How to Safely Clean Your Cornhole Bags for Best Performance

Cornhole bags get dirty fast. They endure a lot—dust, dirt, oils from your hands, and all sorts of outdoor grime. Over time, this build-up doesn’t just make the bags look worn out—it can actually impact your game. Therefore, it is very important to wash them safely from time to time so that your clean bags keep shining just like your skills. 

Also Relevant: How to Easily Break in Cornhole Bags

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through the most effective methods to clean your cornhole bags, whether they’re filled with traditional corn or modern resin pellets.

But first, it’s important to understand why cleaning them matters.

Why Cleaning Your Cornhole Bags Matters

Imagine you’re at a weekend barbecue with friends, and the cornhole boards are set up on the lawn. Throughout the day, you play several rounds, tossing the bags back and forth.

As fun as it is, every throw exposes the bags to dust, dirt, and even oils from your hands. By the end of the day, the once-clean bags are now covered in grime.

Here’s how dirt affects your cornhole bags:

Now that we’ve understood the importance of cleaning the bags, now let's understand the importance of knowing your bag type.

Know Your Cornhole Bag Type

Before diving into cleaning methods, it's crucial to know what type of cornhole bags you have:

1. Resin-filled Cornhole Bags

Resin-filled cornhole bags are the most common in competitive play. They contain small plastic pellets and can withstand a variety of cleaning methods. Resin-filled bags are waterproof and weather-resistant but putting them in the rain for too long might damage the fabric.

2. Corn-filled Cornhole Bags

Corn-filled bags are traditional bags filled with dried corn. These are more sensitive to water and require a gentler approach. Understanding the type of bag is essential because it dictates the cleaning method you'll use.

1. Cleaning Corn-Filled Cornhole Bags

Corn-filled bags are sensitive to moisture, as excess water can cause the corn to mold or break down.

Method: Spot Cleaning Only (Handle with Care)

1. Surface Wipe: Dampen a cloth with water (avoid soaking it) and gently wipe down the exterior of the bags to remove any dirt or dust.
2. Spot Cleaning: If the bags are very dirty, use a soft brush with a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Scrub gently to avoid soaking the seams of the bags.
3. Dry Immediately: After cleaning, dry the bags using a clean, dry towel. Ensure they air dry completely before storing them to avoid mold growth.

2. Cleaning Resin-Filled Cornhole Bags

Resin-filled bags are pretty tough, so you don't have to worry as much about them getting damaged during cleaning. They won't break down like corn-filled bags when exposed to water, making them ideal for machine washing or thorough hand cleaning. 

Method 1: Hand Wash (Safest and Best for Longevity)

• Soak:  Fill a sink or basin with warm water. Add a small amount of mild dish soap like Dawn.
• Clean: Place the bags in the soapy water and let them soak for 15-20 minutes. This helps loosen up dirt and grime.
• Scrub: Gently scrub the bags using your hands or a soft brush to remove any stubborn dirt.
• Rinse: Drain the soapy water and rinse the bags thoroughly under running water until all soap is removed.

Method 2: Washing Machine (The Easiest Way)

• Check for Damage: Check for any rips or tears to prevent resin pellets from spilling out.
• Prepare: Place the bags in a pillowcase or laundry bag to protect them during the wash.
• Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water and add a small amount of laundry detergent.

Drying Resin-Filled Bags (Different Methods for Removing Moisture Safely)

After washing properly, drying your bags the right way is key to keeping them in top shape. Here’s how you can do it without risking any damage:

1. Air Drying:

• Lay Flat: After washing, gently squeeze out as much water as you can without twisting or wringing the bags.
• Towel Dry: Place the bags on a dry towel, roll it up, and press to absorb the extra moisture. Once you've done that, unroll the towel and lay the bags flat or stand them upright in a spot with good airflow.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: A bit of sunlight is okay, but leaving them out in the sun for too long can fade the fabric and mess with the bag's feel.

2. Machine Drying:

• Use a Pillowcase: To protect the bags, toss them inside a pillowcase or laundry bag before putting them in the dryer.
• Low Heat Setting: Keep the heat low or medium. High heat can shrink or damage the bags, which you definitely don't want.
• Add Towels: Throw a couple of towels in there to help soak up moisture and reduce the banging around.
• Check Frequently: Keep an eye on them. You don't want them to overheat or get too dry.

Pro Tips for Drying:

• Don’t Rush It: Make sure your bags are fully dry before using them again. Playing with damp bags can mess with the game and might even cause mold.
• Flip Them: If you're air drying, give the bags a flip now and then to make sure they dry evenly.
• Skip Fabric Softeners: Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softeners when machine drying. They can leave a residue that changes how the bags feel and slide on the board.

Dos and Don'ts of Cleaning Cornhole Bags

Following is the concise summary of what I've discussed above.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Your Cornhole Bags

• Regular Maintenance: Give your bags a quick wipe-down after each game to keep dirt and grime from building up.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Use mild detergents when cleaning to avoid damaging the fabric or the filling.
• Proper Storage: Store your bags in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent mold and mildew from forming.
• Check for Wear and Tear: Regularly inspect your bags for any rips, tears, or other damage so you can fix issues before they get worse.

Conclusion

Keeping your cornhole bags clean helps keep your game on point. Dirt and oils can mess with how your bags grip and slide, so a bit of care really makes a difference. Whether you have corn-filled or resin-filled bags, cleaning them now and then goes a long way.

So if you follow these simple steps, your bags will stay in great shape, giving you smooth slides and perfect tosses every time!