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How to Clean Cornhole Bags Without Breaking Them In
- Authors
- Name
- ACL Pro Tommy Sliker
Playing cornhole on dirt, grass, or other surfaces inevitably leads to dirty bags. Many players avoid cleaning their bags out of fear that washing will over-break them in, but there's a right way to clean cornhole bags that keeps them fresh without compromising their performance.
The Cleaning Dilemma
When bags get dirty from outdoor play, players often face a tough choice: play with dirty bags or risk over-breaking them in through cleaning. The good news is that with the right technique, you can clean your bags effectively without damaging their playing characteristics.
The key is using gentle methods that don't stretch or pull the fabric, combined with proper air drying that maintains the bag's original feel and speed.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Method
What You'll Need
- Large bucket or container
- Dawn dish soap (or similar gentle detergent)
- Clean water for rinsing
- Box fan
- Two chairs or supports
The Cleaning Process
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution Fill a bucket with water and add Dawn dish soap. Use as much soap as you think you need - the exact amount isn't critical, but err on the side of more rather than less for effective cleaning.
Step 2: Soak and Agitate Place your bags in the soapy water and gently move them around in a way that pulls water in and out of the fabric. This helps the soap penetrate and lift dirt without aggressive scrubbing that could damage the material.
Soak the bags for 30-40 minutes, agitating them every 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough cleaning.
Step 3: Rinse Thoroughly Remove the bags from the soapy water and rinse them very well under clean running water. Make sure all soap residue is removed, as leftover soap can affect the bag's feel and performance.
Step 4: Air Dry with Fan This is the crucial step that prevents over-breaking in. Set up a box fan between two chairs so air pulls down through the fan. Place your bags on the fan, and it will suck the water out without any mechanical stress on the fabric.
The fan method typically dries bags completely in about 1.5 hours while maintaining their original characteristics.
For Heavily Soiled Bags
If your bags are extremely dirty, you can apply dish soap directly to them first. Lather them up and gently rub two bags together, then follow the standard soaking and rinsing process.
This direct application method is particularly effective for bags that have picked up significant dirt, grass stains, or other stubborn debris from outdoor play.
Why This Method Works
The key to successful bag cleaning without over-breaking them in lies in two principles:
Gentle Handling: The method avoids pulling or stretching the material during washing, which is what causes bags to break in further.
Air Drying: Using a fan to dry the bags prevents the mechanical stress that comes from wringing or aggressive drying methods.
When bags are cleaned properly using this technique, they may actually feel slightly faster when dry, as dirt and debris that was slowing them down has been removed.
Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Don't wring out bags: Wringing or twisting bags to remove water can stretch the fabric and change their playing characteristics.
Avoid machine washing: Washing machines can be too aggressive and may damage the bags or cause them to break in more than desired.
Don't use harsh detergents: Stick to gentle dish soaps rather than heavy-duty laundry detergents that might be too harsh for the bag material.
Skip the dryer: Heat and tumbling can damage bags and cause them to break in more than intended.
When to Clean Your Bags
Clean your bags when they become visibly dirty or when dirt is affecting their performance. Some signs it's time to clean include:
- Visible dirt or stains on the fabric
- Bags feeling slower or stickier than usual
- Dirt transferring to your hands during play
- Bags picking up debris from the playing surface
Maintaining Clean Bags
To keep your bags cleaner longer:
- Store them in a clean, dry bag when not in use
- Avoid playing on extremely dirty or muddy surfaces when possible
- Wipe down bags with a damp cloth after particularly dirty games
- Consider using a bag storage system that keeps them protected
The Bottom Line
You don't have to choose between dirty bags and over-broken-in bags. With the right cleaning method, you can keep your cornhole bags clean and fresh while maintaining their optimal playing characteristics.
The fan-drying technique is particularly important - it's what makes this method work without causing additional break-in. Many players who try this method report that their bags actually perform better after cleaning, as the removal of dirt and debris can make them feel faster and more consistent.
