eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Care for a Futon

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(4 Ratings)

The best way to keep your futon plump, comfy and stain-free is to cover it and flip it regularly.

From Quick Guide: Futons 101
Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Carpet Cleaner
  • Futon Covers
  • Futon Frames
  • Futon Mattress
  • Mattress Pads
  • Carpet Cleaner
  1. Step 1

    Purchase a futon cover if using your futon as a couch, to protect it from stains, dust and oils. Most covers are a little thicker than a fitted sheet and are machine washable.

  2. Step 2

    Buy a mattress pad or a vinyl sheet to protect it from stains if the futon is being used as a bed. The sheet or pad goes between the fitted sheet and futon mattress.

  3. Step 3

    Flip your futon once a month if you are using it as a sofa. Rotate it each time you change the sheets if the futon is being used as a bed.

  4. Step 4

    Hang your futon outside in the sun to keep it fresh. Once every six months, if possible.

  5. Step 5

    Air your mattress out each morning - if using your futon as a bed - by folding back the covers to the bottom of the bed for half an hour before you make it. This will also prevent moisture buildup.

  6. Step 6

    Vacuum the mattress regularly to remove dust.

  7. Step 7

    Use a scrub brush, warm water and laundry detergent to clean entire mattress or individual spots. Be careful not to get it too wet. Allow it to dry outdoors.

  8. Step 8

    Try a rug cleaner for stains.

Tips & Warnings
  • Avoid leaving damp clothes or towels on your mattress, as this will add moisture to it.
  • Futon mattresses last from 2 to 10 years, depending on the quality.

Comments  

Flag This Comment

on 5/31/2009 TIRED OF FLIPPING YOUR MATTRESS? TRY ONE OF OUR ONE-SIDED FUTON MATTRESSES!!GO ONLINE AT WWW.THEFUTONSHOP.COM AND CALL OUR SAN RAMON LOCATION AT 925-362-9733

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 Our futon started to get a little "flat" after 4 years of daily use. Instead of replacing the mattress, I bought 2 inexpensive "egg carton" foam mattresses. I put one on each side (with the bumpy side out) and now we have a nice, soft couch/guest bed.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 You get what you pay for. Try to buy the best mattress you can, especially if you are going to use it every day. I learned the hard way with a mattress that gave out after just 12 months.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 To improve the loft of your mattress or to even out the loft, place mattress on floor and put on a clean pair of sock's and walk down the areas of the mattress that needs to be compressed.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 If your futon mattress becomes uneven, beat it with a board, starting from the outside edges, and working your all the way around. A good-quality futon mattress is not prone to developing large dips and sags, and this should eliminate the problem.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

eHow Article: How to Care for a Futon

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Home & Garden Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Home and Garden
eHow_eHow Home and Garden