Bean bag chairs have been a staple piece of furniture in homes all over the world since the 1960s. Today they are more popular than ever before. You can find them in all kinds of furniture stores as well as online. There are many reasons why you might want to bring a bean bag chair into your home as a part of the furnishing and decor. But there are also things that you need to be aware of when caring for a bean bag chair. If not cared for properly, bean bag chairs can become susceptible to mould and mildew. Read on to discover the benefits of having a bean bag in your home. And how to ensure you're taking the best possible care of them. We'll show you how to recognize mould vs mildew. And how to avoid letting them become a problem in your home.
Benefits of a bean bag
If you're considering buying a bean bag chair, it's a good idea to be as informed as possible. With that in mind, here are just some of the benefits that bean bag chairs can provide.
It brings character to a room
One of the hardest things to do when you're trying to make the most of your home is bringing an extra layer of personality into it. After all, no one wants their home to feel drab or boring. A bean bag chair is one of the best ways to bring an extra touch of unique style to your home. Not only are they a quirky and unusual piece of furniture that is sure to catch people's eyes but it also brings a sense of chilled-out and laid-back fun to any room.
It's a great way to save space
We all wish we could get a little bit of extra space out of our homes and if you're in a position where space is something of a premium then a bean bag can be one of the best options. Most furniture tends to take up a great deal of space but a bean bag is not only far smaller and more contained but it's also much easier to move around. This means that no matter how you want to arrange a room, you never have to worry about it taking up too much space and you can move it to new locations whenever you want. This is perfect for everything from hosting a party with a lot of guests to just trying to create a bit of extra space in your home without sacrificing the potential for comfort.
It's good for your posture
One thing that a lot of people fail to realise about a bean bag chair is that it's actually a fantastic choice if you're looking to find the best ways to take care of improving your posture. Unlike other pieces of furniture, a bean bag chair will mould to the shape of your body which not only increases your comfort levels but it also means that you will receive the right amount of support in all the places where you really need it. Whether you're relaxing in the living room with friends or you're working at a computer for long stretches of time, a bean bag chair ensures that you always get the posture support that you need.
A great addition to a kid's room
If there's one place where a bean bag chair fits better than pretty much anywhere else, it's in a kid's room. Not only does it bring a whole extra touch of fun and charm into their room but it gives them somewhere they can sit and read or play without you having to worry about them doing any damage to their posture. Not only that but most bean bag chairs are robust enough that they can stand up to even the most rough-and-tumble of kids.
It's comfortable
No matter how much the other factors might make a huge difference to your decision of whether or not to get a bean bag chair, there's no doubt that one of the most obvious and most significant factors is how comfortable it is to sit in. Well, the truth is that bean bag chairs are some of the most comfortable seating options out there. The way that a bean bag chair moulds to your back providing extra support. It also allows you the maximum amount of comfort possible. If you're looking for a way to relax after a hard day at work, there really is no better place to do it than in a bean bag chair.
Keeping it clean
Looking after any of your furniture means keeping it clean but there are plenty of factors that you have to consider when keeping a bean bag chair clean that are unique to it. Not only that but different kinds of bean bag covers will require different methods of cleaning. A removable cotton cover is best washed in the washing machine whereas vinyl covers need to be wiped clean. Things like suede and velvet covers are best wiped clean with a damp cloth so that you can keep them fresh while taking the best possible care of the fabric. One of the most common issues that some people can run into when trying to take care of their bean bag chair is that of mould or mildew. If you keep your beanbag clean and dry and do not leave it exposed to humidity it will last for many years. We strongly urge our customers not to leave their beanbag outdoors when not in use. Outdoor cushions and outdoor furniture should be covered and stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. Continued exposure to the elements will dramatically increase the chances of mould forming on your outdoor furniture.
Mildew vs Mould
It's pretty common for a lot of people to confuse mould vs mildew. This is understandable since they are both types of fungi known to thrive in warm areas with a high degree of moisture. However, there are actually differences between both and knowing those differences gives you the best chance to tackle and deal with these issues when they crop up on your bean bag chair.
The difference
If you want to see the difference between mildew and mould then the first thing you should pay attention to is the way that it looks. Mildew is generally white, grey, or yellow and grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. It either has a fluffy texture a little like cotton wool or it will have a powdery texture. Mould, on the other hand, tends to be dark green or black. Mould grows underneath anything that has gathered any form of moisture and generally has a fuzzy or slimy texture. Find out how to remove mould from fabric.
Where do they grow?
It's common for both mould and mildew to grow in many of the same kinds of places. Warm, moist places are the most common locations for the growth of mould and mildew. Mildew is often found on damp surfaces. Fabric and leather can both commonly develop mildew if they get wet. Exposing leather or cotton to moisture increases the risk of mould. You can also find mildew on your floors in humid environments. So be sure to check the floor for mildew before placing your bean bag on it. Mould, on the other hand, tends to grow more commonly on things like food items like cheese, bread, or meat. It's also somewhat common to find mould in indoor or outdoor environments. It will prevail in areas that have become wet or during periods of high humidity. It is especially common in places like sheds and garages. Again, this has the potential to impact where you might choose to store your bean bag.
What effects do they have?
Mildew and mould are both things that you will likely want to avoid in your home but they can actually have very different effects on the environment around them and the people who live in the vicinity. Mildew is certainly harmful when it grows on things like food but it, generally speaking, doesn't leave any lasting damage to the surfaces it grows on. This means that it's actually really rather easy to clean mildew away and leave the surface of your bean bag looking as good as new. If you breathe mildew in, it can cause coughing, headaches, and even give you trouble breathing. Not only that but it can also exacerbate other health issues. The effects of mould tend to be quite a bit more serious than those of mildew. Mould can not only cause issues for your health but it can actually cause damage to your home. The health issues caused by mould are a lot more serious. Mould can cause reactions that create respiratory issues, heart problems, joint pain, migraines, fatigue, and even symptoms like depression. Not only that but it can also cause congestion, sneezing, and irritation in those who have a mould allergy. Because of this, dealing with mould as quickly as possible is absolutely essential.
How do you get rid of Mildew & Mould?
Another stark difference when it comes to mould vs mildew is how difficult they are to get rid of. Mildew can often be gotten rid of with little more than mildew cleaner and a scrubbing brush. This means that you can often handle mildew on your bean bag chair by yourself without too much trouble. And you can rest easy knowing that there won't be any lasting issues. Provided you work to prevent it from occurring in the first place. That's not really the case when it comes to mould. Mould isn't something that most people can deal with on their own. It's something that really is a lot better left to the professionals. Not only are professionals much better equipped to deal with mould. But they also know the correct safety measures to use in order to avoid any further health complications arising. There are things that you can do yourself to prevent mould from growing in your home. These can be done without having to hire a professional. There are plenty of products online that help to prevent both mould and mildew that can be incredibly effective.
When it's time to replace it
Despite their durability, bean bag chairs do have a limited lifespan. Perhaps it no longer fits with your existing decor. Maybe mould has begun growing on it and you're unable to deal with it yourself? There comes a time when you need to replace your bean bag. This means that you will need to dispose of it. When that time comes, you need to be sure that this is something that you're doing correctly.
The cover
Depending on the type of cover, your options are going to be different when it comes to disposal. Some fabrics may be cleaned but others will need to be disposed of completely. This also depends on the extent of the damage. Once emptied, most bean bag covers can be easier folded. This will make it simple to dispose of in a bin without much trouble at all. If the cover is particularly large then you may need to take it directly to your local landfill.
The filling
Getting rid of the filling of your bean bag can be a much more difficult process. Depending on the kind of filling you may or may not be able to recycle it. So it's always worth doing your research. Most of the best bean bag chairs are incredibly durable and will happily last for a very long time. How long will often depend on how you care for it. As with most things, a bean bag chair has a limited lifespan. When the time does come to replace your bean bag chair, make sure that you do it as safely and carefully as possible and that you know all of your disposal options.
