After becoming the proud new owner of a couch, you may find yourself wondering about the flipping couch cushions thing. Is it an old wives' tale or is it a valid and efficient way to extend the life of your furniture? We have the definitive answer for you.
It is beneficial for the overall condition of a couch to flip the cushions. By doing so, the life of the couch is extended because the problem of sagging and wear in the same spot is reduced. Flipping the cushions every one to two weeks will help prolong the life of a couch.
Although this may seem to be like a simple task, you may still have some follow up questions about flipping the cushions on your couch. Keep reading on to find the answers!
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Yes To Flipping Cushions — And Often
Flipping the cushions on your couch is an easy way to bring out the longevity of your furniture. Unfortunately, some cushions are sewn into the couch itself, making this impossible. If this is not the case for you, it is recommended that you do flip your cushions as a part of your cleaning routine.
It is also suggested that you rearrange the cushions if that is possible as well. As you know, humans are creatures of habit, so we tend to sit in the same spots time and time again. Moving cushions around is a way to make all of them last a while instead of a couple being worn out and the other ones practically new.
When it comes to when exactly you should flip your cushions, it comes down to the couch that you own.
Couches that are higher-end in material and build will have cushions that are a little more up to wear and could wait two weeks between flipping. This principle also applies to couches that are not used every day.
If you have a sitting room that is not used very often, then flipping can wait a couple of weeks as well.
However, the couches that are used every day and/or are made from lower-quality materials should have the cushions flipped every week.
Of course, this is the ideal principle to live by, but sometimes it isn't realistic. It IS the best way to extend the life of your cushions, but any time you can flip the cushions will be helpful.
Flip them when you remember might be a better philosophy for some. Moving the cushions around some is better than never doing it.
How Long Should Couch Cushions Last?
Depending on the wear of the cushions and the quality, cushions typically last 3-6 years.
The first three years of a cushion's life are easily the most comfortable. If you have been flipping them often, this may even be extended. That's the goal, right? But like anything, time and use reduce the lush quality eventually.
After about three years, the foam in the couches begin to deteriorate, some earlier and some later depending on the foam density and use.
Though the comfort of the cushions is being reduced, if the structure of the couch is still in great shape, your couch is definitely still usable for at least a couple more years.
It is also possible to just replace the cushions itself instead of the whole couch. If you are into DIY projects, you can replace the foam in your cushions. Both of these options will extend the life of your couch.
How Often Should You Replace The Entire Couch?
Depending on the frequency in which your couch is used and the wear and tear it's subject to (such as kids jumping on the couch and spilling drinks), the replacement of a couch should happen between every 7 to 15 years.
Couches that are used every day will need to be replaced sooner than couches that are not. Frequency of use is one of the most important factors to consider.
Higher quality (and often more expensive furniture) will often last longer. The material your couch is made out of makes a difference as well.
Leather is one of the most durable fabrics out there, so sofas that are made out of leather will usually last longer than other options.
Man-made fiber materials will last longer than cotton or linen. Canvas or microfiber are highly durable. Lazboy recommends checking for"weave tightness" by prodding and looking for holes in the weaves of the fabric. The tighter the weave, the better.
Hardwood frames are another essential thing that will determine how often you need to replace your couch. If the frame is made from real hardwood, chances are the sofa will last longer.
So, it is often better to invest in the high-quality couch, as it can last twice as long as a substandard one.
Does Sleeping On A Couch Ruin It?
Simply because couches are designed for sitting, sleeping can ruin a couch over time.
Couches that are slept on regularly will have frames that become warped or sagged. The cushions will also endure more wear that will lead to the overall life of the couch being shortened. It is also not the most hygienic option anyway, as deep cleaning a couch is hard to do (and often goes undone).
Occasional naps will not do much damage; this rule is reserved for those who like to sleep on the couch for their 8+ hours of sleep nightly. In the long term, sleeping on the couch will be enough to cause you to replace your entire couch sooner than you otherwise would have.
Because of this, it is worth it to invest in another bed or maybe a futon that is designed to be slept on. Couches are expensive to replace, especially if it's every couple of years.
If the only option is to sleep on the couch for a short span, try sleeping in different directions and in different spots (if possible) as to not cause lasting damage.
How Do You Fix A Sunken Couch?
If your couch has become sunken, there are some things that you can do to fix it. There are some quick and cheap fixes available. These will save you from replacing your entire sofa too soon.
Before you get too worried, establish what the problem is with your couch. Is it the cushions, the frame, or both?
The first and easiest fix is to unzip your cushions and take out the foam. Then, take the foam piece and switch the back to the front. Zip everything back together. The back of the cushion does not get as much use, so it will be fuller.
You can also have an upholstery shop (or DIY) put a cushion wrap around the existing foam to make everything nice and full again. This batting should be cut out into the shape of your cushion and inserted for a cheap fix. Make sure to use a couple of layers of batting to bulk up the cushions.
This is a great upholstery batting to use.
Click here to see this cushion wrap on Amazon.
A couch that has springs in it should be looked at — if you have some bent springs, try to straighten them out.
Wooden slats of the couch that are broken should be removed and replaced. You can find replacements at any hardware store or you could use plywood if many of the slats are broken. This will help with any problems you may find in the frame.
If you are unsure of how to approach this, watch a couple of tutorials; there are plenty online that can walk you through the process.
We hope you find this information helpful. For additional resources, read our other articles -