What is Tatami?
Tatami is a traditional Japanese flooring material made of woven rush grass and Japanese paper. Originally, tatami was made by attaching woven rush grass to a board called a "Tatamidoko," which served as the core material.
Taking care of tatami is not difficult
Many people yearn to have a Japanese-style room with tatami mats, but may have the impression that tatami is more difficult to clean than wood flooring, or that it is difficult to deal with dirt when it gets dirty. Although people tend to think that cleaning tatami is more difficult than flooring, it is surprisingly easy once you learn the tricks.
General rules for cleaning tatami mats
Cleaning along the grain of the tatami
When cleaning tatami, be sure to sweep along the grain of the tatami. If you sweep against the grain of the tatami, the tatami will be damaged and dirt will easily clog the gaps. Basically, a vacuum cleaner is sufficient, but if you are concerned about fine dust in the mesh, a vacuum cleaner may not be sufficient to remove it. In such cases, we recommend using a broom to scrape it out.
Avoid wiping with water
Basically, avoid wiping with water as it causes mold. However, if wiping with water is unavoidable, squeeze the rag well and wipe with water, then be sure to wipe with a dry cloth.
Ventilate the room
Ventilate the room once a week to prevent moisture from accumulating in the tatami. When drying tatami, be sure to dry them in the shade, away from direct sunlight. However, over-drying may cause discoloration of the tatami, so the standard drying time is one hour for each side of the tatami.
If a drink or condiment is spilled on the tatami
Immediately wipe with a tissue
If a drink or seasoning is spilled on tatami, wipe it off immediately with a tissue or towel. Over time, odors and stains may remain on the tatami.
Grab some salt if you are concerned
Grab some salt if you are concerned.
Once the liquid is roughly removed, sprinkle salt on the stained area and rub the damp salt with a toothbrush or sponge.
Vacuum it up
Finally, vacuum up the salt and you are done. If salt remains in the mesh, brush it off.
If there is a mite or mold infestation?
How to prevent mites and mold
After several days of high humidity, tatami can absorb excessive moisture and cause mold. To prevent dust mites and mold, it is effective to dry the carpets in the shade on a sunny day about once a month to remove excess moisture.If drying out is a hassle, simply ventilating the room once a week is effective.
*Please dry in the shade for about one hour on the front and back sides.
Grab some salt if you are concerned
If mold or mites appear, dry in the shade on a sunny day. Excessive drying may cause discoloration or damage, so please allow about one hour front to back.
Brushing
Finally, brush the area. If a brush is not available, simply vacuuming is fine. Be sure to clean along the grain of the tatami.
If there are "Igire" (wisps)
What is ”Igire”?
"Igire" is a condition in which the rush grass break off and pop out due to friction or drying. This is not a defect, but a common phenomenon that can be easily remedied.
Cut with scissors
Cut the part protruding from the tatami from the root with scissors or nail clippers.
Brushing
Then just blend it in with your fingers. This is all that is needed to restore the area of concern. Please be assured that even if you cut the rush grass, the durability and feel of the product will not change.
FAQ about care
Q.Can I use bleach?
Bleach, baking soda, and other detergents may damage and discolor tatami. Be sure not to use them.
Q.Is it necessary to dry in the shade?
No, it is not required, but it is recommended to do it even once a month to prevent mold and mite growth.
Q.Furniture has been left behind. Is there any way to remove it?
First, tightly squeeze a rag dipped in boiling water, place it after the furniture, and iron it. Then, dry the tatami by blowing air with a hair dryer.
How to clean Tatami
Taking care of tatami is not difficult.Many people yearn to have a Japanese-style room with tatami mats, but may have the impression that tatami is more difficult to clean than wood flooring, or that it is difficult to deal with dirt when it gets dirty. Although people tend to think that cleaning tatami is more difficult than flooring, it is surprisingly easy once you learn the tricks.