Slipcover Care 101: Fluffing + Flipping Your Cushions

Learn how to fluff and flip your cushions like a pro to maintain that "new sofa" look.

Who knew there was an art to fluffing and flipping your sofa cushions? There certainly is, and following this six-step method every three months will keep your sofa looking and feeling brand-new.

Step 1: Remove cushions from covers

Remove all of your cushions, including seat and back cushions. You will be able to better handle them when they are detached from the sofa.

Step 2: Vacuum and clean the sofa

Although not necessarily part of the fluffing process, it should be noted that now is an excellent time to vacuum and clean the base of your sofa. Every time you complete this process, you will be flipping the cushions, so it is best to prevent any dirt or food from getting on either side of the cushion. This can be avoided by regularly cleaning under the cushions. Who knows... you might even find a lost earring, remote or some spare change.

Step 3: Fluff and tug each cushion

Fluff your cushions using two hands -- one on either side. You might work up a sweat on this one! Pat the cushions all around, and even toss and catch them to add some air and 'fluffiness' back. Flip them and make sure all of the feathers inside are evenly distributed.

You’ll find a few loose feathers -- don’t worry, there are thousands.

Repeat this process for each cushion.

Step 5: Push the back cushions up

Take special notice of the back cushions, which might have a tendency to become "bottom heavy" after months of wear and sitting. We often prop up on an elbow against a back cushion, or even reposition them to provide more back support, so the distribution can become uneven.

As you place the cushion back into the slipcover after fluffing, take extra time to push the back of the cushion up until the distribution of feather and foam feels and looks even.

Step 6: Rotate and flip

After putting each cushion back into its cover, it is time to put everything back in place. If any of the cushions are interchangeable based on size and shape, swap them in order to prevent the most used cushions from showing any signs of wear.

When you put them in place, make sure to flip them as well. With slipcovers, both sides of the cushion look the same, so the cushions can be rotated without changing the look.

Step 7: Knead and fluff the accent pillows

Don't forget about the accent pillows! Make sure to toss them around and fluff them back up until they feel light, airy and brand-new!

Many designers like to give each toss pillow a gentle “chop” to put a dimple in the top of the pillow as well.

If you're short on time...Unzip your slipcovers and straighten welts and seams

This process does take some time, so take note of this alternate method when you need a quick fluff. Instead of fully removing the cushions from the covers, you can unzip the cover, insert your arms, and move the cushion around until it has regained some fluff. You should also make sure the edge of the cushion insert is pulled to all corners of the cover and that the seams are straight.

Repeat every 3 months or as needed.

Repeat this process roughly every three months to maintain the "just-purchased" look you're going for!

---