Tips on Making Your Couch Cushion Softer

Quck answer

To soften a couch cushion, follow these steps:

1. Fluff the cushion: Start by removing the cushion from the couch and giving it a good shake. This will help loosen any compressed fibers.

2. Beat the cushion: Next, take the cushion outside and gently beat it with your hands or a soft object like a tennis racket. This will help break up any clumps and redistribute the filling.

3. Rotate the cushion: Turn the cushion over and rotate it to ensure even wear. This will prevent one side from becoming overly compressed.

4. Add extra filling: If the cushion still feels too firm, consider adding extra filling. You can use materials like foam, batting, or polyester fiberfill to achieve the desired softness.

5. Use a cushion wrap: Finally, consider using a cushion wrap. These wraps are placed around the cushion and provide an extra layer of softness and comfort.

By following these steps, you can easily soften your couch cushion and make it more comfortable for lounging.


Maybe you purchased a new couch solely for its appearance without considering its level of softness. A fantastic couch can be the centerpiece of your living room, but an uncomfortable couch is of little use. If you find that your couch is too hard and uncomfortable, don’t worry. There are a few tricks you can try to soften the cushion and make it more comfortable.

Allow for Time

Fabrics and padding in a new couch tend to be firmer and will naturally soften over time. Sit on different areas of the couch, flip the cushions regularly, and shift your body weight around. You will likely notice that the couch becomes softer and more comfortable with time.

Remove Some Filling

This may not be an option for all couch designs, but unzipping the cushions and taking out some of the filling can help soften them if they are overfilled. Keep the removed filling in a safe place, such as a linen closet, in case you want to add it back later.

Eliminate Cleaning Product Residue

If you have recently cleaned an older couch with furniture-cleaning products, make sure there is no residue left on the fabric. Residue can stiffen the fabric and make a previously comfortable couch less so. If you suspect this may be the case, wet a small area with water and gently rub it with your fingers. If you notice soapy residue on your fingers and the fabric, there may be leftover cleaning products causing the issue. Steam clean the couch or vacuum it, and then dab it with a cloth soaked in clean, distilled water.

Consider Reupholstering the Couch

If you have given your couch enough time and tried other methods without success, you may want to have it reupholstered or restuffed. If you bought a new couch, you can contact the manufacturer or retailer to inquire about getting replacement stuffing with a desired texture or firmness. For older couches, consult a specialized upholsterer who can replace the stuffing and even change the fabric if you wish to update the appearance.

For Leather Couches

Leather couches may feel uncomfortable and hard due to the condition of the leather. To soften the leather and improve its condition, gently rub a small amount of petroleum jelly into the leather using a soft cloth. Alternatively, you can purchase special leather conditioners specifically made for leather furniture.

Caution

Prior to steam cleaning your couch, applying water, or using a commercially available product on the upholstery, test your chosen method in a small, inconspicuous area to check for any discoloration or damage.

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