You have your dream sofa to come home to at the end of a long day, but how do you keep it feeling plump and looking sprightly?
Here are a few easy steps to keep your sofa looking and feeling comfortable and cosy.
Your sofa cushions can go flat over time, depending on how much you use your sofa. From flopping on it at the end of the day to duvet days, long movie nights and visiting guests, your sofa can go through a lot on a day-to-day basis. Not to mention kids and pets!
Looking after your sofa will ensure you can keep it looking and feeling fresh so you can love it for even longer.
How quickly your cushions lose their bounce will depend on how often your sofa is used and the type of filling inside the cushions. Did you know that fibre cushions require more maintenance and regular plumping compared to foam filling?
Luckily, there are a few easy things you can to do to prevent flat cushions and help your sofa feel plumper for longer.
Watch our handy step-by-step video for helpful demonstrations on how to plump sofa cushions and keep your sofa looking in top condition:
1. Plumping
If your sofa has removable seat and back cushions, you should remove each cushion to plump them in order to get the best results.
If possible, unzip the cushion covers to let in the air. Holding the cushion in both hands, firmly pat the outside edges of the cushion to allow air to circulate back into the filling.
If needed, lightly flatten any overspill and carefully zip the cushion back up.
For scatter cushions, take the cushion in both hands and rotate as you plump the sides to bring the filling back into the centre. Lightly pull at the corners to neaten and then arrange them as desired.
Don’t forget to plump up your arm cushions if they are removable.
Plumping your cushions at least once a week should keep your cushions looking their best.
2. Knead and chop
If your sofa doesn’t have removable seat or back cushions, firmly massage or chop your cushions to plump up the fibres. This will also help separate the filling and spread it out evenly.
Aim to do this at least once a week to prevent flat seat cushions.
3. Flip the cushions
If your sofa comes with reversible sofa cushions, regularly flipping them will help to preserve the life of your sofa as it will prevent the cushions from sagging, allowing them to keep their shape.
Sofa cushions should be turned every 1-2 weeks to help stop them sinking.
4. Swap cushions around
Everyone has their favourite spot on the sofa, but to ensure the same cushions aren’t getting used more than others, you should swap and change their positions (if you’re able to and the cushions aren’t fixed into place).
Swapping your cushions will help the longevity of your cushions and prevent your place on the sofa becoming out of shape.
Do this every 1-2 weeks to help your cushions keep their comfort factor.
5. Smooth or brush
To help distribute the filling evenly and return the cushion to its original structure, smooth the cushions with your hands.
You can also use a vacuum with an appropriate brush attachment that’s gentle enough for the fabric or leather for a similar effect.
If using your hands, use a ‘breaststroke’ method to smooth the cushions. Place your hands side by side in the middle of the cushion and move them outwards in opposite directions towards the edges of the cushion - almost as if you’re performing a breaststroke in a swimming pool.
Do this to the left and right and then diagonally from top to bottom.
To finish, smooth the seams or piping around the cushion cover to neaten.
You should practise this 1-2 times per week to help the cushions keep their shape.
Looking for more sofa care advice?
Check out our care guides below
Fabric sofa care guide
Keeping your fabric sofa looking its best for longer takes a little TLC, though with our handy everyday hints and tips you won’t go wrong.
Leather sofa care guide
Check out our everyday advice for caring and cleaning your leather sofa including how to specifically look after different types of leather.
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