One common question that most people ask when buying bean bag chairs is whether they can also be used outdoors.
The immediate answer to this question is yes, you can use a bean bag outside. However, it is important to note that not all bean bag chairs are suitable for outdoor use.
What matters is the quality of material that the outdoor bean bag is made of. Typically, outdoor bean bag chairs are not designed alike. Some have been designed to be used indoors only, while others are designed to be used both indoors and outdoors.
The material that this product is made of determines whether it’s for suitable indoor use only, or whether it’s ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
If you want to use a bean bag chair outside in your backyard or your patio, then you should choose one that is equipped with additional protective material, especially at the bottom.
The chair should also be made with water-resistant products and should also be easy to clean. And it’s even better if it’s UV resistant so that it is able to withstand long hours of sun exposure.
When buying a bean bag chair for outdoor use, it is crucial to consider where exactly you are planning to put the chair.
For instance, if you’d like to place it in your backyard where it will be exposed daily to different weather elements such as high or low temperature, rainfall, and humidity, you will need to purchase a product that is made of high-quality material that can withstand all these elements.
Are Bean Bag Chairs Waterproof?
No, they are not waterproof, they are water-resistant. In short, all bean bag chairs on the market are not waterproof.
When a product is waterproof, it means that not a single drop of water can penetrate the bean bag chair even if it’s submerged in water.
On the other hand, being water-resistant means that the product can resist most of the water but it is not 100% waterproof.
All bean bag chairs are stitched together or have a zipper to top up their inner fillings. This means that all bean bag chairs on the market are water resistant but not fully waterproof. However, being water-resistant is good enough as it means that most of the water will not get inside the bean bag chair.
So, if your bean bag’s outer material is made of polyester, it will be water-resistant but not 100% waterproof and not suitable for being in the rain for a prolonged period of time unless it’s coated with special materials.
However, if you want your chair to be fully waterproof or be used as a floating bean bag in a swimming pool, the outer material needs to be made of vinyl.
Vinyl is perfect for outdoor furniture and protective coverings as it is super durable, water-repellent, and weatherproof, serving as an impermeable barrier. Thus, it makes it possible for your bean bag to be submerged in water.
Is It Possible To Cover A Bean Bag Chair?
Yes, it is possible to use a cover for your outdoor bean bag chair. Today, thanks to advances in technology, there are modern bean bag chair covers that are washable, ultra-soft and comfortable, wear-resistant, and fade-proof, which you can use to cover your chair.
This means that if your bean bag chair is not water-resistant but you want to store it outdoors or if you want to increase the durability of your bean bag, all you need to do is buy it a high-quality cover.
Bean bag covers are also available in a variety of fun colors and designs, meaning you can choose one that blends well with your outdoor surroundings or one that suits your taste.
Can You Clean An Outdoor Bean Bag Without Removing Beans?
Yes, most outdoor bean bags are made with quality materials that are washable, meaning you can hand wash them when they get dirty. The material that they are made of is super easy to clean and only requires you to use a suitable detergent, a sponge or washcloth, and a small brush.
If you want to clean your bean bag chair without removing beans, there is a great cleaning tip.
Use a mixture of baking powder and a small amount of cleaning vinegar in order to help remove tough stains without damaging the fabric of the bean bag. It is going to dissolve any greasy, weird stains, and get rid of water spots on the chair.
Can You Machine Wash Bean Bags?
You can machine wash your bean bag provided that its outer cover is removable. Keep in mind that you can machine wash the bean bag cover only if it is water-resistant and machine washable. If not, then it means that water will leak inside, which will damage the bean bag.
Since bean bag cover fabric is longer, it tends to be caught on the drum paddles inside the washing machine. This mostly occurs at the spinning cycle phase.
Therefore, if you are planning to use a washing machine, it’s recommended that you place the bean bag cover in a washing bag before you place it in the machine. This will help to prevent the fabric from being caught on the internal components of the washing machine and getting damaged.
In addition, when putting the bean bag cover in the washing machine, make sure that you don’t use harsh detergents that could damage the fabric.
After washing, you may either air dry it or put it in the dryer on medium heat. When the cover is fully dry, you can then replace the loose filling.
Can You Remove Mold From A Bean Bag?
It is also possible to remove mold stains from your bean bag if it gets too moldy from being outside all the time.
Below is a step-by-step process on how to remove mold from your bean bag chair.
» Soak the bean bag cover in water and a little bit of detergent for about one hour. This will help to loosen the mold, thus making the cleaning process easier.
» Add a little bit of distilled white vinegar onto the mold areas, then leave it for about an hour.
» Wipe the area with clean water, then allow the surface to dry. Don’t worry too much about the vinegar smell. It will go away on its own in a few hours.
If your outdoor bean bag is made of vinyl, apply undiluted tea tree oil or eucalyptus essential oil diluted with water. This will do wonders in getting rid of mold spores residing on your vinyl bean bag.
How To Store Outdoor Bean Bags
Although outdoor bean bags are made of tough weather and fade resistant materials, continuous exposure to harsh weather conditions such as sun, rainfall, high humidity, and extreme cold can damage even the toughest materials over time.
For instance, direct sunlight tends to cause oxidation that can fade even the toughest material cover on the planet.
The best way to keep your outdoor bean bag in good shape and prolong its lifespan is by storing it properly when it’s not being used.
Below are tips on how to store your outdoor bean bag chair:
» Store them in bean bag covers
One of the best ways to protect your bean bag chairs is by storing them in a bean bag cover that is made of durable material such as polyester or vinyl.
Bean bag covers are specially designed to store and protect the chairs from harsh outdoor conditions such as prolonged exposure to sun and rainfall. They also protect the bean bag from mold attack, especially in humid conditions.
» Store them in a dry, shady place
Another great way to protect your bean bags and extend their life is by storing them in a shady, dry place such as inside a garage, shed, or even your house when they are not being used.
Storing them in an indoor place will protect them from direct sunlight that may cause fading. On the other hand, a dry place will help prevent mold from destroying the chairs.
You can also store them in an outdoor storage box made of weatherproof materials. If you live in a high humidity area where moisture can affect your chairs, even when they are stored in a bean bag cover, you should consider storing them in an air-conditioned setting.
Why Does My Bean Bag Smell And How Can I Get Rid Of The Odor?
There are many factors that may cause your bean bag to smell. Some of them include a combination of chemicals in the memory foam like acetone, exposure to molds, and prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
Obviously, the best way to get rid of the bean bag odor is by washing it. If the chair is clean but has a bad smell, then you should air it out by placing it in fresh air for several days until the odor is gone.
You can also sprinkle the bean bag with baking soda to absorb the foul smell.
Final Thoughts,
Outdoor bean bags can be a costly purchase, especially if they are a designer product. However, it helps you save money in the long run so it’s worth buying something of high quality as you will most likely have it and use it for years to come.
The fabric of the chair cover is the crucial factor in deciding whether the bean bag is suitable to be used outside or not. Remember that it will be exposed to the elements on a regular basis, so make sure that your bean bag chair is durable and waterproof.