Top 37 How To Clean A Tatami Mat Top Answer Update

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If you find some on your Tatami mat, gently brush off the mold. Then, wipe with a clean cloth moistened with ethyl alcohol to completely clean the area. This will make your mat clean and fresh again, but be sure to never apply wet cleaners directly onto the mat because this could cause more mold to grow.If you put a tatami mat or rug in a place with a lot of moisture or humidity, it can easily get moldy. To prevent this, make sure that the air in the room is frequently circulated and keep it as dry as possible.Vacuum Along the Grain

As part of your regular household cleaning, the easiest way to clean tatami mats is to use a vacuum cleaner. Because tatami mats are delicate, vacuum along the grain or you may damage the surface of the mat. Vacuum along the grain to avoid damaging tatami mats.

Contents

Do tatami mats get moldy?

If you put a tatami mat or rug in a place with a lot of moisture or humidity, it can easily get moldy. To prevent this, make sure that the air in the room is frequently circulated and keep it as dry as possible.

Is tatami hard to clean?

Vacuum Along the Grain

How do you clean spilled tatami?

First, absorb the water from the spilled area. Then, put salt on the spilled area. After some time has passed and the salt has become damp, use a toothbrush to scrub along the grain of the tatami to remove the stain. When the stain is removed, vacuum it up and you are done.

Can tatami get wet?

If tatami gest wet, it can get damaged, mold can set in, and fleas can proliferate. Do not wipe with a damp cloth. If you do wipe with a damp cloth, be sure to also wipe with a dry cloth and ventilate, to make sure it is dry.

How often should tatami be replaced?

On average the tatami base needs to be replaced every 20 years but this depends on how the space is used and environmental conditions.

Why are tatami mats so expensive?

They are usually flipped over after a few years of use, but even gently used tatami mats will need replacements in under a decade. As you can see in the video below, producing tatami mats is very labor intensive, so they don’t come cheap.

Why do tatami mats smell?

Tatami floor mat is generally made of, and plaited with “Igusa”, or a soft rush plant. The most characteristic feature about this green floor mat, which I guess you can easily tell, is the smell of “Igusa”; very particular smell it gives out especially when it’s fresh, and newly installed in a room.

How long can tatami last?

Tatami made with the highest-quality core material can last up 50 years. Tatami made with man-made core materials are cheaper and can last about 25 years. Even the cheapest tatami are more durable than carpet.

What tatami smells like?

If you’ve never encountered a tatami room before, you may be surprised to learn that tatami has a unique smell. For many Japanese, the smell is described as sweet and/or nostalgic, reminding them of the smell at a relative’s home when they were young.

Can I put a tatami mat on carpet?

Flooring part of tatami mats with tiles and carpets

Besides, there is a flooring carpet as an item that can turn a wide range into flooring. It refers to a carpet whose surface is made of wood, and because the lining is made of cloth, it is a major feature that it can be laid without damaging the tatami mats.

How do you clean Japanese floors?

Moping is not the traditional way to clean floors in Japan. In keeping with the Feng Shui and minimalism of a house, there is an attitude of only keeping what you need and what you will use. A mop essentially does the job that can be easily done with a broom.

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

To prevent a dani infestation, first rule is to keep clean: vacuum your tatami every week and shake out and change bedding frequently. Heat and UV light will kill dani, which is why you see your Japanese neighbors hang out their bedding and futons out in the sun.

Can you sleep on a tatami mat?

The Tatami Mat

They were traditionally used as flooring throughout Japanese homes, but today they’re primarily found in a designated tatami room, which is most often used for sleeping.

What is tatami made of?

tatami, plural tatami, or tatamis, rectangular mat used as a floor covering in Japanese houses. It consists of a thick straw base and a soft, finely woven rush cover with cloth borders. A tatami measures approximately 180 by 90 cm (6 by 3 feet) and is about 5 cm (2 inches) thick.

Do Japanese sleep on tatami mats?

Tatami Mats

It is common practice in Japan to sleep on a very thin mattress over a tatami mat, made of rice straw and woven with soft rush grass. The Japanese believe this practice will help your muscles relax, allowing for a natural alignment of your hips, shoulders and spine.

How do you store tatami mats?

The best place to store away a tatami rug or mat is somewhere dry and out of the sun, preferably in an upright position with a little room to breathe. Tatami mats can be rolled up for storage as long as it’s not too tight. Soft rush should not be stored with other items stacked on top of it.

Do tatami mats smell?

If you’ve never encountered a tatami room before, you may be surprised to learn that tatami has a unique smell. For many Japanese, the smell is described as sweet and/or nostalgic, reminding them of the smell at a relative’s home when they were young.

How do you dry tatami mats?

Then wet a towel with lukewarm water, squeeze it hard, then wipe the tatami. Furthermore, dry the tatami thoroughly with a dryer set to low temperature. Finally, carefully wipe the tatami with a dry towel as a finishing touch.

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

How to Clean Your Tatami | Antibacterial Mold Prevention | The Tatami Shop [Official]

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs

Article author: www.haikudesigns.com
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Summary of article content: Articles about Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs Updating Tatami Mats are a staple of traditional Japanese homes. A time tested tradition, Tatami Mats offer plentiful benefits and are stunningly beautiful in their natural composition, but being a natural product means they require a little bit of TLC. Let’s explore some tips and tricks for keeping your Tatami Mat looking gorgeous as ever.tatami care, cleaning tatami mat, tatami, tatami mat, raku tatami mat, Japanese, Japanese tatami, Japanese tatami mat, traditional Japanese home, Japanese home, Japanese decor, Japanese furniture, Japanese Shikibuton, Japanese Shiki futon, Shiki Mat, Shikibuton, Shiki Mat
Table of Contents:

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs

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｜Made in Japan BECOS Updating …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS Updating So, you bought a tatami mat or rug but don’t know how to care for it. Or maybe you’re planning on buying one but are afraid that it’s going to be too much work to upkeep. If so, then this is the article for you. The truth is, tatami products are very versatile. They’re moisture-absorbing, antibacterial, and they elimin
Table of Contents:

Things to Do Before Use to Ensure a Long Life for Your Tatami Mat or Rug

Caring For Your Tatami Rug or Mat

Maintenance Comparing Tatami Products with Regular Rugs and Mats

What Should You Do If Mites or Mold Appear on Your Tatami Rug or Mat

With Some Easy Routine Upkeep Tatami Can Last a Long Time!

Newsletter

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS

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Table of Contents:

Blog

What is Tatami

Vacuum Along the Grain

For Deeper Cleaning Wipe with a Dry Cloth

How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Apartment

Dealing With Mites (Dani)

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment - Blog — How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog

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“How should I clean my tatami?”

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What is tatami

Contact GTN to find a room in Japan!

How to Care for Tatami

Manners in a Tatami Room

tatami mats are not for use by non-residents

summary

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How to Clean Tatami Mats in Japanese Room | Goandup Picks

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Living in JAPAN – Japan life guide for foreign nationals Updating There are several points to note when cleaning tatami. Tatami terms and basic knowledge to learn before cleaning tatami. Introduction to normal methods of cleaning and how to clean when they are particularly dirty!
Table of Contents:

[Before cleaning] Checking tatami terms

[Before cleaning] Things to note

Normal cleaning

Special maintenance

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog As part of your regular household cleaning, the easiest way to clean tatami mats is to use a vacuum cleaner. Because tatami mats are … How to clean tatami mats as part of your regular household cleaning and what to do if you have a problem with mold or mites (dani).
Table of Contents:

Blog

What is Tatami

Vacuum Along the Grain

For Deeper Cleaning Wipe with a Dry Cloth

How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Apartment

Dealing With Mites (Dani)

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How To Clean Tatami Mats Quickly And Properly – QUESTION JAPAN First of all, fill the bucket half-full with water or lukewarm water. Remember to avo using boiling water or the tatami may become discolored … …
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How To Clean Tatami Mats Quickly And Properly – QUESTION JAPAN First of all, fill the bucket half-full with water or lukewarm water. Remember to avo using boiling water or the tatami may become discolored … How to clean tatami mats? What to do to get rid of mold and mites on the tatami? Check this blog out to know the answers!
Table of Contents:

What Are Tatami Mats

Things To Note Before Cleaning Tatami

How To Clean Tatami Mats

How To Get Rid Of Mold From Tatami

How To Prevent Mold From Growing In Your Apartment

How To Deal With Mites

Conclusion

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Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat

by Jovanna, Haiku Designs Staff

So you just bought your very own Tatami Mat and are wondering how to care for it? Or you’re thinking of taking the plunge and were researching upkeep? Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Tatami mats have been found in Japanese households since the 8th century, and still play an important role in most Japanese homes. The soft natural straw material makes them perfect for sitting, walking, and sleeping, and their natural, traditional appearance adds beautiful Japanese style to any room or home. The firm feel with a slight give relieves pressure when walking, sitting, or kneeling as well as promotes a healthy sleeping position especially for people who prefer to sleep on their back. Additionally, Tatami Mats help purify the air by absorbing nitrogen dioxide, help regulate moisture by absorbing moisture during periods of high humidity and releasing it back into the air during dry spells, and help control temperature by behaving as a natural insulator. Not only are they both comfortable and beautiful, but their natural straw material makes them a very safe and sustainable addition to your home. Tatami mats will help bring nature into your home, and add comfort to your everyday life.

We at Haiku designs use the highest quality materials and a unique manufacturing process to make sure our Tatami mats are durable and ready for years of use. Our manufacturing process which involves heating the raw materials up to 80° Celsius (176º Fahrenheit) for 8 hours twice to ensure no pest infestations, give the mats a uniform stiffness and a soft surface that will allow you to use it every day for many years. Tatami mats will lay the foundation for your life, whether used for flooring or sleeping, so we want to make sure they are as durable as possible. As durable as they are, the mats are still made of all natural materials so special care is needed to ensure their longevity and beauty.

Maybe you are still trying to decide where to lay your Tatami mat, or maybe you have the perfect spot in mind. Luckily, Tatami mats can be placed on top of most flooring such as stone, hardwood floor, carpet, or heated floor, so they can be added to nearly any room you already have in your house. Even though they can be placed on most flooring, they should NOT be laid on humid floors or used with shoes on, because this could damage your Tatami mat. Speaking of humid or damp floors, I know I previously stated the mats can regulate moisture, but there is a difference between absorbing moisture in the air and absorbing it like a sponge off the floor. It is also HIGHLY recommended you place your Tatami Mats in a well ventilated room to avoid moisture buildup between the floor and your Tatami Mat. Also, keep in mind that sunlight will change your Tatami mat’s surface from green to yellow. Although both will look natural and beautiful, depending on the look you are going for you may want to keep it away from direct light.

They can also be set in bed frames (on slats) for you to sleep on. Sleeping on a Tatami mat, with or without a futon, is great for your natural bodily alignment. If you have not been sleeping well or have issues with back pain, give Tatami a try!

When you first open your Tatami mat, you’ll probably be excited to add it to your space and enjoy its comfort. You may notice a light powder, though, right after opening. This is because every Tatami mat is treated with a light Mud Clay to eliminate all moisture before we pack and ship it to you. We use Mud Clay because it is completely natural and harmless while still very effective, but unfortunately this means it may leave some residue. To remove, simply wipe your Tatami mat with a damp cloth. You may also notice a strong odor of natural grass and straw. Tatami mats are made of all natural materials without harmful chemicals, and unfortunately nature can have a bit of a smell. Simply air your Tatami mat outdoors for a few days if the smell is too strong, and be sure to avoid moisture from rain or sprinklers. You can also just clean the surface with a mixture of lemon oil and water, just wiping it with a damp cloth, to have it smelling fresh in no time!

Your Tatami mat will also need some routine cleaning and care, just like any important piece you bring into your home. You should regularly wipe your indoor Tatami mat surface with a damp cloth to keep it looking clean and beautiful. Vacuuming your mat regularly will also help to keep it clean, just make sure to move the brush of your vacuum in the direction of the reed. No matter how much you put into caring for your Tatami mat, sometimes life happens. Don’t panic: there are lots of ways to naturally remove any small stains or tiny imperfections that may appear on your mat. Here are some ways to remove any stains:

Mold: Sometimes a bit of mold will grow on your Tatami mat if it is exposed to moisture. If you find some on your Tatami mat, gently brush off the mold. Then, wipe with a clean cloth moistened with ethyl alcohol to completely clean the area. This will make your mat clean and fresh again, but be sure to never apply wet cleaners directly onto the mat because this could cause more mold to grow.

Dents: Placing furniture on your Tatami mat can leave dents, which can be noticeable if you decide to move or remove the piece of furniture. Don’t worry, they are easily removable. Just spray the dent with water, then iron the area with a wet, clean towel.

Ink: If ink is spilled onto your Tatami mat, just wipe with a clean cloth moistened with milk to remove the stain. I know it sounds unconventional, but trust us.

Dark Stains (such as soy sauce, coffee): Don’t let a little coffee spill ruin your morning. To remove dark stains, just absorb the stain with flour or talcum powder, and vacuum after.

Crayon: So maybe your kids decided to use your Tatami mat as a canvas for their newest art piece. To remove crayon from your Tatami mat, scrape off the crayon and apply a little cleaner to dry cloth to fully remove it.

Kerosene or urine: Simply apply flour directly to the stain to absorb it. Then, vacuum the area and wipe with a tightly wrung wet cloth. To thoroughly remove the stain, rinse the cloth and repeat several times.

Scotch stains: For a small scotch stain, apply scotch tape to prevent it from getting larger.

Although Tatami mats take a little bit of extra care, they are more than worth it for the comfort they bring to your home and the peace of mind that you are adding something to your house that is all natural and sustainable. With a little bit of love, your Tatami mat will last you years.

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug

So, you bought a tatami mat or rug but don’t know how to care for it. Or maybe you’re planning on buying one but are afraid that it’s going to be too much work to upkeep. If so, then this is the article for you.

The truth is, tatami products are very versatile. They’re moisture-absorbing, antibacterial, and they eliminate bad odors. But traditional Japanese tatami mats are large, thick, and only come in standardized sizes, making them unsuitable for someone who just wants to buy a single mat or two. Newer tatami mats and rugs don’t have that problem, which is why they’re becoming more and more popular every year. In this article, we’ll discuss ways of cleaning and maintaining tatami products so that you can keep using them for years to come.

Things to Do Before Use to Ensure a Long Life for Your Tatami Mat or Rug

Wipe It With a Cloth

Image for illustrative purposes only.

Before using a tatami rug or mat, make sure to thoroughly wipe it down with a dry cloth. This is to remove the powdery feeling you sometimes get with brand-new tatami, but keep in mind that the powder is not dirt or mold. Tatami mats are made from soft rush, which is “mud dyed” to prevent color fading, and that can leave some residual substances on the finished product. That’s why tatami straight out of the box must first be rubbed down with a dry cloth.

If the Smell Bothers You, Shade-Dry Your Tatami

Brand-new tatami has a distinctive soft rush smell. Japanese people consider it a very pleasant and relaxing smell, but those not used to it might find themselves disliking it. If that happens to you, wipe down the mat with a dry cloth and shade-dry it in an airy area for one day. This should remove a lot of the rush smell. If it still bothers you, dry it for an additional day. Please do not spray the mat with deodorizers as that can interfere with the rush’s natural odor-removing properties.

Caring For Your Tatami Rug or Mat

Use a Vacuum for Regular Cleanings

Image for illustrative purposes only.

After you first get your tatami product, it’s best to wipe it down, but after that, you can perform regular cleanings with a vacuum. However, be mindful of the direction that the mats are woven and make sure to go along the grain and to use a light touch.

For example, in the picture above, the tatami on the right should be vacuumed in the horizontal direction, left and right across the mat. If it were to be vacuumed up and down in the vertical direction instead, the vacuum would drag along the weave, which can weaken and damage your mat. You can also damage the rush by vacuuming it with too much force, so be sure to use a gentle touch.

What to Do About Spills on Tatami

If you spill juice or water on your tatami mat or rug, simply wipe it dry using a cloth. If the liquid has begun to seep into the tatami, do your best to dry it as much as possible by dabbing it repeatedly with the cloth. If the cloth is not sufficiently dry, you risk the rush becoming moldy, which will weaken its fiber, so be sure to use a dry cloth. Also, make sure to wipe it up as quickly as possible, because if the liquid gets absorbed into the weave, it can permanently change the tatami’s color.

Generally speaking, products made from soft rush are sensitive to moisture. If you put a tatami mat or rug in a place with a lot of moisture or humidity, it can easily get moldy. To prevent this, make sure that the air in the room is frequently circulated and keep it as dry as possible. If the worst happens and your tatami mat or rug gets moldy, move it somewhere shaded, wipe it down, then shade-dry it in an area with good ventilation.

Storing Your Tatami Rug or Mat

The best place to store away a tatami rug or mat is somewhere dry and out of the sun, preferably in an upright position with a little room to breathe. Tatami mats can be rolled up for storage as long as it’s not too tight. Soft rush should not be stored with other items stacked on top of it. Before you put the tatami away, wipe it down and make sure that the storage space isn’t too humid. Also, do not store tatami in the sun as that can cause a permanent change in color.

Can You Wash Tatami Rugs or Mats in the Washing Machine?

As a tatami rug or mat is used over a long period of time, you might notice the accumulation of dust or dirt. Unfortunately, however, sticking the whole thing in the washing machine to clean it is not possible since—as mentioned above—soft rush is very sensitive to moisture.

So, what is the correct way to clean a tatami mat? The best method is to use a dry wiper such as a Swiffer to gently wipe in the direction of the weave. To finish everything off, you can spray a little gentle household detergent* on a cloth and gently wipe down the mat. This should get rid of all the accumulated dirt and leave your tatami looking pristine.

* Household detergents will vary by country, but try to avoid any that are overly strong. Stick to only mild cleaners and be sure to use just a small amount with gentle pressure so as not to stain the tatami.

Recommended Product

Easy My Pet Handy Spray, Main Unit + Replacement x 2

First appearing on the market over 30 years ago, My Pet is one of Japan’s bestselling household detergents. It’s good for tatami as well as for windows, floors, walls, doors, furniture, and other surfaces. To save money, buy a bottle and refill set. But remember, when using My Pet on tatami, do not spray the rug or mat directly with it. Spray it on a cloth, and only once. At first, to test it out, wipe down an area that won’t be too noticeable if the product ends up staining it. After using My Pet on your rug or mat, dab it with a dry cloth, always being vigilant about possible staining.

Maintenance: Comparing Tatami Products with Regular Rugs and Mats

Regular mats and rugs usually have a tag that says they can be washed with water using a household washing machine. First, though, they need to vacuumed to get rid of all the surface dirt. Then comes the washing, which can be difficult. A rug or mat larger than two standard tatami mats (about 3.65 m2) will take a long time to wash and dry in a regular washing machine and drier. And, if the rug or mat cannot be washed with water, it will have to be taken to the cleaners, which is an extra hassle.

Tatami rugs and mats, on the other hand, are not great with moisture, so they cannot be washed in a washing machine. But their maintenance is actually quite simple. First, wipe them down to remove surface dirt, then shade-dry them. Simple as that.

So, it’s clear that tatami products are much easier to maintain. However, if this is your first tatami product, it can be easy to forget about regular maintenance if you’re not used to it. However, in exchange for taking care of it, your tatami rug or mat will provide you with something that other products can’t: moisture-absorption, antibacterial properties, and odor elimination. In the end, tatami rugs and mats will make your life easier.

What Should You Do If Mites or Mold Appear on Your Tatami Rug or Mat?

There are many types of mites and mold in various countries and regions. Every case is different, so please treat the following advice as general tips.

What Causes Mites and Mold to Appear?

Mites and mold tend to appear when the following conditions are present:

High humidity

High temperature

Access to nutrients

In other words, to prevent mites or mold, you need to avoid those three things. The good news is that tatami mats and rugs are easy to maintain. But if you do get mites or mold, here are the steps you can take to deal with the problem and make sure it doesn’t occur again.

How to Deal with Mites

Image for illustrative purposes only.

If mites have invaded your tatami, it will need to be air-dried. On a sunny day, hang it outside, making sure that each side gets about an hour of direct sunlight. Then, brush or vacuum each side. Doing this will eliminate moisture in your rug or mat, making it difficult for mites to survive. You won’t be able to get rid of all the mites with one air-drying, but doing it regularly will make a huge difference.

However, even dead mites can be bad for your health, so after air-drying your tatami rug or mat, be sure not to skip the brushing or vacuuming step to remove the dead bugs. Also, make sure to not expose the tatami to direct sunlight for too long as this can cause discoloration.

How to Prevent a Mite Infestation

The best thing you can do for your tatami mat or rug is to clean and shade-dry it about once a week. First, hang it in an airy, shaded area, then vacuum it. This will slow down the mites’ rate of breeding as shade-drying will keep moisture levels in the tatami low, and mites need moisture to thrive. Vacuuming then removes dead mites and any particles that the mites were living off of such as grime and dandruff.

You might be wondering why tatami has to be dried in the shade. As mentioned above, direct sunlight can discolor the soft rush, so stick to shade-drying in order to maintain its color.

How to Deal with Mold

Like mites, mold can negatively affect a person’s health. In the worst-case scenario, mold can get into your lungs, which can lead to severe allergic reactions or pneumonia. Thankfully, unlike mites, mold is easy to spot and should be taken care of as soon as you find it.

Removing Mold from Tatami Rugs and Mats

Ethanol works best on mold. You might be tempted to use specialized mold remover, but those kinds of products are too strong for something that comes into frequent contact with your body.

In order to remove mold, you’ll need the following:

Ethanol

Spray bottle

Toothbrush

Vacuum

Dry cloth

First, put the ethanol into the spray bottle, then spray the moldy part of the tatami with it. After that, use a toothbrush to gently scrub the area, brushing with the weave. If you go against the weave, you might end up damaging the fibers, so remember to use gentle pressure.

As you continue to scrub with the toothbrush, the mold should start to come off the mat or rug. Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up the mold while making sure that it doesn’t get inside the weave. If it does, use the vacuum brush attachment.

Finally, give the tatami another spray of ethanol and dab it dry with a dry cloth. Your rug or mat should now be mold-free. Remember that liquids can discolor soft rush, so make sure that the cloth you’re using is dry.

How to Prevent Mold

One of the great things about soft rush is that it absorbs moisture, helping to balance indoor humidity levels. However, this special property can also lead to mold if tatami is kept in an overly humid place for too long.

That’s why regular shade-drying and airing out of your tatami is important. As we mentioned previously, shade-drying in place with good ventilation lowers the moisture in a tatami rug or mat, which prevents both mite infestations and mold, and should preferably be done about once a week.

Airing your room out and keeping moisture levels steady will not only help prevent mold but also improve the conditions in your house. During summer or winter, when many people crank up the air conditioning and close all the doors, it’s surprisingly common for moisture to accumulate on the floor. Periodically airing out the house will help prevent that while also preserving your tatami rugs and mats.

With Some Easy Routine Upkeep, Tatami Can Last a Long Time!

Tatami mats and rugs are sensitive to moisture, which can cause discoloration and mold. However, simply by being careful about keeping them dry, you will be able to use your tatami mat or rug for years to come. They are very easy to maintain, only requiring the occasional wiping down or vacuuming, followed by shade-drying, and one more round of vacuuming.

This kind of regular maintenance might seem like a lot, but it will help preserve your tatami mat or rug for 3-4 years. And who wouldn’t want to use something they like for as long as possible? With just a little elbow grease and the methods discussed in this article, you will be able to keep your tatami mats and rugs looking pristine for years.

▶ Baby Safe! Japan-Made Tatami Rugs and Mats

Related articles:

▶ Four Popular Japanese Tatami Mats You Can Buy Online!

▶ 10 Japanese Futon & Tatami Mats and Rugs Where You Can Rest and Rejuvenate

▶ Japanese Crafts: The Ultimate Tatami Guide

▶ The Complete Guide to Traditional Japanese Crafts

If you want to give feedback on any of our articles, you have an idea that you’d really like to see come to life, or you just have a question on Japan, hit us up on our Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

*These products may not be able to be shipped to certain countries. Please see the retailer’s website for more information.

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment

In this chapter in the “how to live in a Japanese apartment” series we talk about how to clean tatami as part of your regular household cleaning and what to do if you have a problem with mold or mites (dani).

What is Tatami?

Japanese-style rooms (washitsu, 和室) have flooring made of tatami mats, which are mats made from dried, woven rush reeds covering a hard compact straw core. Tatami has a smooth surface and is both springy and firm.

Vacuum Along the Grain

As part of your regular household cleaning, the easiest way to clean tatami mats is to use a vacuum cleaner. Because tatami mats are delicate, vacuum along the grain or you may damage the surface of the mat.

For Deeper Cleaning Wipe with a Dry Cloth

After vacuuming, you may also want to wipe down the surface (along the grain) with a dry cotton cloth.

You should avoid cleaning tatami with a wet cloth because tatami mats are highly absorbent and any retained moisture may cause mold to grow. A wet cloth may also remove some of the natural surface oils which help protect the mat from aging too quickly.

To prevent bad smells from wafting from your tatami, use a cloth to wipe down your mats with a small amount of regular vinegar. There are also commercial products for cleaning tatami mats, called 畳用クリーナー (tatami-yo- kuri-na-).

How to Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Apartment

If your apartment is not well ventilated it can be very susceptible to mold, especially during the rainy season and humid summer months. Here are some things you should do to help prevent mold growth.

Remember to open air vents, leave your windows slightly open, and use a fan to circulate air in your apartment.

Wipe your windows, window frames, walls, and tatami mats with a dry cloth to keep moisture down. Daily if possible!

Use a de-humidifier (called a joshituki, 除湿機)

Ventilate your bathroom after you shower or bathe. Some people even recommend leaving your bathroom fan running all day to help with air circulation.

Put disposable de-humidifier packs in your closets and the corners of your room.

Regularly check for mold, especially in the north corners if your apartment, in the back of closets, and around window frames.

If you do these things, you will likely not have a mold problem in your apartment. However, since we talking about caring for tatami mats in this article, we have to discuss what to do in case you do have a tatami mold problem. Here is an example of a mold-infested tatami mat.

How to Get Rid of Mold From Tatami

If you discover mold growing on your tatami, obviously, it is best to try to get rid of it before the problem gets worse.

As recommended to us by Japanese friends (and their moms!), the tried and true method to get rid of mold on tatami is to scrub it with ethanol (エタノール), using a small toothbrush.

You can also use a commercial product called Kabi Kira (カビキラー), literally “mold killer”. This is a spray that works great to get rid of mold on walls and bathrooms. However, Kabi Kira contains bleach, so be careful what surfaces you spray it on.

Dealing With Mites (Dani)

Dani (ダニ) are mites that live in tatami mats. They can be a problem in very old apartments and Japanese-style rooms where the tatami mats have not been replaced for a long time.

In almost all cases, the landlord or property manager will change the tatami mats every time a new tenant moves in, so as rule, you should not worry about dani. However, here are some pointers, just in case.

Dani usually strike while you are sleeping. You will know if you have a dani problem if you have small, red, and very itchy bites on exposed parts of your body, usually around your ankles, wrists, and neck.

To keep dani from infesting your tatami mats, take care of your mats, as we described above.

You can also use a bug spray called Dani Aasu （ダニアース) that is specifically made to use on tatami mats.

You may also be interested in: Japanese apartment air vents and how to use them and How to read a Japanese apartment floor plan

So you have finished reading the how to clean a tatami mat topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: tatami mat smell, tatami room, folding tatami mat, how long do tatami mats last, tatami mat mold, how much do tatami mats cost, tatami mat alternative, tatami mat for sale

Top 37 How To Clean A Tatami Mat Top Answer Update

Do tatami mats get moldy?

Is tatami hard to clean?

How do you clean spilled tatami?

Can tatami get wet?

How often should tatami be replaced?

Why are tatami mats so expensive?

Why do tatami mats smell?

How long can tatami last?

What tatami smells like?

Can I put a tatami mat on carpet?

How do you clean Japanese floors?

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

Can you sleep on a tatami mat?

What is tatami made of?

Do Japanese sleep on tatami mats?

How do you store tatami mats?

Do tatami mats smell?

How do you dry tatami mats?

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog

How to Clean Tatami Mats in Japanese Room | Goandup Picks

Living in JAPAN – Japan life guide for foreign nationals

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog

How To Clean Tatami Mats Quickly And Properly – QUESTION JAPAN

How to Clean Tatami Mats in Japanese Room | Goandup Picks

Living in JAPAN – Japan life guide for foreign nationals

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS

How to Care for the tatami mats | TatamiRoom.jp

07. How to store and maintain tatami | Futon Tokyo

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Do tatami mats get moldy?

Is tatami hard to clean?

How do you clean spilled tatami?

Can tatami get wet?

How often should tatami be replaced?

Why are tatami mats so expensive?

Why do tatami mats smell?

How long can tatami last?

What tatami smells like?

Can I put a tatami mat on carpet?

How do you clean Japanese floors?

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

Can you sleep on a tatami mat?

What is tatami made of?

Do Japanese sleep on tatami mats?

How do you store tatami mats?

Do tatami mats smell?

How do you dry tatami mats?

How do you get rid of Dani in Japan?

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat | Haiku Designs

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug ｜Made in Japan BECOS

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog

How to Clean Tatami Mats in Japanese Room | Goandup Picks

Living in JAPAN – Japan life guide for foreign nationals

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment – Blog

How To Clean Tatami Mats Quickly And Properly – QUESTION JAPAN

How to Clean Tatami Mats in Japanese Room | Goandup Picks

Living in JAPAN – Japan life guide for foreign nationals

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug ｜Made in Japan BECOS

How to Care for the tatami mats | TatamiRoom.jp

07. How to store and maintain tatami | Futon Tokyo

Taking Care of Your Tatami Mat

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug

How to Clean Tatami Mats in a Japanese Apartment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS

How to Take Care of Your Tatami Mat or Rug
｜Made in Japan BECOS