How To Make A Futon Mattress? Step-By-Step Guide

Helen Skeates
Helen Skeates
28 min read

To learn how to create a futon mattress, there are only two processes involved. This multipurpose bed with its roots in Japan is a very reasonable DIY project. To get going, read on in this article.

So, why a futon? Considering its size, this mattress may serve as both a daytime sofa and a comfortable nighttime bed. You will be even more shocked at how simple it is to create your own!

Contents

What is a Futon Mattress Made of?

Common materials for futon mattresses are cotton or polyester, depending on the frame material. The filing should be able to fold into a couch configuration, or have removable modules for swiftly switching between the bed and sofa positions.

Some futon mattresses are stuffed with foam, while others incorporate a coil or mini-spring system. In the meanwhile, futon frames can be made of wood, metal, or a composite material capable of supporting weight.

Foam and memory foam are both used in futon mattresses, although they both achieve the same soft, cushioned result in different ways. It is possible to buy mattresses with a standard foam or coil core and a memory foam “topper” of thinner thickness. Foam and innersprings or coils are both available in hybrid futons.

How to Make a Futon Mattress | Memory Foam Talk

How To Make A Futon Mattress At Home

Step #1. Select and prepare the materials

The first stage in building a futon mattress is obtaining your resources, which might be the most challenging. Keep in mind that there are many dimensions for a futon mattress, and hence you need modify your measurements accordingly. Fabric cover, foam, or batting can be purchased after the desired futon size has been determined.

The good news is that you can have these materials custom-cut to any size you need at most stores. Just keep in mind that they need to be the right hardness, weight, and flexibility for your futon. The futon cover you choose should serve a practical purpose by shielding the mattress from dirt and dust, and it should be simple to remove for cleaning.

The initial cover you sew will double as a lining for your batting or stuffing, as you’ll learn in the next step. To prevent any damage to the contents on the inside, you will sew the entire thing shut. The same sewing method will be used to create a removable, washable liner for the cushion.

Step #2. Construct the futon mattress

When making a futon mattress, multiple layers of batting sheets or foam fillers are stacked to achieve the desired height. Once you have the stack assembled, you may tuft it using upholstery needle and thread to keep the layers in place. You can tuft a few layers at a time and then secure the subsequent layers with the corner tufting fasteners if your futon is particularly thick.

When creating the cover, what steps do you take? Covers are made by cutting two rectangles from fabric and sewing them together with the right sides facing in, leaving one end open for turning. This opened side needs to be hemmed like a pillowcase.

The last step is to stuff it full of the layers you created, paying special attention to the corners. The remaining end of this liner, which will serve as a shield for the stuffing, should be blind-stitched. In terms of the outer cover, you can close the gap at one end with a zipper or buttons to make it simple to remove and wash.

What Can I Use As A Futon Mattress?

Batting

Batting is frequently used in futons. If you’re looking to create a futon mattress out of cotton from top to bottom, the instructions above can be used. The resulting bed, though heavy, will fold up with ease.

Foam

You can use cotton foam instead of batting if you like. Depending on its thickness and density, it will be less flexible but more rigid. If you want a bed that conforms to your body, you don’t have to limit yourself to memory foam; latex is another great option.

Other common materials

You can use other materials besides cotton when making a futon mattress, such polyester or wool. To further reduce the bed’s overall weight, some people choose for a futon mattress made entirely of polyester or wool. Each person has their own set of priorities when it comes to how they spend their money and how they want to feel when they’re sleeping.

How Thick Should A Futon Mattress Be?

A futon mattress can be customized to your exact specifications. However, a specific thickness is optimal for getting the most out of your futon. If you plan on placing your futon on a bi-fold frame, for instance, you can make it around 8 inches thick.

However, if you plan on putting the futon on a tri-fold frame, you’ll need something thinner, at around 6 inches. If you want your futon to be easily foldable and comfortable to use, don’t go any thinner than 5 inches.

Considerations when making a futon

You should get the materials that give you the level of firmness, weight, and flexibility you want in a futon, as was briefly discussed above. The feel you receive from a mattress is largely determined by how firm it is, and the mattress’s composition and longevity can be affected by your weight. Because most people use futons as sofas, versatility is another factor to think about.

However, you should also verify the firmness of your futon. Will its form hold, and it not succumb to gravity as quickly? The mattress must be thick enough that it cannot be felt through to the frame below.

How Long Does a Futon Mattress Last?

An inexpensive futon mattress may only last a few years, depending on how often and how roughly you use it. Futon mattresses typically last between five and 10 years. Infrequent use will keep them in good condition for longer.

Price Range for Futons

Coil mattresses are also in the $100 – $400 range. Coil mattresses, while still a viable option, are typically more expensive than other types of futon mattresses. Depending on the size, mattresses can cost anywhere from $200 to $600. The most common futon mattress sizes are double (double) and queen (queen), just like with regular beds.

How Firm is a Futon Mattress?

The firmest option is a regular foam futon mattress; the most conforming choice is a memory foam mattress. Depending on the coil tension, a futon mattress can be either very soft or quite firm.

When converted into a sofa, the mattress of some futons is hidden from view by additional pillows. These may give the impression of a softer futon when seated, but when the futon is converted to a bed, you won’t need the sofa-style cushioning.

How To Clean a Futon Mattress – Step by Step

Step 1. Vacuum Your Futon first, to clean a Futon Mattress

First, if your futon is in the sofa position, unfold it and take it off of the frame so you can clean the mattress without getting any of the frame dirty. Dust, hair, crumbs, and other debris can be removed from the mattress by using a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum’s nozzle can be used to clean in tight spaces, and a brush can be used to get rid of dust and dirt in crevices. Just flip the futon over after you’re done to clean the underside.

Step 2: Deodorize Your Futon with Baking Soda

Futons can develop a musty odor if not properly maintained. The sweat, wetness, or spilt food or drinks might cause this. You can eliminate unpleasant scents from your mattress by sprinkling baking soda on it and leaving it alone for an hour. Repeat the vacuuming process to remove the baking soda from the mattress. Perhaps you’d want to learn more about how to give a bed a pleasant aroma. In order to find out more, read the article we have linked to.

Step 3. Remove Stains on Your Futon Mattress with Mild Detergent

Spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible after they happen for the greatest results. If a spill is contained quickly enough, you can probably soak up a good portion of it before it soaks in. To begin, clean the area using a sponge or paper towel. You should next use a damp washcloth to apply a solution of detergent (or soap) and cold water to the affected region. Before applying the detergent directly to the stain, try it on a hidden area of the futon to ensure it won’t ruin the fabric.

If the detergent can be used safely, blot the discoloration with a wet washcloth. Next, wash the affected area with water to remove the detergent. Water should be used sparingly since excess moisture might lead to the growth of mold and mildew in your futon. Mattresses can be a breeding ground for mold, as this study shows. The stain removal pen from Amazon is perfect for tiny stains. To remove a stain from a mattress, insert the pen’s tip into the fabric and rub across the spot.

Step 4: Clean the Futon Frame

Dab the stain with a washcloth if the detergent can be used. Next, wash the afflicted area with water to remove the detergent. Your futon will quickly turn moldy and musty if you soak it in water. Check out this research to learn more about the issue of mold growth in mattresses. It may be possible to remove a little spot with a stain-removing pen, such as this one from Amazon. Rub the tip of the pen across the stain by pressing it into the mattress.

How To Remove Urine from a Futon Mattress

If the stain can be removed with the detergent, use a damp washcloth to do so. Next, rinse the area with water to get rid of the detergent. Keep in mind that if you use too much water, your futon will get soggy and may develop mold and mildew. See this research for more on the subject of mold growth in mattresses. Using a stain removal pen, such as this one from Amazon, is a quick and easy solution for tiny stains. Apply pressure with the pen’s tip to the mattress and rub across the stain.

Finding out if the pee stain on the futon mattress is wet or dry is the first step in getting rid of it. Cleaning stains using baking soda and vinegar works best if the stain is still moist. When a stain has dried, it’s important to apply a stronger hydrogen peroxide solution to get rid of it.

DIY $125 Futon : 27 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

Futon mattresses can be cleaned of damp stains by using the following procedure.

Step 1. Blot up the excess urine.

Paper towels can be used to absorb as much pee as possible.

Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain.

Putting baking soda on the afflicted region is a good first step. Baking soda can help get rid of the scent and the discoloration.

Step 3. Pour vinegar on the stain

Apply vinegar (diluted or undiluted) on the wound. A spray bottle can be useful in this situation. Vinegar has a pungent odor, although the smell fades over time. Wait around 5 minutes for the solution to take effect on the stain. Instead of vinegar, you can use an enzyme cleaner like the one sold on Amazon to remove stains; simply spray it on and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Step 4. Blot up the excess moisture

Remove as much moisture as possible from the area by blotting with paper towels.

Step 5. Add baking soda again

Scatter more baking soda over the stained area and the entire mattress if you want to get rid of any lingering scents.

Step 6. Let the mattress dry

The mattress needs at least a day to dry out. If you must leave it inside, open the windows and turn on a fan to hasten the drying process. If you must leave the mattress outside, choose a warm day. Before removing the baking soda and vacuuming the futon, make sure the mattress is totally dry.

The stain will be more difficult to remove if it has dried, so a more potent cleaning solution may be required. The following are instructions for removing dried stains:

Step 1. Create a hydrogen peroxide solution

Blend 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 2 drops of dishwashing liquid, and 3 tablespoons of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

Step 2. Dab the stain with the solution

Apply the mixture to a washcloth and blot the stain. The futon will take longer to dry if you soak it excessively.

Step 3. Spread laundry powder with water over the stain

To make laundry detergent, combine 3 tablespoons of water with 1 tablespoon of washing powder. Cover the stained area of the futon with the paste and let it dry. Wait 30 minutes and see what happens.

Step 4. Scrape the paste off the futon

Then, use a spoon or a brush to remove the paste.

Step 5. Vacuum the futon

To remove any residual powder or paste, vacuum the entire mattress.

How To Clean a Moldy Futon Mattress

Due to humidity and temperature variations, mold and mildew can quickly spread on your mattress. Don’t worry if you see moldy-smelling green or black patches on your futon; you can get rid of them by following the instructions below.

A moldy futon mattress can be cleaned by first vacuuming it, and then washing it in soap and water. The exact procedures to be followed are outlined below.

In order to remove mold from a futon mattress, you should:

Step 1. Vacuum the futon

If you don’t want mold to spread throughout your room, take the futon outside. To clean the mattress, run the vacuum over both sides.

Step 2. Use soap and water

You can clean your futon with a washcloth dipped in soapy water if the material is colorfast. It can then be used to clean the damaged region. Apply a solution of lemon juice and salt and let it dry in the sun if the stain persists. If that doesn’t do the trick, try diluting some chlorine bleach in water (about a quarter of a tablespoon per cup). Before applying the solution to the moldy area, test it on a tiny area of the mattress. Apply the solution to the affected area with a clean rag if doing so would not damage the fabric.

Step 3. Leave your mattress to dry

Allow the futon to dry completely before reassembling the frame and using it again.

In addition to utilizing bleach and other commercial products, there is another time-tested way for removing mold from your home:

Step 1. Vacuum the futon

If you don’t want mold spores to spread across your home, put the futon outside. Turn the mattress over and vacuum it well.

Step 2. Use rubbing alcohol

Put some water and some isopropyl alcohol into a disposable container and shake it up. Scrub the area gently with a washcloth dipped in the solution. You can also use pure vodka or alcohol-based hand sanitizer wipes, like the ones sold on Amazon.

Step 3. Rinse the moldy area

Alcohol can be used to kill mold, and then warm water can be used to remove the solution. The next step is to spray the damaged area with a common household disinfectant.

Step 4. Let the futon dry

Always keep your mattress out in the sun so that it can dry completely.

How To Clean a Suede Futon Mattress

Microfibers, like those used to make suede futon mattresses, are resistant to moisture and stains. But they are not immune to accidents like spills and breaks.

A suede futon mattress may be cleaned with a vacuum and any standard household cleaner. For specific guidance on selecting a cleaning agent, please refer to the subsection that follows.

Follow these instructions to clean your suede futon mattress:

Step 1. Choose an adequate cleaning solution

On the tag attached to your mattress, you’ll find a cleaning care code that shows which cleaning products are safe to use. If you notice a “W” on the label, then the cleaning product is water-based; if you see a “S,” then it’s solvent-based. If it has a “W-S” symbol on the label, it can be cleaned with either water or solvent. In contrast, a “X” means that no detergent or other cleaning agent should be used on the surface.

Step 2. Vacuum the futon

Before using any form of cleaner on the mattress, vacuum it thoroughly to eliminate dust and crumbs.

Step 3. Apply the cleaning solution of your choice

Put some cleaning solution in a spray bottle and use that to clean up. To clean with water, use soap and water, and to clean with a solvent, use rubbing alcohol (sometimes called isopropyl alcohol or ethanol). Don’t soak your furniture; instead, give it a light misting. Here’s a sample of some useful rubbing alcohol:

Step 4. Blot up excess liquid

Use a dry washcloth to gently rub your mattress to remove dampness.

Step 5. Let the futon dry

Please wait 20 minutes for the mattress to dry completely before using it.

When cleaning your furniture, if you come across any stains, refer back to the sections above to learn how to remove them.

How To Disinfect a Futon Mattress

Mattresses used for futons may need to be disinfected to stop the spread of germs and other impurities.

A bleach solution can be used to disinfect a futon mattress. Always wear protective gear when working with chemicals.

To clean a futon mattress, do as follows:

Step 1. Protect yourself

Before you attempt to sterilize your futon, you should allow plenty of fresh air into the space by opening the windows or relocating it outside. Wear protective gear such as gloves and masks to avoid breathing or touching any potentially harmful substances. See this article from the International Journal of Cancer for more information on why it’s crucial to avoid chemical exposure.

Step 2. Prepare a bleach solution

Mix 1½ cups of bleach with one gallon of water. You can use a commercial disinfectant, Lysol spray, or vodka instead of the bleach mixture.

Step 3. Spray the solution over the futon

Combine one gallon of water with one and a half cups of bleach. In place of the bleach solution, you may use a commercial disinfectant, Lysol spray, or vodka.

Step 4. Allow the mattress to dry

Use one gallon of water and one and a half cups of bleach to clean. Alternately, you might use a commercial disinfectant, such as Lysol spray or vodka, instead of the bleach mixture.

How To Dry a Futon Mattress

Futon mattresses should be dried out to prevent the formation of mold and mildew. It is important to have good air flow if you plan on drying your mattress indoors.

Statuette of Futon Mattress Pad: How to Make It Comfortable? | Futon bed, Futon cushions, Queen size futon mattress

A hairdryer, vacuum, cat litter, baking soda, a fan, or a dehumidifier can all be used to dry a futon mattress.

To dry a futon mattress, do as follows:

Step 1. Dab the wet area with paper towels

Paper towels should be used to immediately soak up any liquid when a spill has happened.

Step 2. Use a hairdryer or a vacuum

Dry the area in circular motions with a warm-setting hair dryer for pinpoint locations. The use of a vacuum to remove fluids from bigger impacted areas is recommended.

Step 3. Use cat litter or baking soda

In order to remove excess moisture from the futon, you can sprinkle it with cat litter (here is an Amazon link to an example) or baking soda. If you can wait an hour, you can vacuum it up after letting it lay on the mattress.

Step 4. Use a fan or a dehumidifier

Direct a fan or dehumidifier towards the bed and turn it on. Get some air moving around it. Allow more fresh air in by throwing open the windows.

How To Dry a Futon Mattress in the Sun

Outdoor drying of your futon mattress is optimal and expedient. The sun’s rays are crucial for drying out the mattress and preventing the growth of microorganisms.

To dry a futon mattress in the sun, do as follows:

Step 1: Bring your mattress outdoors

If you want to use the futon outside, take it from its frame and put it in the sun.

Step 2: Set your mattress in the sunlight

To prevent the mattress from getting dirty, prop it up against some chairs or lay it out flat on a clean sheet.

Step 3: Allow it to dry

Just put the mattress out in the sun for a while. The mattress can dry out in the sun, which can both clean it and revitalize the fibers.

Tips To Protect a Futon Mattress

Futon mattresses, like other mattresses, need frequent care to stay clean and last as long as possible.

Waterproof mattress covers, drying out the futon, flipping it often, and keeping it off the floor are all good ways to prolong the life of your futon’s padding.

To prolong the life of your futon mattress, follow these guidelines:

  • Get a mattress protector to keep your bed dry.

This type of mattress cover from Amazon is great for preventing moisture buildup and unwanted odors. The mattress is shielded against liquids, oils, dirt, and germs. However, the cover should be washed frequently to maintain cleanliness.

Allow the futon to get some fresh air.

Turn the bed frequently.

Do not put your mattress directly on the floor.

Conclusion

If you’re handy around the house, you can construct a futon for yourself. It’s excellent that there are just two simple stages involved in learning how to create a futon mattress. And the greatest part is, you can do the whole thing without breaking out any specialized equipment.

In summary, the height of your mattress can be adjusted by adding batting or foam layers. Stuff them in a liner and sew them into place with tufts. Close it up with some stitches, and then construct another one with a hole in it so it can be quickly removed and cleaned.

Helen Skeates

Helen Skeates

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.