Cushions Too Firm: Here’s How To Break In A Couch

It's always exciting when you get a new couch that blends well with your living room. However, the couch you felt in the store might not feel the same when you bring it to the living room. You want it to be as soft and comfortable as possible. How exactly do you do it? Read on to find out what we've learned about breaking in a new couch.

You'll need to wait over time to let the stuffing soften. Fortunately, you can hasten the process if you do these things to break in the cushions and make the couch more comfortable for you. 

  • Bounce and lay on the couch throughout the day as much as you can.
  • Clean the soles of your feet or put on a clean pair of socks; then, place cushions on the floor and walk all over them. Flip and walk onto the other side.
  • If it has a zipper, open it and remove the stuffing to replace it with something softer. However, this may not always be possible, especially if you have a foam filling. 
  • Lay a comforter over the cushions to make it more comfortable as you break it in.

Getting new couches is an investment in your comfort, so as much as possible, you should focus more on the quality than the expense. However, you can always try to strike a balance between getting the best quality couches and not making a huge dent in your budget. If you want to learn more about how to make your couches more comfortable, keep reading below.

Colorful cushions on a sofa with little vase in foreground, Cushions Too Firm: Here's How To Break In A Couch

Why are new couch cushions uncomfortable?

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Sofa cushions sometimes have a firm stuffing to boost their quality. It feels uncomfortable to you because the sofa hasn't molded into a shape that accommodates your body--this is why you need to break it in first.

However, low-quality sofas will feel uncomfortable even after you squish yourself into them. The cushioning might have been too rigid, or it could be too small for you.  

This is why it's important to inspect the cushions first before purchasing them. You can write it off as just needing a good breaking-in, but if the stuffing is wrong or the foam is low-quality, you won't be able to relax at all.

You also need to inspect the couch fabric. Check the couch displayed at the store and feel if the fabric is soft and smooth--then you can expect that your new sofa can feel similar too. 

Read: "11 Great Camel Couch Color Schemes."

How much do couches cost?

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Couches don't come cheap--especially if you want something that can last for years. 

Low-end Couches

Low-end couches cost between $400 to $900. Despite their affordable prices, some couches in these price ranges look good enough and can make your living room feel cozy and polished. 

If you take care of it and clean it regularly, even low-end couches can last up to seven years.

Mid-range Couches

Mid-range couches range from $1,000 to $1,500. These are on the expensive side, but it's considered the happy medium for both quality and budget. These couches can last for up to 10 years, and they feel more comfortable and look elegant in your living space.

If you want something more opulent but has a price lower than luxury couches, prepare to shell out between $1,500 to $2,000. These couches will seamlessly fit into your elegant living space, and they will add significant value to your home.

Hich-end Couches

High-end luxury couches will cost you over $2,000. This is because they have a unique design and structure that can elevate your interior design and give you a higher level of comfort that can't easily be replicated.

How to eliminate odor from your couch?

An aesthetically-pleasing couch is nothing if it smells musty since you won't be able to fully relax. A bad-smelling couch is indicative of an underlying issue that, if not immediately addressed, can go from an inconvenience to a health risk. 

Musty couches probably had something spilled on them. If your couch has become wet, letting it sit through for long periods can produce mold--especially if it's between crevices. 

If you have pets and messy toddlers in your home, your couch is more at risk of smelling bad. Fortunately, there are ways you can immediately address this issue.

Get a Scented Deodorizer

After vacuuming and brushing away the dry debris, eliminate the bad smell by using a scented deodorizer. Couch deodorizers are not meant to simply cover up the smell, but to completely eliminate the particles that cause the odor. 

These sprays work by binding eliminator agents to the odor molecule, changing its structure, and masking the process with a long-lasting fragrance. 

There are many scents to choose from. You can choose a citrus scent for a more refreshing and natural smell, or you can choose something more floral for a sweet, relaxing smell.

Spray a Vinegar Solution on the Couch

White vinegar has antibacterial qualities that can eliminate the odor from your couch. The acetic acid fights off pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella, making your couch safe from bacteria and viruses. To be safe, do a test patch of vinegar on a small area of your couch. If it doesn't harm your upholstery, you're good to go.

Pour the vinegar into a spray bottle. Target the spray on areas that have been soaked by liquids, then slowly make your way over to the entire surface for optimal cleansing.

Make sure to spray it inches away from the fabric so the vinegar smell won't be too intense. A light mist over the couch and target areas should be able to cancel out the bad odor of the couch.

If you're dissatisfied with the smell, spray another layer of scented deodorizer.

Sprinkle Baking Soda

Sprinkling baking soda on your couch is another effective natural method to remove odor from the surface. 

Simply pour generous amounts of baking soda on the couch surface, targeting the nooks and corners where dirt and grime are most likely trapped. Let the baking soda sit for 1 hour and 30 minutes or more, then vacuum and brush it away. 

The baking soda eliminates the odor by sticking to the crystal-like particles that cause the musty smell, then neutralizing them. Spray a deodorizer for a quick final touch and to make the space smell better.

Make sure you wash your throw blankets and pillows as well since the odor might have stuck onto them as well. 

Steam Clean

If your couch can handle moisture well, steam-cleaning is an excellent method to keep it clean, fresh, and free of bad odors. If you're unsure if your couch can be steam-cleaned, refer to your user manual. 

Before steam-cleaning, make sure you brush away the debris and dust. Then, making sure to avoid sun damage, air out your couch for an hour or so. For a smoother steam cleaning experience, spray the couch with a fabric conditioner to aid in lifting the dirt up. 

After airing and cleaning it, steam clean the couch. Drag the handheld steamer deep into the couch, making several passes on the dirtiest areas. Refer to the steam cleaner's manual for more specific instructions.

How to make your couches more comfortable?

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If your couches are soft, you're only halfway to having a truly comfortable couch that your body can melt into. There are many ways to make your couch not only comfortable but good for your bones and muscles as well. 

These solutions will also lengthen the lifespan of your couch and make it more durable.

Foam Inserts

If you have an old couch, foam inserts are a quick and affordable way to restore the quality of your couch. You can do this too if you're dissatisfied with the softness of the cushions, as long as they have a zipper, you can open them up. The trick is to insert it under the foam core to plump up your couch. 

Soft Throw Blankets

Throw blankets can add softness to the couch and warm you up during cold days. For maximum comfort, get a thermal blanket to keep you warm in harsh weather.

You can also get a fluffy blanket with a smooth texture that you can snuggle with. Make sure to get a throw blanket that matches your couch!

See this throw blanket on Amazon.

Body pillows

To make you melt into your couch, get a body pillow that can support your neck and back. This way, your bones and muscles won't feel stiff when you get up.

Read: "What To Put Behind A Reclining Couch—8 Excellent Ideas To Optimize The Space!"

See this body pillow on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

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Couches are meant to improve your daily life. Maintaining it well is essential to your relaxation, and to make sure the couch doesn't get old immediately. Your couches are an investment, so make sure you always get your money's worth! 

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