How to Clean a Bean Bag Without Removing Beans?

Using a bean bag means it will get dirty. Especially due to the fact that it is designed to get in contact directly with the floor. Or perhaps the beans have just become matted over time and require thorough washing. It is also possible that your favorite seating option got stains because something spilled on it.

There is no other option other than cleaning it to give it its neat and clean look. To clean it, you shouldn’t take out every bean because that would be labor-intensive. It may look like a challenge but fortunately, there are a few methods to clean a bean bag without removing beans. 

In order to clean the bean bag the safe way, you must consult the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions given on the tag. The filling type used in the bean bag chair has a significant impact on the technique and skill for cleaning bean bags without getting rid of the beans.

Read on to find out how you can remove stains, dirt, spills, or any other nasty thing from your bean bag without getting into the hassle of removing its filler material.

How Do You Clean Bean Bags without Removing Beans? – Quick Answer

1. Clean up any loose dirt from the cover using a brush with soft bristles.
2. Using a sponge, spot-clean the dirty bean bag cover with mild soap and water cleaning solution.
3. Rinse the bean bag with fresh water.
4. Let it air-dry.

Precautions to Take Before Cleaning the Bean Bag with Beans in It

Checking the guidelines of the bean bag manufacturer related to cleaning or washing it before you choose a method. It is so because some bean bags are waterproof.

Meaning they cannot be washed, only spot cleaning is the method to clean them. For example, when cleaning Fatboy bean bags, you should take extra precautions as they are very fabric-sensitive.

The guidelines have the details of whether or not the bean bag is washable. Also, if washable, can the bean bags be washed in a machine, or should be washed manually by hand?

Similarly, the method of washing or cleaning varies from one type of bean bag fabric and filler to another. Different bean bag fillers and fabrics of covers have different washing and cleaning methods. Developing an understanding of the filler and fabric type will give you an idea about how to clean the bean bag.

Check the Bean Bag Filler Type

First of all, you should check the filler type of the bean bag. This check is for those who want to clean the bean bags by removing their fillings. Different types of filling materials are used for bean bags. Some of the most common bean bag fillers are:

• Plastic
• Polystyrene 
• Memory foam
• Microfoam

A form of styrofoam or expanded polystyrene fillings is commonly used in bean bags. They are cheap and light weighted materials. As they are non-polar in nature, they do not dissolve in polar agents like water. So, it is safe for you to wash the beans of the bean bag with water.

The best example of such bean bags is the Yogibo bean bag chairs. Thus, you should not find any problem when washing or cleaning them when they get dirty or accumulate dust.

On the contrary, EPS beads consist of 95% air pores in their center. So, never use hot water to clean the bean bags with these beads, or else they will expand. Which result will alter the shape of the bean bag.

Similarly, memory foam bean bags should also be cleaned after removing their filling or else the water may ruin the filling or the bean bag itself.

Check the Bean Bag Fabric

Then, you have to check the fabric of the bean bag cover. It is because some materials are waterproof whereas others are non-waterproof. It means that if your bean bag cover is waterproof, you can clean it using water without removing the beans.

Whereas if the cover is not waterproof, you may clean it but opt for other cleaning methods that do not involve water. A bean bag can be made from various fabrics, such as

• Microfiber
• Polyester
• Denim
• Cotton

Best Methods to Clean a Bean Bag without Removing Beans

It is possible to clean the bean bag without removing the fillings but it is not recommended. It is so because cleaning the bean bag with fillers in it might cause the beans to leak or you might end up damaging the fabric or the bean bag.

Sometimes, you may need to empty a bean bag before cleaning it. It may look like a simple method but it requires some attention and care. That’s why people opt for other methods of making their bean bags look good.

It is possible to ditch the conventional ways of cleaning the bean bags that involve chores like opening the zipper lock, removing beans, etc. Following are some of the ways to clean your bean bag chair without removing beans from it:

Method 1. Washing Machine

One may ask can you wash a bean bag in the washing machine? If you also have this thing in mind, you are not alone. Yes, it is possible for you to wash your bean bag in a washing machine with its beans in it.

This method is suitable for small to medium-sized bean bags. But big bean bags are also fine for this method. To machine-wash the bean bag, put it in the washing machine, add cool water, and use a gentle cycle.

After washing the bean bag, air dry it indoors or in the sun. Never dry the bean bag in the dryer, or else this will shrink its fabric and alter its size or shape.

Things Required

• Detergent or soap 
• Washing machine
• Dirty bean bag
• Cold water

Process

Follow the steps given ahead to wash the bean bag:

Step 1. Determine the Bean Bag Size

Before you begin to wash the bean bag, determine its size. A small or medium-sized bean bag can fit into the majority of standard-size washing machines.

They have a capacity of roughly two cubic feet. But you may need to take large or extra-large bean bags to a dry cleaner or laundromat because they might not fit in a typical washing machine.

Step 2. Put the Dirty Bean Bag in the Washing Machine

Put the dirty bean bag in the washing machine. You can insert your bean bag by yourself if it is small or medium in size. But that not might be the case for large bean bags. To balance out the load, you might need to wash a large or extra-large bean bag among other things.

Step 3. Add Detergent or Soap

Add any soap or washing detergent to the washing machine for cleaning it. Make sure it is not of harsh nature or the detergent might harm the fillings or the bean bag cover.

Step 4. Wash on a Gentle Cycle

Use cold water in the washing machine and set it to a gentle cycle. A high-powered process can cause leaks in the fillings and hot water can damage the bean bag fabric or beans.

Step 5. Air Dry the Bean Bag

Once the bean bag is washed, remove it and air dry the bean bag in the sunlight or indoors. Then, fluff the bean bag and it will be ready to be used again.

Method 2: Use a Lint Roller

The next method is to use a lint roller for cleaning bean bags without removing beans from them. Using a lint roller, you can clean clothing and fabrics of pet hair, lint, dust, and tons of other nasty particles. A lint roller is made up of a cylindrical core having a roll of adhesive paper around it.

The user rolls the paper over the surface of the fabric to pick up particles. The paper is sticky on one side, making it suitable to clean the bean bag to get rid of debris such as lint.

Things Required

• Lint roller
• Sponge
• Water
• Rubbing alcohol

Process

To start the cleaning process, begin by using a lint roller on the bean bag to remove lint, dust, hair, and other similar kinds of surface debris. For ideal results, pick a new lint roller and roll it over the whole body of the bean bag.

Method 3. Spot Cleaning the Stains

If there are any stains on your bean bag, you can spot-clean them with a sponge, water, and rubbing alcohol. Such a method is suitable for cleaning bean bags that cannot be emptied like a product from Cordaroys.

You’ll need a sponge and water for stubborn or deep stains. Add a small amount of laundry detergent to some warm water and wet a sponge with it.

To remove the stain, gently rub the sponge over the area. After that, rinse clean water over the area and let it air dry.

You can use rubbing alcohol to remove normal stains. Apply some rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth and rub on the stain.

To make sure the fabric of the bean bag is not harmed, test the rubbing alcohol on a discrete area of the bean bag first. After using rubbing alcohol to clean the bean bag, rinse the area with clean water and let it air dry.

Vacuum the Bean Bag

Next, your bean bag should be vacuumed to get rid of any last bits of debris or dirt once you’ve completely cleaned all the stains from it. Use a vacuum attachment specifically made for upholstery, to be safe when vacuuming the bean bag.

Completely vacuum the bean bag, paying close attention to any seams or crevices to get rid of all the dirt or dust particles from there.

Air Dry the Bean Bag

Allow the bean bag to air dry thoroughly after vacuuming before using it. Don’t dry the bean bag in a dryer because it can ruin the fabric cover. Placing the bean bag in the sun will help eliminate any bacteria or mold spores that can be existing there. So try to air dry the bean bag if you can.

Method 4. Use Baking Soda and Water

The next method is to use a mixture of water and baking soda to spot-clean the bean bag. Small spills and stains are cleaned well via this technique. Due to its high absorption capacity, baking soda will help remove any light stains or spills from your bean bag.

Things Required

• Vacuum cleaner
• Baking soda
• Clean cloth or sponge 
• Water
• Bowl
• Measuring cup

Step 1. Determine the Amount of Baking Soda

Depending on the size of the stain or spill, you’ll need a different amount of baking soda. For a bigger stain, up to 1 cup (240 ml) may be required. For a minor stain, start with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of baking soda.

In a bowl, combine the baking soda and water to create a paste. You will need around 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water for every cup (240 ml) of baking soda you use. Two teaspoons (30 ml) of water are required for every 1/4 cup (60 ml) of baking soda.

Step 2. Apply the Paste

Then, you have to apply the paste to the bean bag. The paste should be applied to the stain using a clean cloth or sponge. Gently use circular strokes to massage it in.

Step 4. Let the Mixture Sit

Spend at least 15 minutes, if not more, letting the paste settle on the stain. By doing so, the baking soda will have more time to remove the stains.

Step 5. Vacuum Clean the Baking Soda

You can vacuum it up once the baking soda has had time to show its effect on the bean bag. Vacuuming the bean bag will assist to clear away any dirt and give it a cleaner appearance. If you don’t own a vacuum, you can use a dustpan or broom to sweep the baking soda away.

Step 6. Repeat When Required

Keep on cleaning the bean bag unless your problem is solved. For hard-to-remove stains, you will need to get baking soda from the local market. As far as tough stains are concerned, you will be required to counter tough stains with some other method as baking soda will not work perfectly on them.

Method 5. Manual Wash by Hands

 It is possible to wash a bean bag manually with beans in it. If the bean bag is waterproof, the method might not work as you expect it to. Get the following things and follow the steps given ahead:

Things Required

• A large container such as a bathtub
• Detergent
• Water
• Soft sponge

Step 1. Add Water to the Container

 The first thing you need to do is to add water to the ¾ part of the container.

Step 2. Add Detergent to the Container

Then, you need to add a few drops of the detergent to the container. Make sure you pick a detergent that does not contain any bleach constituents. Bleach can react with the bean bag fillers and fabric and ruin them.

Step 3. Put Bean Bag in the Container

Dip the complete or a part of your bean bag in the container having water and bleach depending on the size of your bean bag.

If your bean bag is bigger than the size of the container, you can dip it in parts and rotate it slowly for washing. If it is small or medium size, you may dip it as a whole to clean it.

Step 4. Rub the Bean Bag Cover

Then, use a soft sponge to rub the bean bag’s outer cover. You can either rub the soft sponge during cleaning or 5-10 mins after washing the bean bag depending on the guidelines given by the manufacturer.

Hence you need to read the guidelines first before rubbing the bean bag cover. Also when rubbing, make sure not to break the bean bag seams or else the filling will spill and create a huge mess.

Step 5. Remove Water from the Container 

After cleaning the bean bag, drain the water from the container.

Step 6. Rinse Bean Bag with Water

After draining the container, refill it with fresh water and rinse the bean bag to remove the detergent from the bean bag. Rinse till there is no detergent left on the bean bag.

Step 7. Air Dry the Bean Bag

At last, dry the wet bean bag. You can let the bean bag air dry by placing it on a clean surface or cotton towel. A cotton towel is best to speed up the drying process because it quickly absorbs water from the bean bag’s surface.

You can also put the bean bag under a shaded area such as a tree. It can take up to 8 hours to completely air dry it. Avoid placing the bean bag under direct sunlight because sunlight can fade the bean bag fabric.

Dog Peed on Bean Bag – Method to Clean It

A  bean bag is used by kids, adults, and pets such as dogs. It is possible that small kids or pets can dirty the bean bag by peeing on it. Fret not, you can easily clean it by following the same manual washing method.

But in place along with detergent, you also need to add a few drops of white vinegar in the container. The cleaning vinegar helps to remove unpleasant odors. Oxiclean detergents in this case are best because it does not damage the color of the bean bag. 

Method 6. Use a Vacuum Cleaner With a Brush Attachment

The last method is to vacuum clean the bean bag with beans inside. For bean bags with nonremovable covers, you can simply vacuum them.

But remember, not to over vacuum it, or the cover might get damaged. If the cover can be removed, use a vacuum with a brush attached to it and vacuum the bean bag to get rid of dust and dirt.

Before you begin vacuuming the bean bag, make sure it can be vacuumed because some bean bags are made up of delicate materials which can not be vacuumed or they will be ruined. So, it is important to read the manufacturer’s guidelines prior to vacuuming the bean bag cover.

Things Required

• Vacuum

Step 1. Vacuum the Bean Bag

Begin by vacuuming the bean bag. Use the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner to thoroughly clean the bean bag’s surface. To get rid of as much dirt and dust as you can, make sure to vacuum in all directions.

Step 2. Vacuum Again

After vacuuming the bean bag with the brush attachment, take it off and vacuum it one more with the hose alone. This will assist in gathering any dust and grime that is not picked up initially.

Step 3. Air Dry the Bean Bag

Let the bean bag air dry thoroughly after vacuuming it before using it. Take care of the precautions given before when air drying the bean bag.

How to Clean a Big Joe Bean Bag? – Easy Method

Just like any bean bag, your Big Joe bean bag can also get dirty. But it can be spot cleaned by following the steps given ahead:

1. Brush off loose dust and dirt from the Big Joe bean bag.
2. Make a cleaning solution with soap or detergent and water and add it to the spray gun. Choose a detergent that does not contain bleach in it.
3. Spray the gun with water and gentle-soap mixture on the bean bag and spot clean it. You can either spray the solution on the dirty spots or apply it all over the bean bag.
4. Then, use a soft bristle brush to smoothly rub the dirty areas and clean them.
5. Next, clean the spot cleaned area using a clean, wet damp cloth.
6. At last, air-dry the bean bag. You can air dry the bean bag by following the precautions and directions given earlier in the guide.

Cleaning Bean Bag With Removeable Covers

Big Joe offers bean bags with removable covers. You may spill coffee, tea, or any liquid on it and make it dirty. It is also possible to clean them.

Follow the steps given ahead to clean them:

1. Brush off loose dirt from the Big Joe bean bag.
2. Then, open the bean bag zipper lock and remove the cover from the bean bag to clean it.
3. Put the removable cover in the washing machine.
4. Launder the cover with mild detergent and water on a gentle cycle. High-speed cycle can ruin the bean bag.
5. Once the cover is washed, air dry it.

It is also possible to clean a bean bag with removable covers having unique shapes such as a Snorlax bean bag. Such bean bags should be given a lot of care as people are not aware of the ideal methods to clean them.

Cleaning a Bean Bag Without Removing Beans is Super Easy and Fun!

Cleaning a bean bag with the beans in it is possible for sure, but it is not a walk in the park. This is why you must take your time and take the right steps at the right time to clean your bean bag chair at home.

If you are not sure how to clean a bean bag without removing beans, go through this guide and then try the methods that you think will work for you the best.