackling Food and Drink Spills
Let’s start with one of the most common bean bag mishaps – edible stains! For wet spills like juice or soda, immediately soak up as much liquid as possible with a dry towel. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain. For semi-solid spills like yogurt or ice cream, gently scrape off any excess with a dull table knife.
Next comes spot cleaning. Mix a few drops of gentle dish soap with warm water in a small bowl. Dip a clean rag or soft-bristled toothbrush in the solution and gently scrub the stain. Work in light circles, pressing lightly to lift the stain without roughing up the fabric. Avoid vigourous scrubbing.
For tougher stains, sprinkle a bit of baking soda directly on the spot before scrubbing with the soapy rag. The baking soda will help lift discoloration. Rinse the rag frequently to keep it clean. Continue spot cleaning until no more stain transfers to the rag.
Finish by dabbing the area with a fresh damp rag to remove any soap residue Let the bean bag fully air dry before using again And voila – spill vanished without having to remove a single bean!
Sweeping Away Dirt and Debris
Even if no major spills occur, bean bag fabric can accumulate dust, dirt and general grunge over time. To refresh without removing the beans, start by thoroughly vacuuming the bag all over. Use an upholstery attachment to safely clean the fabric.
For a deeper clean, mix up a solution of warm water and mild, clear laundry detergent. Dampen a clean rag in the solution, wring it out well, and wipe over the entire surface. Work in small sections to prevent too much moisture buildup.
Use a barely damp rag to rinse each section after washing. Let the bean bag air dry fully before using or storing Rotate and shake the bag periodically as it dries to prevent bean clumping. With this simple washing routine, you can keep your bean bag’s fabric fresh between more intensive cleanings
Lifting Away Lingering Odors
Even if no visible stains are present, spills and daily use can leave a bean bag smelling less than fresh. To naturally deodorize without bean removal, sprinkle baking soda liberally all over the bag. Let it sit for several hours to absorb odors.
Come back and vacuum up the baking soda – this will pull odors away too. For extra odor neutralizing power, place bowls filled with activated charcoal around the bag. Charcoal effectively absorbs and traps smells without the fragrances used in air fresheners.
Bean Bag Fabric Care Tips
While the cleaning methods above work for most bean bag fabrics, always check your bag’s care label for specific instructions. Here are some tips on safely cleaning different fabric types:
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Vinyl – Spot clean with gentle soap and water. Disinfect occasionally with diluted isopropyl alcohol.
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Microsuede – Spot treat stains immediately using a suede brush. Avoid water-based cleaners which can leave water marks.
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Cotton – Machine wash removable covers. Spot treat stains on bag itself with mild detergent and warm water.
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Faux Fur – Vacuum only using the soft brush attachment. Avoid wet cleaning which can damage the fabric pile.
No matter what fabric your bean bag is made of, be sure to spot treat spills ASAP and clean messes before they have time to set. With the right tools and techniques for your particular material, you can keep your bean bag looking great for years without having to empty out the beans every time a spill happens. Because let’s be honest – ain’t nobody got time for that.
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
FAQ
Can you wash a beanbag with beans in it?
How do you empty beans out of a bean bag?
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.