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Cushion maintenance means cleaning, storing and caring for your cushions so they last longer and keep looking their best. Custom cushions add comfort and style to a home or office, but like any furniture or decor, they need the right care.
This guide covers the materials and fillings used in custom cushions, how to clean them, how to store them and when they can be repaired.
| Material or Fill | Typical Care |
|---|---|
| Cotton and linen | Durable and breathable; can often be machine washed |
| Silk and velvet | Delicate; often need special care such as dry cleaning |
| Polyester and nylon | Highly durable and easy to clean |
| Foam | Durable; spot clean as needed |
| Down (feather) | Needs more care; often not machine washable |
| Polyester fibre fill | Often machine washable |
| Buckwheat hulls | Needs special care; cannot be washed |
Always check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions first.
Custom cushions are made to the customer’s own specification, in a choice of shapes, sizes, materials, designs, patterns and colours, so they fit your space and style perfectly.
The materials, the quality of the fill and any design details all affect how a custom cushion should be cared for, so it is worth understanding what your cushions are made from.
Custom cushions can be made from a wide range of fabrics, each with its own texture, durability and care needs. Common choices include cotton, linen, silk, velvet and synthetics such as polyester and nylon. See our fabric selection guide for more.
The fill is the material inside the cushion, and it greatly affects comfort, durability and care. Common fills include foam, down, polyester fibre fill and buckwheat hulls. Our cushion fillings guide compares them in more detail.
The right cleaning method depends on the cushion’s fabric and fill, so always check the care label or manufacturer’s instructions first. Some cushions can be machine washed, while others need spot cleaning or dry cleaning.
Use the right cleaning products and techniques to avoid damaging the fabric or fading the colours, and always test any cleaning product on a small, hidden area first.
If both the fabric and fill are machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water to avoid shrinking or damaging the material, and a mild detergent free from harsh chemicals or bleach.
After washing, tumble dry on a low heat or leave to air dry; avoid high heat, which can shrink or warp the material. If your cushions have removable covers, wash the covers separately and plump the fill to help it keep its shape.
Spot cleaning treats specific marks or stains without washing the whole cushion. It is often recommended for fabrics that are not machine washable and for cushions with non-removable covers. Apply a mild detergent or specialist fabric cleaner to the stain with a soft cloth or sponge.
Gently blot the stain, working from the outside in to stop it spreading. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, which can damage the fabric and set the stain. Finally, blot the area with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture and leave the cushion to air dry.
Storing cushions correctly, especially when they are not in use for long periods, helps prevent damage, maintain their shape and prolong their life.
Before storing, make sure your cushions are clean and completely dry to prevent mould and mildew. Avoid damp or humid areas, keep cushions out of direct sunlight to prevent fading, and where possible store them in a breathable fabric bag to protect them from dust and dirt.
Indoor cushions are often made from more delicate materials and need careful storage. Avoid stacking them, as this can cause them to lose their shape; store them flat or standing up instead. If space is limited, a cushion bag or a lidded storage box can be used, provided the cushions are completely dry.
Keep the storage area dry, well ventilated, clean and free from pests, and check your stored cushions regularly so you can refresh them if needed.
Outdoor cushions are designed to withstand the elements, but they still need proper storage. In the off-season or in bad weather, store them somewhere dry and cool. If they must be stored outside, use a waterproof storage box or bag to protect them from rain and snow.
Clean outdoor cushions and let them dry completely before storing to prevent mould and mildew, keep the storage area free from pests, and check them regularly.
Even with the best care, cushions can be damaged over time through everyday wear and tear, accidental spills or exposure to harsh conditions. That does not always mean they need replacing: with the right tools and techniques, custom cushions can often be repaired to prolong their life.
With the right cleaning, storage and occasional repair, custom cushions can stay comfortable and look their best for many years. Knowing what your cushions are made from is the first step to caring for them properly.
Continue exploring cushion materials and care across our glossary:
If your cushions have lost their shape or their covers are past their best, the Foam & Covers team can supply replacement foam cut to size and new covers made to your exact measurements.
Contact Our Foam Specialists or Order Custom Cut Foam Online .
We make custom cushions and covers for settings of all kinds — Benches, Caravans, Windows Seats, Sofas and many more!