The Ultimate Guide: How to Clean a Bean Bag Chair
The bean bag chair probably sees the most action out of any furniture in your house. Between movie-night snacks, the dog claiming it as a personal bed, and feet using it as a footstool, it gets gross fast. But don't panic! In this guide, we're breaking down the best, real-world ways to spot-clean a bean bag chair, machine-wash removable covers, and handle tricky fabrics like corduroy, teddy, and velour — without ruining them.
📋 What's in this guide
Why Regular Cleaning Is Essential For Your Bean Bag Chair
Your bean bag chair is your ultimate relaxation spot, which means it naturally catches daily dust, stray snack crumbs, and pet hair. Regular upkeep does more than maintain hygiene — it actually extends the life of the fabric and keeps your lounger fresh, supportive, and ready for the next movie night.
Always Check The Care Label First
Anyone who hangs out on cleaning forums knows the golden rule: read the tag before you do anything, or you might ruin the fabric. Look for the little tag near the zipper. For example, many tags explicitly state "POLYESTER 100%". You'll want to look for the manufacturer's preferred method, which is often a "Recommended Wipe Clean". Seriously, respect the warning symbols; many covers have strict rules like "Do not dry clean", "Do not bleach", "Do not tumble dry", and "Do not iron".
How To Clean A Non-Removable Bean Bag Chair
Essential Tools for the Job
Please don't go out and buy expensive, harsh chemical cleaners. Keep it simple and safe for the fabric: a vacuum with a brush attachment, a couple of clean microfiber cloths, warm water, and a few drops of mild dish soap or gentle upholstery cleaner.
Step-by-Step Wipe Clean Process
- Dry vacuum first. Use the vacuum's brush attachment to get into the seams.
- Spot clean. Mix a tiny bit of soap into warm water. Dip your cloth in, wring it out until it's barely damp, and gently work the stain in a circle. Do not pour water directly on the chair. Whatever you do, do not pour water directly on the chair. You have to keep the inner filling as dry as humanly possible. If moisture gets into the foam, it can cause mildew.
- Wipe down the soap. Use a clean, damp cloth (water only) to remove soapy residue so it doesn't dry crunchy or leave a water ring.
- Air dry. Skip the hair dryer. On a dry, breezy day, move the chair outdoors into the shade. Stuck inside? Park it under a ceiling fan until it's completely dry.
How To Wash A Removable Bean Bag Cover
Do
- Pre-treat tough stains with a dab of mild stain remover, let sit 10–15 minutes
- Flip the cover inside out before washing
- Use a gentle cycle, cold water, mild detergent
- Air-dry by hanging
Don't
- Use hot water or harsh detergent
- Tumble dry on heat
- Skip the inside-out step (protects the outer texture)
- Force a damp cover back onto the chair
Tackling Stubborn Odors And Embedded Pet Hair
Bought a chair from someone with pets? Or maybe your cat/puppy won't leave it alone?
For smells, the classic baking soda works wonders. You can sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda all over the surface of the chair, leave it for at least an hour, and then vacuum it all up.
For embedded pet hair that the vacuum won't catch, skip the expensive gadgets. We recommend using a sticky lint roller or a reusable electrostatic brush. Or put on a slightly damp rubber dishwashing glove and run your hands over the fabric; the hair will instantly roll up into easy-to-grab clumps.
Sun drying for a few hours also naturally helps zap lingering smells.
Material Matters: Care Tips For Different Fabrics
Not all bean bag fabrics behave the same way. Use this quick-reference table before you start cleaning.
| Fabric | Why People Love It | Key Cleaning Rule | Finishing Touch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corduroy | Classic ridged texture with a cozy, retro look — the tight rib weave is naturally durable and resists pilling over time | Wipe with the grain (nap) to avoid flattening ridges | Brush lightly with a soft-bristle brush once dry |
| Teddy Fabric | Ultra-soft, sherpa-like plush that feels like sinking into a cloud — ideal for cold-weather lounging and curling up with a blanket | Blot spills firmly with a towel — never scrub | Vacuum often to remove trapped crumbs |
| Polyester Velour | Smooth, silky sheen with a lightweight, breathable feel — adds an elegant touch to any living room | Wring cloth as dry as possible before spot cleaning | Brush gently when dry to restore the silky feel |
| Canvas / Oxford | Heavy-duty, tightly woven fabric that shrugs off daily wear and tear | Tough and usually machine-washable | No special finishing needed |
| Faux Leather / PU | Sleek, modern finish with a water-resistant surface | Wipe with a damp rag | Keep away from direct sunlight and heat registers |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I machine wash a non-removable bean bag chair?
No. Non-removable covers should only be spot-cleaned or wiped down — soaking the whole chair risks trapping moisture inside the filling, which can lead to mildew.
Is it safe to use a hair dryer to speed up drying?
It's best avoided. Direct heat can warp synthetic fabrics and, on some materials, melt or scorch fibers. Air drying in shade or under a fan is the safer choice.
How often should I deep-clean my bean bag chair?
For everyday use, a quick vacuum weekly and a full wipe-down or cover wash once a month keeps it fresh. Homes with pets or kids may want to clean more frequently.
What's the safest way to remove pet odor without harsh chemicals?
Baking soda is the go-to natural option. Sprinkle generously, let it sit for at least an hour to absorb odor, then vacuum thoroughly.
Spend Less Time Cleaning, More Time Relaxing
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