Don’t Spill the Beans: Easy Care Tips for Comfy Sack-Like Furnishings

Bean bags are a wonderful piece of furniture for your home. Not only do they come in a variety of different colors and designs but they’re also versatile, can be easily moved and are incredibly comfortable! However, as with any piece of furniture, they can become grubby or stained over time, which is why it’s important that you clean them effectively, using the right method for the type of bean bag that you have.

So, if you’re wanting to add a unique design piece with a bean bag chair (you can get some ideas from Comfy Sacks), here are some top cleaning tips that will enable you to keep it in pristine condition:  

Bean Bags with Washable Covers

If you buy a bean bag that has a washable cover, this will be incredibly easy to keep clean. All you’ll need to do is take the cover off to clean it, pulling out the filler or pouring it into a safe container if it’s loose. Using warm or cool water and detergent (always check the manufacturer guidelines first to see what they recommend), wash the bean bag in your machine. Then, place on your washing line to dry, or machine dry – again, using a temperature that’s in-keeping with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Once dry, you can place the cover back over the filling and it’ll look as good as new again!

Bean Bags with Vinyl Covers

If your bean bag has a vinyl cover, you won’t need to wash this in a machine as you’ll hopefully be able to clean any marks off using warm, soapy water and a clean cloth. However, if there are some more stubborn stains, you can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the stains off with, using the same soapy water to clean it with. Using a clean cloth, dry the cover before placing it back in situ.

Bean Bags with Suede Covers

Suede covers require a little more maintenance and you will need to regularly clean these to keep them in tip-top condition. For dried stains, use a damp terry cloth or suede eraser to rub them off before using circular motions and a metal suede brush to raise the nap whilst still cleaning the suede. It’s also a good idea to use a protective spray that’s specifically designed for suede as this will help you to remove any future stains with ease.

Bean Bags with Plush Covers

You’ll need to use a damp cloth on a plush bean bag to remove any stains before wiping the rest of the bag to get rid of any dust that’s accumulated in the long fibers. If you find that there’s quite a lot of dust on the fabric, a vacuum cleaner will be able to lift most of this off before you wipe it with a damp cloth. Before you put it back in place, smooth any clumps and bring the nap back by brushing the fabric using a plastic bristle hairbrush.

Bean Bags with Velour or Velvet Covers

A damp cloth will be required for these types of fabrics too but if the stains are more stubborn you may also require a mild soapy solution to get them off. Using your damp cloth and circular motions, keep rubbing the area until the stain’s gone before letting the velvet fabric dry naturally.

Bean Bags with Leather Covers

Leather bean bags will need cleaning regularly and a clean towel is ideal for doing this. Then, once a month, wipe the leather with a damp cloth to give it a thorough clean. If you find that there are more stubborn spots of dirt on your bean bag, get a mild soapy solution and dip a cloth into this to scrub off the stains using a circular motion. It’s also worth applying leather conditioner to the fabric every 3 to 6 months.

Bean Bags that are Outside

If you’ve bought bean bags that are suitable for use outside, there are a number of additional things you’ll need to do to preserve the life of your comfy sack. Try to reduce the amount of time it’s sat in the sun for as this will help to preserve the fabric and its color; don’t sit on it if you’re sweaty as this can damage the cover, especially if it isn’t cleaned off straightaway; and store it away at night or when you’re not using it to avoid any vermin / pests from getting at it and to keep it out of the damp.