Before using the tatami mat or mat, be sure to wipe it thoroughly with a dry cloth. After buying a tatami for the first time, it is best to clean it, but after that you can do the usual cleaning with a vacuum cleaner. Finally, dry the tatami with a dry towel after thoroughly cleaning. Do not wipe tatami mats with a damp cloth, as tatami absorb moisture very well, and residual moisture can lead to mold.
Keep tatami mats dry and well ventilated; moisture can cause permanent damage, which may require the replacement of the mats. Since tatami mats are used outdoors or in a room full of dust and dirt, keeping them clean can be difficult. Tatami mats and rugs are very easy to care for and only need to be cleaned or vacuumed from time to time and then dried in the shade and vacuumed again.
Tatami mats can be purchased to clean dirt off surfaces, but don’t confuse them with wood floor cloths. After vacuuming, you can use a dry cloth to clean the tatami more thoroughly. Simply use a vacuum cleaner and a dry floor broom to clean the tatami and prevent mold growth.
After vacuuming, you can also clean the surface along the grain with a dry cotton cloth. Because the rugs are thin, vacuum only along the grain. Once a week, vacuum and wipe the mat with a slightly damp cloth, following the fibers.
Before airing or turning over the tatami, general care must be taken: wipe with a slightly damp cloth to remove stains or stains, vacuum the grain-laden mats, and never walk on the mats with shoes on. Do not use harsh chemicals to clean the tatami as they can cause irreparable damage.
It is recommended to clean the pads at least once a month, but it depends on the usage and the traffic they will receive. You need to know when to dry your carpet after cleaning. Just make sure you don’t wait too long before cleaning them, as this will shorten their lifespan.
Vacuuming regularly will also help keep it clean, just make sure you move the vacuum cleaner brush in the direction of the barrel. Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt, reducing the need for time-consuming cleaning. Cleaning your tatami, floor, and bed at least once a week can help you sleep comfortably on your mat because it will reduce your chances of reacting to allergens that can build up if not removed regularly. Keeping the floor and rug clean will help avoid breathing problems such as asthma attacks, skin irritation, and sneezing while sleeping on the rug.
To sleep comfortably on the tatami mat, choose a high quality mat, add soft layers the first night – gradually going down to bare mat over the first week – and make sure the mat is clean and well cared for.
For some people, sleeping on a tatami on the floor can help relieve back pain because the flat surface of the tatami allows weight to be evenly distributed, which helps keep the spine in the correct position. Tatami can help regulate temperature at night, allowing you to sleep cool during the hottest periods due to proximity to cooler airflow closer to the floor, as well as allowing for more warmth when needed due to the insulating properties of the soft material.
It’s easier to get dirty than the floor, and if you spill a drink, it will soak in, so you need to clean it up right away. Regular ventilation and cleaning is also important to maintain the performance of the tatami. To prevent the spread of unpleasant odors from the tatami, wipe the mats with a cloth dampened with a small amount of regular vinegar. Make sure you clean your tatami often, and you should always wipe the tatami surface with a dry cloth, not a wet or damp cloth, as tatami easily absorbs moisture and mold can form. If drinks are spilled on the tatami mat or food pieces are stuck to it, after cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner, etc., wipe it with a well-wrung cloth or a dry cloth.
If you have a tatami mat, it’s a good idea to clean it regularly (I usually clean mine on Fridays or Saturdays). Don’t clean too often as this will damage your mats and make them look old and worn out ahead of time. When you’re done cleaning, check the layers of your rugs to make sure they’re still intact.
It is recommended to raise the tatami separately and ventilate them in the sun on both sides once a year to prevent light ticks (kabi, kabi) and tatami (dani, dani). The popularity of tatami has declined in recent years, mainly due to the difficulty of cleaning the turf material, as well as the need to replace it regularly.
Tatami mats remain an important part of Japanese culture, from their origins as a place for the nobility to sleep, to their use in martial arts and their widespread use today in homes, teahouses, restaurants, and other establishments. Kotatsu is heavenly in winter, and while they can also be used in rooms with plain floors, they work best on carpets or rugs.