How To Plump Up Scatter Cushions

Do your scatter cushions look flat and lifeless? Perhaps you are thinking it is time to replace them. But what about plumping them up instead? With minimal effort, your cushions can become cosy and luxurious again.

If your scatter cushions need plumping, vacuum them, air them on a washing line and then throw them down on all sides to help the fibres separate. Depending on the material you might even be able to machine wash them.

Why do scatter cushions sag?

After a time scatter cushions can become lifeless and flat. The fibres can clump up and they won’t give you the support and comfort they did previously. When that happens it’s time to give them some extra care.

How to plump up scatter cushions

Step 1 – Vacuum

Set your vacuum cleaner to a low suction setting. Use the upholstery attachment if you have one to give your cushion a thorough vacuum on all sides.

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Step 2 – Air

Before you start to plump up your scatter cushions you will want to get them as fresh and dry as possible. Over time moisture can build up in cushions and it can cause them to become lifeless and flat.

The best option for getting scatter cushions completely dry and smelling fresh again is to place them outside in the sun or peg them out on your washing line. If that’s not an option tumble dry them on a low setting for 15 to 30 minutes.

Note: If your cushion filling is washable, consider washing them on a gentle cycle first.

Step 2 – Plump up

Now your scatter cushions are nice and fresh, next you will want to plump them up and this is where it gets physical and much more interesting!

Throw your cushion down on the floor from all sides. This helps to release the fibres inside and allows air to circulate and bring them back to life. It’s also a great time to safely release any pent up frustration!

You can also try giving your cushion a firm massage on all sides to ensure no clumping remains in the fibres.

Optional step – replace the cushion filling

If you find none of the above works your best option will be to replace the insides of the cushion instead. Read on to discover the best type of cushion filling for you.

What are the different types of cushion fillings?

If you love your cushion but don’t love how flat it has become, and your attempts to revive it hasn’t worked it is time to replace the filling. This is easily done. Simply buy a new cushion pad that you can slip inside the existing cover. There is no need to buy a whole new cushion.

But which type of cushion pad should you go for to keep your cushion nice and plump?

Let’s take a look at the options.

Natural cushion fillings

Natural cushion fillings are made of feather or down. These types of fillings make for a squishy cushion that doesn’t spring back into a fixed shape as synthetic cushion fillings can.

Natural cushion fillings tend to cost more but could be worth it because they can last longer. However, if you have allergies to feathers you will need to go for a man-made material instead. Feather and down are also more difficult to wash, dry cleaning might be your only option.

Synthetic cushion fillings

The next option is a man-made filling. This might be your only choice if you have allergies to feathers. There are several types of man-made filling.

Hollow fibre

Hollow fibre filling is a man-made material consisting of lots of hollow strands of fibre. The air inside the fibres trap the air giving them a bouncy feel.

Hollow fibre can become flat over time but can be brought back to life with plumping. These types of filling can usually be washed.

Foam

There are lots of different types of foam fillings around including recycled, mixed fibre and memory foam. The advantage of foam fillings inside scatter cushions is that they often require minimal plumping to return them to their original shape.

Can you machine wash scatter cushions?

You should always check the washing directions. Feather and down cushions usually aren’t washable. Hollow fibre and foam can often be washed on a gentle cycle at a low temperature. After washing you will need to plump them up again to release any fibres that have clumped.

The cover and the filling might well have different washing directions. If you can, unzip the cover from the pad and wash it separately. If your cushion doesn’t have a zip here is how to wash it safely.