How to Clean a Bean Bag Bed? | The Complete Care Method

Clean a bean bag bed by machine washing the removable cover on a gentle cycle with cold water, while spot cleaning the inner liner with mild soap only — never machine wash the entire bag.

One wrong move ruins the filling and shrinks the cover permanently. The right method depends on whether the shell zips off and its material, but the core rule stays the same: keep the inner liner dry. The steps below cover every common scenario, from spot cleaning a fixed cover to handling stains and restoring freshness.

Machine Washing a Removable Cover

If the outer shell unzips completely, start by opening the bag in a contained space — a bathtub or large bin works well — and transfer filling into a secure container. Once the cover is free of filling, zip the empty cover closed to prevent snagging. Wash it on a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Never use bleach, fabric softeners, or hot water — these cause fading, shrinkage, and fabric breakdown.

Dry the cover on low heat in the tumble dryer or hang to air dry. High heat shrinks most fabrics permanently. Before refilling, ensure the cover is completely dry — any moisture inside the liner creates mold and odor issues.

Spot Cleaning a Non-Removable Cover

Mix warm water with a tiny amount of mild soap. Dampen a soft cloth (barely moist) and gently scrub dirty areas using light circular motions. Avoid vigorous scrubbing — it stretches or damages delicate materials like faux suede, velvets, and corduroy. After scrubbing, wipe with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue. Let the bag air dry in a well-ventilated space. For deeper cleaning, an upholstery cleaner matched to the fabric type works, but test it on a small hidden area first.

The inner liner that holds the filling must never be soaked. If it gets marked, spot clean the same way and air dry completely before reassembling.

Removing Stains and Odors

For general stains, a spot stain treatment or mild detergent on a damp cloth with light circular motion usually lifts the mark. Red wine needs immediate attention — dab the spot with a dry cloth first, then blot with a damp terry cloth and plain water. If that doesn’t clear it, add two drops of washing liquid. For stubborn wine stains, use a specialized upholstery cleaner without bleach. Pet hair collects fast on fabric bags. A lint roller removes it in seconds; for deeper embedded hair, vacuum with a brush attachment before spot cleaning.

Odors are best handled with baking soda. Sprinkle a generous layer over the entire bag surface, let it sit for at least one hour (overnight works better), then vacuum thoroughly. If you can access the inner liner, toss a handful inside before sealing. Tossing and punching the bag afterward helps release trapped odors. Placing the bag outside on a dry, sunny day also freshens it naturally.

Refilling and Regular Maintenance

After cleaning, refill the bag to about 75–80% capacity — firm enough to hold shape but still moldable. Use a large plastic funnel, rolled cardboard, or PVC pipe as a filling tube. Insert one end into the bag opening, pour filling through, and seal the zipper or fill flap securely. Engage any safety mechanism to prevent escapes. Vacuum the bag regularly to keep dust and pet hair from embedding. Address spills immediately. Rotate the bag periodically so filling wears evenly and the cover isn’t always under pressure in the same spot. If you’re in the market for a new bean bag bed altogether, our tested roundup of the best options covers models that hold up well to repeated cleaning.

Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration. If in doubt about a cleaner’s safety, don’t use it on the main surface.