My Furniture Has Problems With Squeaking Vinyl Seat Cushions

Types

• The most common type of vinyl for interior upholstery is naugahyde, which is designed to resemble leather. It has a slightly shiny appearance and a slick, water-repellent texture. Furniture such as a reclincer may be entirely covered in vinyl, or a vinyl cushion may sit atop a metal or wooden base.

Causes

• The main reason vinyl cushions squeak is friction. Vinyl is a synthetic fabric with a slick, hard texture. When you sit on the cushions, the vinyl surfaces rub against one other and make that annoying squeaking noise. Even your body rubbing against the vinyl can cause it to squeak.

Solutions

• Preventing squeaks in your vinyl cushions may not be entirely possible, but you may be able to reduce the squeaking. Lay a soft fabric such as felt, wool or cotton between the cushion and the furniture frame to reduce friction and squeaking. Clean and condition vinyl cushions frequently with a vinyl restorer to add moisture to the fabric and keep the fabric soft and supple, reducing squeakiness, recommends the website Autogeek.

Considerations

• Vinyl has some positive attributes as an upholstery fabric -- namely, its resistance to water, bacteria and stains -- but it's not a warm and cozy fabric for home decor. If the problem bothers you, your best bet is probably to recover cushions with a durable but soft, upholstery fabric such as microfiber or cotton.