The Cornhole Bag Break-In Guide: What the Pros Are Doing

Introduction

When it comes to professional cornhole, the condition of your bags can make a big difference. Fresh out of the packaging, most bags are stiff and slick—far from game-ready. While some players prefer to let their bags break in naturally through play, others rely on more accelerated techniques.

In this guide, we break down the most commonly used bag break-in methods in the industry. These aren’t official recommendations, but a transparent look at techniques players across the cornhole community often use to soften and prep their bags for tournament play.

1. Throw Them In

Overview:
The most traditional and ACL-friendly method—just throw the bags. A few hundred throws (and a few games) naturally break down the fabric and fill, leading to a comfortable feel and predictable slide.

Pros:

• 100% safe and ACL-compliant

• No risk of voiding warranties or altering materials unnaturally

• Organic feel develops over time

Cons:

• Takes time—hundreds (sometimes thousands) of throws

• May wear unevenly depending on surface type and use

2. Hot Water Soak

Overview:
Many players soak their bags in hot (not boiling) water for 2–4 hours. No soap is typically used—just water—to soften fabrics and get the fill moving freely.

Pros:

• Common practice in the community

• Preserves the natural feel of the fabric

• Helps begin the break-in process without throwing

Cons:

• Hot water can still void warranties if not approved by the manufacturer

• Results vary depending on bag type and materials

• Potential for over-softening if overdone

3. Tumble Dry (No Heat)

Overview:
After soaking or even dry out of the box, some players place bags in the dryer with no heat (air fluff setting only), sometimes inside a pillowcase or towel to reduce impact.

Pros:

• Loosens up fabric and fill

• Speeds up softening process without using chemicals

• Frequently used after a hot water soak

Cons:

• Dryer agitation can cause uneven wear or seam stress

• Some manufacturers discourage this practice

• Risk of damage if accidentally exposed to heat

4. Bag Break-In Products

Overview:
There are commercially available “bag break-in” solutions—liquids or sprays designed to soften cornhole fabric and reduce friction.

Pros:

• Purpose-made for cornhole bags

• Often used by high-level players for quicker results

• Generally less aggressive than soaps or chemicals

Cons:

• Not all are ACL-approved

• Risk of residue buildup over time

• Opinions vary on long-term effects on fabric and fill

5. Washing Machines & Fabric Softeners

Overview:
Some players use washing machines and fabric softeners to speed up the process. This is one of the more controversial methods and can drastically alter bag performance.

Pros:

• Very fast break-in

• Leaves bags extremely soft and playable

Cons:

• Often voids warranties

• Can dramatically affect slide/stick performance

• May not be tournament legal, depending on what’s used

6. Bag Beaters and Smashers

Overview:
Devices like “bag smashers” or even rolling pins or mallets are sometimes used to physically break down fabric and distribute fill.

Pros:

• Physically mimics months of gameplay

• Common among players wanting quick results without moisture

Cons:

• Can overdo it and damage structure

• Not a controlled method—risk of uneven fill or seams weakening

Final Thoughts

Every player has their own approach to breaking in bags, and opinions vary across the competitive cornhole community. Some swear by natural throw-in play, while others use a combination of soaking and tumbling for a faster feel. Before trying any method, it’s always smart to check with your bag manufacturer about what’s safe and covered under warranty.

At the end of the day, your bags are your tools—how you prep them is a personal choice. The goal is to get them game-ready in a way that feels right for your throw and playing style.

Share Your Method!

Have a break-in method you swear by? Share your favorite technique with us on Instagram @nicecornhole or drop a comment on our Facebook page. Let’s talk bags.