How to Care for Window Seat, Bench, Sofa & Outdoor Cushions
Custom cushions are designed to elevate your space - and with the right care, they'll maintain their comfort, shape and beauty for years to come.
Whether you've invested in custom window seat cushions, sofa and couch cushions, scatter cushions, chair seat pads or outdoor bench cushions, proper cleaning and maintenance is essential.
Here's our complete cushion cleaning guide for New Zealand homes.
Cleaning Cushion Covers
Most cushion covers are removable and feature a concealed back zip for easy care.
How to clean cushion covers:
• Remove the cover carefully
• Follow the fabric care label instructions
• Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach
• Minimise machine washing to preserve fabric texture
For everyday maintenance, regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment helps remove dust and surface debris.
If your custom window seat cushions are in a high-use area (kitchen or family room), prompt spot cleaning is recommended to prevent stains from setting.
How to Clean Sofa Cushions
Sofa and couch cushions get more daily contact than most soft furnishings, so a light, regular routine works better than occasional deep cleans.
• Fluff and rotate cushions every few days to even out wear and prevent flattening
• Vacuum weekly with a soft brush attachment to lift dust before it settles into the fabric
• Spot clean marks immediately - the longer a stain sits on a sofa cushion, the harder it is to shift
• Remove covers for washing only where the care label allows it; many upholstery-grade fabrics are dry-clean or spot-clean only
If your sofa cushions use a foam or Ergofill insert, follow the same care outlined below under Foam & Cushion Fill Care.
Spot Cleaning Upholstery Fabrics
For small spills or marks:
Blot immediately with a clean, dry cloth
Do not rub - this may damage fibres
Use a mild upholstery cleaner if suitable for your fabric
Always pre-test any treatment on an inconspicuous area
Velvets and pocket weaves require extra care, as some stain repellents may alter texture.
When in doubt, consult a professional upholstery cleaner - particularly for light-coloured or delicate fabrics.
Foam & Cushion Fill Care
We use high-quality upholstery foams designed for durability and long-term support.
If foam becomes soiled:
• Rinse gently with clean water
• Allow to air dry completely (1–2 days)
• Do not machine wash foam
For loose fills such as ErgoFill, rinse while still inside the inner liner where possible.
Never refit cushion covers until inserts are fully dry.
Cleaning Cushion Inserts
Different insert types require different care:
WeaveFill Inserts
Warm machine wash and tumble dry thoroughly.
Feather Inserts
Warm wash followed by full tumble drying to prevent clumping.
Polyester Inserts
Hand wash only and drip dry.
Always ensure inserts are completely dry before placing back inside covers.
Outdoor Cushion Cleaning
Outdoor cushions require slightly different care.
To clean outdoor cushion fabrics:
• Wash on a gentle cold cycle
• Air dry flat
• Avoid harsh detergents
Do not leave outdoor cushions exposed to heavy rain or prolonged direct sun when not in use. While UV-resistant fabrics offer protection, extended exposure can still lead to fading over time.
For long-term durability in NZ conditions, we recommend storing outdoor cushions when not in use.
Maintenance & Plumping
Regular maintenance keeps cushions looking full and fresh.
• Plump cushions weekly to maintain shape
• Rotate seat cushions where possible
• Lightly vacuum every six months
• Keep cushions dry and well-ventilated
For window seat cushions and bench cushions used daily, rotation helps ensure even wear.
How Often Should You Clean Custom Cushions?
For most NZ households:
• Light vacuuming – monthly
• Spot cleaning – as needed
• Full cover cleaning – once or twice per year
• Insert cleaning – only when necessary
Consistent light care is better than infrequent deep cleaning.
Extending the Life of Your Custom Cushions
Quality custom cushions are an investment. Proper care helps preserve:
• Fabric colour
• Cushion structure
• Foam resilience
• Overall appearance
Whether you have indoor window seat cushions, sofa cushions, scatter cushions, chair pads or outdoor squabs, regular care ensures long-term comfort and performance.
Need Advice on Fabric Care?
Different fabrics require different approaches. If you're unsure how to clean your specific upholstery fabric, contact our team for guidance before applying treatments.