How to Easily Break in Cornhole Bags – 5 Best Methods

Breaking in your cornhole bags isn’t just about feel; it’s about performance. If you’ve just bought a new set of cornhole bags, you’ve probably noticed how stiff they are right out of the package. Stiff bags tend to be unpredictable, especially when aiming for airmail shots where precision is the key.

Moreover, the bags fall right off the hole or just stay there, even if your aim is perfect. Therefore, the goal is to break in the bags so that the fabric softens and the bags melt right into the hole on their own.

Also Relevant: Best Cornhole Bags to Win Every Tournament in 2025

1. Sac Relax or Toss Sauce – Reliable and Quickest Method

Sac Relax deserves the top spot because it’s simple, and the most reliable way to break in your new cornhole bags. In fact, it’s also the fastest way. What makes Sac Relax stand out is that it’s specifically designed for cornhole bags, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out the right method on your own. 

And if you are hesitant about experimenting with your new precious cornhole bags, don’t worry! The Sac Relax method is straightforward, with clear instructions right on the bottle, and it takes minimal effort—which is why so many players love it. 

Process

• Fill a sink with hot water and add a scoop of Toss Sauce or Sac Relax per set of bags.
• Let the bags soak for 45 minutes, kneading them occasionally, especially around the corners.
• Once they’ve soaked, drain the solution, rinse the bags, tumble dry on low heat for 30 minutes. That’s it!

2. Ultra 1-hour Break-In Kit – Guaranteed by Ultra Cornhole

Ultra has a specific break-in kit, and not using it might void the warranty on your ultra bags. Their kit is designed to break in the bags safely within an hour, ensuring that you maintain your warranty coverage.

If you’re using Ultra bags, it’s highly recommended to follow their break-in process first. Here’s a quick rundown:

Process

1. Pre-Soak: Soak the bags in warm water for 3-5 minutes while massaging them.
2. Conditioner Application: Add a nickel-sized dab of Ultra Bag Conditioner to each side, working it into the fabric.
3. Seam Breaking: Use the break-in mallet to break in the seams and corners.
4. Hot Water Soak & Rinse: Rinse the bags with hot water to remove the conditioner.
5. Soap Scrub: Add soap to each side and scrub them together, followed by another hot water rinse.
6. Final Soak & Rinse: Another hot water rinse and soak to finish.
7. Dry: Place the bags in the dryer with two dry towels on low heat for about 20 minutes.
8. Final Break-In: Use the mallet for a final break-in of the seams and corners.

3. White Vinegar and Hot Water Soak – Most Affordable Method

The White Vinegar method is for those looking for a cheap and effective way to break in cornhole bags, without using the Toss Sauce or any break-in products. As a matter of fact, it uses items you probably already have at home: white vinegar and hot water.

Process

• Wash your bags first with dish soap.
• Soak them in a mix of 2 cups of white vinegar and enough hot water to cover the bags.
• Let them sit for 2-4 hours, occasionally working the fabric with your hands (especially the corners)
• It’s important that you work the bags yourself for 30-40 seconds every 30 minutes and you might need to use some gloves to protect your hands
• Rinse the bags thoroughly and tumble dry on low heat.

4. Hair Conditioner – A DIY Favorite Method

This might sound strange, but hair conditioner works wonders in softening cornhole bags. The conditioner relaxes the fibers, making the fabric more pliable. Here’s how to do it:

Process

• Get the bags wet and apply a small amount of conditioner to both sides.
• Massage the conditioner into the fabric, especially around the corners and seams.
• Rinse the bags thoroughly with warm water.
• Toss the bags in the dryer with some towels on low heat.

This method has gained popularity because it’s simple and works great for stiff bags.

5. Throw Them – The Natural Method

Alright, so this is probably the most straightforward method—just throw your bags. If you’ve got time on your hands and don’t mind waiting, simply playing with the bags over time will eventually break them in.

With regular use, the fabric will soften, and you’ll notice the bags start to perform better.

Major Drawback to Consider

This approach has some drawbacks and it might not be ideal for some cases. Throwing the bags over and over can take a while. Some people see results after 12 hours of play, while others find it takes weeks to get the bags feeling just right. In fact, it really depends on the type of bag and how often you play.

Plus, there’s another thing to consider: by throwing them repeatedly, you might end up with bags that wear out faster than you’d like.

You could notice snags or worn-out spots appearing over time, especially if you’re playing on rougher cornhole boards or outdoor surfaces. So while it’s the most natural way to break in your bags, it might cause them to wear out a bit quicker.

How to Safely Break in Carpet Cornhole Bags?

When it comes to carpet bags, the process is a bit different, and there’s a crucial warning to keep in mind. Carpet bags have a unique texture and fabric that need to be handled with care during the break-in process.

The Only Right Ways to Break in Carpet Bags

Instead, opt for gentler methods like a hot water soak (not boiling) or using Sac Relax. Both methods can help soften the fabric without the risk of damaging the bag’s shape or performance. Here’s a quick guide on what to do:

• Hot Water Soak: Use hot tap water, but not boiling, and let the bags soak for a few hours. Make sure the water is warm enough to soften the fabric without causing any damage.
• Sac Relax: This product is safe for most bag types, including carpet bags, and it comes with instructions that ensure the fabric isn’t exposed to extreme temperatures.

The key with carpet bags is to be gentle. Carpet bags have their own set of rules when it comes to breaking them in and following these guidelines will help you maintain their quality and performance.

Final Thoughts

Breaking in new cornhole bags doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, you have plenty of options to get your bags game-ready. Those methods include using the Toss Sauce or Sac Relax, speeding up the process with hot water, or trying a hair conditioner.

There is also a natural method of throwing the bags repeatedly. The key is finding the method that works best for your schedule and play style. 

NOTE: After the process, you can check whether the bags are broken in or not by comparing the size of the broken-in cornhole bags with the original stiff bags.

Usually after breaking in, the size increases since the fabric expands and relax.