Leather and fabric sofas certainly have their advantages: they’re easy on the eye, comfortable, and extremely durable. However, there is one bugbear known to all sofa owners – and that’s sagging.
Prone to squashing and wrinkling, sofa cushions can look tired if they’re not cared for properly. Couple this with indentations and sloping seat backs and you could be forgiven for thinking your sofa is ready for the scrap heap.
But don’t be fooled. With our expert tips, you’ll be able to make even the dowdiest of sofas look as good-as-new (if you don’t come to Plumbs first, of course).
Here’s how you can restuff your sofa cushions in a few easy steps.
How to restuff detachable sofa cushions
If you’ve had your sofa for several years, your cushions may start to look less than their best. Thankfully, there is a simple way to restuff couch cushions in no time – all you need is some wadding (a type of wadding, similar to that used on mattress covers).
What you need:
- Several metres of wadding
- Optional: Poly Fil (or down-and-feather filling)
How to do it:
Step 1. Firstly, remove your sofa cushions from the frame (if you can’t pull them out, you will need to work with them fixed onto the frame. In this case, you should follow our instructions on ‘How to restuff fixed sofa cushions’, below).
Step 2. Have a feel around the outside of the cushions until you locate the zip. Once you’ve found it, slip the sofa cushion from its lining.
Step 3. Now is a good time to grab a vacuum cleaner. Slide the nozzle over the padding to remove any deteriorating foam, as this can cause bunching.
Step 4. Next, you should spray the foam with sticky adhesive (you’ll find these in most homeware shops) before wrapping with layers of wadding. To test its comfiness, sit down on the cushion to see how it feels. If, after testing, you want to make it puffier, add a layer of Poly Fil (a high-tolerance blend of polyester) or down-and-feather filling, and secure with another layer of wadding.
Step 5. Finish by zipping the sofa cushion back up and slotting back into the frame. The result? A plump (and super comfy) sofa!
TOP TIP: Avoid wrapping too many batting layers around the cushion, as this can make it difficult to slide on the cushion cover.
How to restuff fixed sofa cushions
Not all sofa cushions can be pulled clear of their frame (some manufacturers choose to sew them on). If this is your situation, don’t worry – there are lots of ways you can keep your sofa cushions nicely padded without having to sew them free. Here’s how it’s done.
What you need:
- Poly Fil
How to do it:
Step 1. Firstly, you should feel around the sides of the couch cushion until you find the zip (these are usually hidden away at the sides of the cushion, or at the very back, where the cushions meets the back rest). Once located, you should be able to easily zip open your sofa cushion to reveal the foam interior.
Step 2. Now, you need to grab a handful of Poly-Fil and push it under the cushion’s lining, starting behind any foam which is already in the cushion (if you’ve ever stuffed a chicken, you’ll already be an expert).
Step 3. Keep padding until the exterior looks taut and feels bouncy (you’ll be surprised how much foam sofa cushions need). If it feels hard or there is foam sticking out around the zip, you’ve added too much.
Step 4. Once you’re happy with the plumpness, zip up your sofa cushions to check they look smooth. If they look too puffy, don’t worry, the padding will settle to the bottom after a few weeks.
TOP TIP: If you’re struggling to fill the corners, wrap a ruler with a soft towel to adjust the sofa cushion foam.
Want a professional to restuff your sofa cushions? Plumbs have plenty of furniture reupholstery options for you to choose from. Simply book in your Home Service with us to get your free quote.
