The recliner cushion is the most important part of your chair, and it provides you with comfort while sitting in it. A cushioned seat will make a huge difference in your day-to-day life. It can also be what determines whether or not you buy a particular recliner.
The problem with this type of furniture is that they are often expensive, so there’s no guarantee that the one you buy now won’t become hard again after a few months. Fortunately, this article will provide 10 tips to help keep your recliner comfortable for years to come!
Causes of Recliner Cushion Becoming Hard
Number 1. – One of the most common causes for a recliner cushion to be hard is that it’s been used too much. That means you’ve sat in it so often or for such long periods of time, that the padding underneath has compressed and lost its ability to provide support and comfort.
Number two: The material your upholstery is made of may not be suitable for constant use. Some types of fabric and leather are meant to be looked at rather than touched, which means they can’t stand up to the wear your body puts on it every day when sitting down.
Number three: If you only recline in one direction all the time, that side will start feeling harder because your body is naturally giving more support to that area.
Number four: Recliners need regular maintenance and upkeep just like a car would if it was driven every day, but many people don’t keep up with this basic part of owning one.
Over time, dust gathers on the recliner’s frame as well as in the creases where the padding meets the frame.
Number five: When you don’t let your recliner get a chance to air out, it builds up mold and mildew that makes it smell bad eventually.
Number six: The type of material used in pads for both chairs and sofas can wear down over time, like any other piece of furniture, and it will start to sag.
Number seven: If you are sleeping on a recliner or using it daily as an extra chair, then that can damage the frame over time due to excessive weight.
Number eight: Some stores sell furniture with foam pads on them that have been made of chemicals like formaldehyde which is toxic and can off-gas, causing the foam to get hard.
Number nine: A recliner’s springs wear out over time which will make it sag or feel uncomfortable.
Number ten: The frame inside a recliner may need some adjustments so that if you’re leaning back in your chair when not using all of its features, the chair will still be comfortable.
Number eleven: The cushions on a recliner can wear down over time which causes them to get hard or not provide enough padding for your back.
Solutions to Hard Recliner Cushions
Number one: Replace the foam with a new piece.
Number two: Try to replace or adjust the springs so that they don’t sag when you lean back in your chair.
Number three: Purchase an additional set of cushions for your recliner and flip them over as needed to alternate which side is touching your back.
Number four: If you’ve already tried to adjust the springs but they are still sagging, it may be time for a new chair altogether.
Number five: Replace your armrests with ones that have more padding or even use an old pillow as one until you can buy a replacement cushion of some kind.
Number six: You can also purchase a customized foam cushion for your chair. Such cushions are usually more expensive and thicker than what you might find at the store, but they will provide better support to your back while reclining in the chair.
Number seven: Utilize one of the many different styles of seat pads to replace the one currently on your chair. This may also be a good opportunity to change up what color scheme you’re going with to really freshen things up and make your space more comfortable again.
Number eight: You can even use something as simple and temporary as using an old pillow or small blanket while waiting for new cushions to be delivered.
How to Prevent Damage on a Recliner Cushion
The most common reason for a recliner cushion to become hard is that it has been overused. The more pressure you put on your chair, the less likely it will be comfortable or even usable in the future.
To combat this and preserve what could have been a lifelong investment, here are some of the best ways to prevent damage from happening.
Number one: Try to limit the amount of pressure applied by your body when you’re sitting in it. If you can’t, try placing a pillow or cushion between yourself and the chair to soften what is being pressed against.
This will prevent any imprints from forming along the surface and also make sure that your body doesn’t sink in too deeply.
Number two: Keep your chair clean and dry! Whether you’re using a wet towel to wipe down the cushions after they’ve gotten dirty, or placing blankets over them when it rains outside, cleaning up any messes as soon as possible will keep them from hardening and becoming unusable.