Found some mould on your outdoor bean bag? It happens - particularly after wet weather, a humid summer, or a piece that's been stored away without fully drying first. The good news is it's almost always fixable and with the right approach it doesn't have to mean the end of your bean bag.

Below are the most effective ways to remove mould using common household items, followed by some simple habits that keep it from coming back.

How to remove mould from your bean bag cover

Detergent

Mix mild detergent powder with warm water, apply to the affected area and gently scrub with a soft brush. Either handwash or machine wash on a gentle cycle, then dry fully in the sun. Never tumble dry your bean bag covers.

Borax

Dissolve two tablespoons of borax in a spray bottle of water, shake well and spray onto the affected area. Gently scrub, spray again and let air dry. Follow up with a gentle machine wash if needed.

Distilled white vinegar

Mix a cup of distilled white vinegar with warm water in a spray bottle. Spray onto a clean cloth and gently dab onto the mouldy area. Leave for up to half an hour, then handwash or machine wash on a gentle cycle and dry in the sun.

Baking soda and vinegar

For a stronger approach, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar and stir until the baking soda fully dissolves. Apply to the affected area, covering the mould completely, and leave for two to three hours or until the mould has gone.

Tea tree oil

Mix a cup of water with one teaspoon of tea tree oil in a spray bottle, shake well and spray directly onto the mouldy area. No need to wipe — just let it dry naturally.

Grape seed extract

Add ten drops of grape seed extract to a cup of water, transfer to a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the affected area and leave for five to ten minutes, then gently brush until the mould is gone. Repeat if necessary.

Bleach — for outdoor Olefin covers only

For stubborn mould on our outdoor Olefin bean bag covers, a diluted bleach solution can be used. Spray lightly onto the affected area and leave for up to an hour to penetrate, then machine wash on a gentle cycle and dry fully in the sun.

Olefin fabric is highly resistant and handles this level of cleaning when needed — but only use bleach on outdoor Olefin covers. Never use bleach on indoor bean bags or any non-Olefin products.

How to prevent mould coming back

Mooi Living's outdoor bean bags are made from premium Olefin fabric, which is resistant to UV, stains and moisture. Even so, a few simple habits make a significant difference to long-term condition.

Let it dry fully after use. Always allow the cover and inner mesh liner to dry completely before storing - particularly after pool use or rain. Folding away a damp bean bag is the most common cause of mould.

Store in a dry, ventilated space. During the off-season or extended wet periods, keep your bean bag somewhere with airflow rather than sealed in a bag or box.

Keep it undercover in heavy rain. Our Olefin fabric handles weather well but prolonged saturation without drying time creates the conditions mould needs.

Spot clean regularly. A quick wipe-down with mild soap and water, followed by air drying, keeps the cover fresh and stops small issues becoming larger ones.

Why mould isn't covered under warranty

Mould is caused by environmental conditions rather than product defects, which is why it isn't covered under warranty. Like all outdoor furnishings, exposure to moisture, humidity and airflow affects how and whether mould forms - and these are factors outside any manufacturer's control.

While we use premium materials designed to resist moisture, no fabric is completely immune in every environment. Regular cleaning and proper storage are the most effective things you can do to keep your bean bag in good condition over the long term.

Need more care advice?

For general outdoor care tips, our outdoor care guide covers everything worth knowing about keeping your pieces in good shape season after season. And if you have a question about a specific situation, get in touch — we're always happy to help.