How to Clean and Wash Your Bean Bag Chair Cover

If you’re wondering how to clean your bean bag chair cover, here’s the short, honest answer: most fabric covers (like microsuede or corduroy) can be machine washed—if you remove them properly and follow the right settings—while materials like vinyl or leather should only be spot-cleaned. The key is knowing what your cover is made of before you throw it in the wash.

And if you’ve got kids, pets, or just a well-loved lounging spot, this isn’t optional it’s part of keeping your space fresh, odor-free, and actually comfortable to use.

Let’s walk through it step by step, so you don’t end up with a shrunken, misshapen cover (or worse a living room full of loose filling).

Before anything else, open the zipper and take a quick look inside your bean bag. This one small step will tell you exactly how easy—or messy—this process is going to be.

• If there’s an inner liner: you’re good. The outer cover should come off without disturbing the filling.
• If there isn’t: go slow. Once that zipper opens, loose foam or beads can spill out fast and get everywhere.

This is usually where people rush—and end up dealing with foam bits all over the floor.

If your bean bag has an inner liner, take your time here. You’re not trying to “pull it off” quickly—you’re separating the cover from the liner cleanly.

• First, find the zipper (it’s often tucked in or slightly hidden)
• Open it gently, not all at once
• Start peeling the fabric back little by little instead of tugging
• Keep the inner liner closed the entire time—don’t open it

One small habit that saves you trouble:

Do this somewhere open and easy to clean. Even when you’re careful, a few pieces of filling can escape—and it’s a lot less stressful when you’re not doing this on a bed or sofa.

If your bean bag cover is cloth-based—think microsuede, corduroy, or standard cotton blends—you can use a washing machine. You just need to be a bit more careful than you would with everyday clothes.

These covers are bulky and can wear out faster if handled roughly, so it’s worth adjusting a few settings before you hit start.

Keep it simple:

• Use cold water
• Select a gentle or low-spin cycle
• Go with a basic, mild detergent
• Flip the cover inside out if the size allows

What happens if you don’t:

A single hot or heavy wash can change the cover more than you’d expect.

• Fabric can tighten and no longer fit quite right
• Seams may weaken over time
• Colors can lose their depth
• Softer finishes (like microsuede) may feel rough or uneven

It might feel like you’re under-washing it, but this approach is exactly what helps the cover hold its shape and texture after multiple cleans.

• Machine washable
• Wash inside out to protect ridges
• Use low spin to avoid wear

Watch out for:
Flattening or stiffness if over-dried.

• The easiest to clean
• Durable and forgiving
• Still stick to cold wash + gentle cycle

If your bean bag isn’t fabric—like vinyl, PU leather, or real leather—skip the washing machine entirely. These materials don’t handle soaking well, and doing so can cause more damage than cleaning.

Instead, think of it as a quick surface clean rather than a full wash.

What to do:

• Lightly dampen a cloth with water and a small amount of mild soap
• Wipe the area gently—no scrubbing needed
• Go over it again with a dry, clean towel to remove any moisture

For marks that won’t come off easily:

• Use a cleaner made specifically for that material (especially for leather)
• Test a small hidden area first, just to be safe
• Stay away from strong chemicals—they can dry out the surface or affect the color

Why this method works:

These types of covers are built to resist moisture, not absorb it. That’s what makes them easy to wipe down—but also why soaking or machine washing doesn’t work in their favor.

Cleaning is the easy part—drying is where things can go sideways if you’re not careful.

The safer option: air drying

• Hang the cover or lay it flat somewhere with good airflow
• Keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid fading or stiffening
• Give it enough space so it dries evenly

If you decide to use a dryer:

• Stick to low heat only
• Take it out while it’s still a little damp
• Let it finish drying naturally to help it keep its shape

What tends to cause problems:

• High heat can make the fabric tighten and no longer fit properly
• Leaving it in too long can make the material feel rough
• Strong sun exposure can dull the color and affect the texture over time

A bit of patience here makes a big difference—this step is what keeps the cover fitting right when you put it back on.

This depends on how you use your bean bag.

General guideline:

• Light use: Every 2–3 months
• With pets/kids: Every 3–4 weeks
• Spills or stains: Immediately

Reality check:

Most people wait too long—until the smell or stains become noticeable. Cleaning it regularly keeps it feeling like new (and honestly, more inviting to use).

• Tossing it in the wash without checking the material

Not every cover is meant for machine washing. Some need a completely different approach, and skipping this step can ruin the finish.

• Going straight for hot water

It might seem like it cleans better, but it often does more harm than good—especially when it comes to fit.

• Opening it without checking for a liner

If there’s no inner liner holding everything in place, things can get messy fast. This is one of those mistakes you only make once.

• Packing the washer too full

Bean bag covers take up a lot of space. If they don’t have room to move, they won’t come out properly clean.

• Using high heat when drying

Even a single cycle on high can change how the cover fits and feels. Once that happens, there’s no easy fix.

A little extra attention upfront can save you from dealing with a cover that no longer fits—or worse, one you can’t use anymore.

Cleaning isn’t just about material—it also depends on the size of your bean bag.

Small Bean Bags

Easier to manage:

• Fits in most washing machines
• Lightweight and quick to dry
• Ideal for regular cleaning routines

Large Bean Bags

More effort required:

• May need commercial-sized washers
• Heavier when wet
• Takes longer to air dry

Ottomans

Often overlooked:

• Used as footrests - collect dirt faster
• Usually smaller- easier to wash
• Should be cleaned more frequently than you think

Bean bags get used more than most furniture—so it’s no surprise they pick up dust, sweat, pet hair, and the occasional spill over time.

The good news is, keeping them clean doesn’t take much.

Just remember:

• Check the material before cleaning
• Use cold, gentle settings for washable covers
• Let it air dry when possible

Stick to these basics, and your bean bag will stay comfortable, clean, and ready to use every day.