You and your family love your bean bag chair, and so do your guests. It’s the most comfortable, sought-after seat in the entire house. In fact, it rarely ever gets any downtime. From adults to kids, and even pets, your bean bag serves your family and friends well. As such, it’s easy to understand it can get dirty pretty easily.
The problem is, how do you clean it? Can you wash the outside of it? Can you wash the inside? What exactly is inside? You want to make sure your bean bag looks as pristine as the day you got it, but that can seem like an impossible task if you don't know how to properly clean it. However, with a little bit of care, your bean bag will stay looking like new for years to come. Here's everything you need to know about how to clean your bean bag.
How do You Get the Smell out of a Bean Bag
One of the most common questions people have when it comes to cleaning their bean bag is how to get rid of any smells. Whether your teenagers have been having a field day with it or the dog finds it to be a comfortable napping spot, there are a few different ways you can get rid of unwanted smells.
The first way you can tackle odors is by simply giving your bean bag a few good tosses up and down and a few punches and plops. This moves the foam filling around and allows more air to flow into the inner part of the bean bag so that odors can be released.
Another way to get rid of smells is to sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface of your bean bag. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes strong odors and will help to absorb any unwanted smells. Let the baking soda sit on the bean bag for at least an hour before vacuuming it up.
If your bean bag still smells after trying these methods, you may also want to consider using a fabric freshening product if the manufacturer's instructions say it is safe to do so. A simple spray of the product can help eliminate odor and freshen up your bean bag without having to perform a full clean. Additionally, you can use a lint roller to remove pet hair and other particles that may end up on the outer shell.
Smells still lingering? It might be time to perform a spot cleaning or a deeper full cleaning of your bean bag. Keep reading to learn more!
Spot cleaning
If you stay on top of it, you may be able to spot clean your bean bag cover to avoid its need for a deep clean for a good, long while. Most of the time, the dirt we see on a bean bag comes in the form of food or drink spills. These types of stains can easily be removed with a spot stain treatment and a clean cloth or terry cloth.
Be sure to use a sponge or brush that is safe for your bean bag cover. For instance, you would never want to use a hard bristle brush like a toothbrush on a suede-covered bean bag - it would ruin the fabric. If your bean bag is made from suede, you may need to use a gentle brush to remove any stubborn dirt or stains. Just be sure to use a brush that is specifically designed for suede - anything else will damage the fabric.
The same goes for using a metal bristle brush on a vinyl bean bag. Instead, wiping down a vinyl bean bag with a damp cloth is usually enough to remove any dirt or stains. You also need to ensure you aren’t using a cleaning solution that contains bleach or any other chemical that could affect the coloring or integrity of the outer shell fabric.
If you are unsure if it is safe to use something on your bean bag, don’t use it. A simple, mild detergent and warm water on a damp cloth using light, circular motions can typically eradicate a stain without the use of arduous scrubbing orharsh chemicals that could negatively impact or health or ruin your bean bag. You can also look for specialized spot remover available for certain fabrics (i.e. leather spot stain remover or a leather conditioner).
Don’t worry – with a little care and attention, you should be able to remove most common stains quite easily.
Full cleaning
Spot cleaning is great for getting rid of everyday spills and stains, but every once in a while, your bean bag may need a deeper clean. Whether your kids accidentally spilled something, your pet tracked in dirt from outside, or you've noticed general dirt build-up from everyday use, a full cleaning can keep your bean bag looking and smelling its best.
The good news is that cleaning a bean bag is relatively easy - especially if you have a bean bag with a removable outer shell. With CordaRoy's removable and easy-to-care-for covers, you can have it looking like new again in no time. Simply remove the outer shell and pop it in the washing machine with your normal detergent.
You can even machine dry it, although we recommend line drying to reduce wear and strain on the fabric, thus extending the lifespan of your cover. Once you've removed the shell, take a few minutes to spot treat any stains that you may have missed while it was on the bean bag.
This is especially important if you own a Nest chair, as these chairs have a dedicated bottom where stains could go unseen. Then simply machine wash and/or dry your cover to restore it to its original fresh-from-the-factory glory.
Removable Cover
Imagine never having to worry about spills or stains on your bean bag again. With a removable cover, you can simply take it off and throw it in the washing machine when it needs to be cleaned. No more struggling to try and clean around the beans or having to vacuum them up after they've been spilled.
Our covers are also extremely durable, so you don't have to worry about them ripping or tearing. And because our design includes a bean bag that is filled with a mattress, you can use it as an extra bedding option when needed. So if you're looking for a convenient and easy way to keep your bean bag clean, make sure to choose one with a removable cover.
How to Clean the Inside of a Bean Bag
At CordaRoy’s, our bean bags each contain a bed inside. When you need additional bedding, you simply unzip the outer cover of everyone’s favorite seat in the house and pull out everyone’s new favorite mattress. No tiny white pellets here. Only top-of-the-line, incredibly comfortable mattresses that will give any fancy mattress store mattress a run for its money.
The best way to clean the inside of your bean bag is to spot clean with water and mild soap if necessary. You can also use your own sheets or blankets for protection, but we highly recommend a bed protector for added protection. CordaRoy's bed protectors protect the inner bed from stains, dirt, and other pollutants.
As with any mattress, the mattress itself cannot be cleaned, nor can the polyurethane foam contents. But we think you’ll find you never need to clean the mattress itself, especially if you cover it with a protector when it is in use. Our bean bag chair mattress protectors are also waterproof, which is great for hosting small children and keeping your mattress clean and dry.
Finally, we recommend fluffing your bean bag regularly to keep the foam fill in good condition. Fluffing will also help keep your bean bag looking full and plump - just like new! And if you ever need to replace it or simply add more, you can purchase a foam booster pack or a replacement bed with liner and foam right here on our website.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to clean a bean bag chair. It’s not as hard as it seems and with a little bit of effort, your bean bag can look and feel like new again. Just remember to regularly spot clean and choose a bean bag with a removable cover for easy cleaning.
Now that you know all of our top tips, it should be a breeze! Be sure to check out our selection of stylish and comfortable bean bags, perfect for any room in your home. And if you still have questions about cleaning or just want some advice on the best style for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’re always happy to help!
Sources
Baking Soda-The Everyday Miracle ™ | The University of Wisconsin-Madison
Dangerous & Highly Toxic Chemicals – EHS
Study Finds Hot Drying Wears Out Clothes Faster and Causes More Lint | Science Daily
