There are many signs that indicate it’s time to replace your futon. In general, a squeaking, frayed, wobbling, damaged, faded, worn-out, splintered futon is best replaced. You also might want to replace a futon when you move or upgrade your interior design.
Check out 10 signs that indicate your futon needs replacing.
Futons, just like every other furniture item in your house, need replacement after a while. Unfortunately, a high-quality futon might not show too many external signs of wear and tear. However, the wear is there and we often do not notice it until it’s too late.
For example, the futon’s frame may not be supporting your mattress adequately and that can impact its ability to give you the lumbar support you need. This can also lead to bumps and lumps in the mattress. Needless to say, you won’t get a well-deserved rest on such a futon, and it may be time to replace it.
The problem with futons is that, unlike food products that come with a clear expiration date marked on their cartons, futons have none. That does not mean you should never replace it. In fact, the day you buy a new futon is also the day to gently remind yourself that it will have to be replaced within a certain number of years. For futons, that number is about 10-15 years, but this can vary greatly depending upon the brand, the materials used, the amount of wear and tear it is subjected to, and so on.
So how do you know when it’s time to replace a futon?
Following are some signs and symptoms that indicate it’s time for a new futon. These signs – although they might vary from case to case – are a clear indication that you must upgrade your futon.
1. Shapeless mattress
The number one sign of an old futon is a shapeless, lumpy mattress. If you have been extensively using the futon to binge-watch your favorite TV shows, or have been sleeping on it night after night, then it’s likely i’s lost its original comfortable and plush feeling. It’s certainly not good to sleep on a futon with a lumpy mattress. That can lead to backaches and muscle sprain. Without a good night’s rest, you won’t feel 100% the next day. Your productivity can get negatively impacted too.
In addition to changing the mattress, you might consider replacing the futon frame, too. Frames can also develop dents and bumps. The spacing between the frames or bars can also change, causing uneven support to the mattress. Thus, a shapeless mattress can also be a result of a damaged frame, which is best replaced.
2. Severely scratched frame
Futon frames – especially their backrests and arms – can develop severe scratching. They can also take abuse in the form of spilled hot liquids, sharp objects, and even cigarette burns.
All these are an indication it’s time for a change. You can decide if you need to replace the mattress or if just changing the frame would suffice. In most cases, though, it is best to replace both the mattress and the futon’s frame, especially if you haven’t replaced the mattress in years.
3. It is infested
Many pests can cause an infestation in the futon’s mattress and frame: bed bugs, roaches, termites, etc.
Bed bugs can wreak havoc on your life. Once they infest your futon, they can easily spread to other parts of your house and infest all other furniture items. They can ruin your sleep, inflict bites and welts, and even lead to psychological trauma.
Like bed bugs, termites can infect wooden futon frames. They can dig through the frame and make it hollow. Such futons can even become structurally weak.
The best way to deal with an infested futon is to trash it. You can call your zoning office to find out how to discard the futon hygienically. In most cases, you’ll need to throw the frame in the landfill for a small fee. The mattress you must either burn or wrap in plastic encasement and mark clearly as ‘bug Infested’. This way, no unsuspecting person will pick it up.
4. It has become wobbly and unbalanced
A futon that has reached the end of its life can become very wobbly. It can even topple when a child jumps on it.
You can have a carpenter or welder look at it for some quick fixes. Sometimes, small repairs can help make a used futon more stable. But if the futon has been with you for a decade or longer, you should replace it.
Sometimes, manufacturers take back older futons when you buy a new one from them. They also offer to pick it up so you can save yourself a lot of hassle that comes with selling or donating futons.
Again, you can decide whether to keep the mattress or replace both.
5. It is splintering, sagging, or/and squeaking
A futon that is splintered is a serious health hazard. Metal futons can have un-sanded sharp edges while wood can splinter and crack. This can be very dangerous for kids, adults, and pets.
Squeaking futons certainly don’t make a great impression on your guests, if the futon is in your living room.
In these cases, it’s likely best to replace it.
6. Frayed, faded, torn material
Your upholstered futon and mattress covers can also become frayed, faded, and torn. Years of abuse can cause several signs of damage to the futon’s mattress. Perhaps there were some liquids spilled or kids poked a sharp object through it. Sunlight and UV rays have also probably left the mattress cover looking worn out and dull.
Whatever the reason behind a torn and frayed mattress, it certainly does not make a good impression and it may be time for a change.
7. A musty odor that just won’t go away
Futon frames and mattresses can both acquire a musty and moldy odor. This can be due to a number of reasons: pets and kids’ urine, pet/human saliva, bodily fluids, spilled liquids, and foods can all cause terrible odors.
You can get the futon mattress cover dry cleaned and/or spot treat it at home. But if the odor does not go away, it might be time to part ways with it.
8. The futon has mold or fungus on it
If you live in a humid climate, chances are that all your upholstery gathers mold and fungi. This is seen in the form of white fuzz on the mattress or dark, moldy spots that are not only unsightly but also rather dangerous.
Mold can adversely affect the elderly and kids. It can cause allergies, watery eyes, sneezing, and even memory/cognitive issues.
If you see these signs on your futon, the time to replace it is right away.
9. You are renovating
In the case of a living room upgrade, the simplest way to spruce it up is to replace the futon. Even if you are attached to it, if the futon looks out of place and just does not match with the décor, then it may be time to replace just the mattress or the complete futon with its frame.
10. You are moving and the futon doesn’t fit in the new place
The best time to upgrade to a new futon is when you cannot take it with you when you move or when it does not fit in the new place. Why not start afresh completely and invest in new furniture?
How long does futon fabric last?
Futon fabric can last anywhere between 5 to 10 years or even longer, depending on the material, how you use it, and even the environment.
Cotton fabrics tend to fade in the sunlight. Leather and faux leather last long but can be damaged by sharp objects and pets’ nails. Linen fabrics are prone to wrinkling. Other fibrous materials can also fade and warp, while foam-based mattresses tend to lose shape and lumbar support.
Is it better to reupholster or buy a new futon?
It all depends on the condition of the futon. If the frame has degraded, if it is squeaking, creaking, wobbling, splintered, faded, torn, frayed, smelly, infested, or musty, then it is best to replace the entire futon with a new one.
How to pick a futon that will last?
Buy the best brand of futons that uses high-quality materials. Check the joints, frame, and space between the frame bars, filling used in the mattress, the cover, and the stitching, if any. Check reviews of futons before you buy. This way, you can be sure you’re getting one that will give you several years of service.
Many signs can indicate it’s time to replace your futon. In general, a squeaking, frayed, wobbling, damaged, faded, worn-out, splintered futon is best replaced. Moving or upgrading are also potential reasons for a new futon.
We hope this guide helps in your decision of whether to replace or re-upholster a futon.
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