A person wiping a tatami mat with a dry cloth, following the direction of the weave for proper maintenance.

Tatami Care Tips for Lasting Beauty and Durability

Tatami mats, a quintessential element of Japanese culture, add warmth, natural beauty, and a sense of tranquility to any space. Made from woven rush grass (igusa) and a base of rice straw or compressed wood, tatami mats require proper maintenance to preserve their aesthetics and functionality over time. This guide provides essential tips to help you maintain the beauty of your tatami mats for years to come.

1. Basic Daily Care: Clean Along the Grain

The most important rule when cleaning tatami mats is to always work along the grain. The direction of the tatami fibers can be determined by gently running your hand over the surface—when the movement feels smooth, you are moving with the grain. Cleaning against the grain may damage the delicate surface and cause dirt to accumulate between the fibers.

Hand checking the texture and direction of a tatami mat, following the weave pattern for proper care and maintenance. Essential step in tatami cleaning and preservation.

How to Clean:

  • Dust and Debris: Use a soft broom or a vacuum cleaner (preferably with a low-suction mode) to remove dust and debris. Move gently along the grain.
Person using a small traditional broom to gently sweep a tatami mat. Cleaning tatami mats with a soft broom helps maintain their condition by removing dust and dirt without damaging the surface.
Vacuuming a tatami mat with a modern vacuum cleaner. Using a vacuum cleaner along the grain of the tatami mat effectively removes dust and debris while preserving the mat's texture and durability.

  • Dry Wipe: For daily care, use a dry, soft cloth to wipe the surface. Avoid using wet or damp cloths, as excess moisture can lead to mold and discoloration.
A person wiping a tatami mat with a dry cloth, following the direction of the weave for proper maintenance.

Important Tip:

Never use adhesive rollers or robot vacuums on tatami mats, as they can fray the fibers or pull out strands, damaging the surface.


2. Dealing with Stains and Spills: Quick Action is Key

Tatami mats are prone to absorbing moisture, which can lead to stains if not treated promptly. If you spill any liquid, act immediately.

Close-up of a tatami mat with a visible stain from spilled liquid. Prompt cleaning and proper care are essential to prevent discoloration and maintain the quality of the mat.

How to Treat Stains:

  • Liquid Spills: Use a clean towel or paper towel to blot the liquid gently, avoiding any rubbing that could push the stain deeper.
Hand using a folded paper towel to gently blot liquid from a tatami mat. Blotting helps prevent the liquid from seeping deeper into the mat, minimizing potential stains and maintaining the mat’s quality.
  • Colored Liquids (Juice, Soy Sauce): Sprinkle cornstarch or salt on the stain to absorb excess moisture before blotting. Follow up by gently wiping the area with a dry cloth.
Hand sprinkling salt onto a stained tatami mat to absorb excess moisture from colored liquids like juice or soy sauce. Using salt or cornstarch helps prevent the stain from setting deeper into the mat fibers.
  • Drying: After cleaning, use a hairdryer on low heat to ensure the area is completely dry. This prevents mold and mildew growth.
"Using a hairdryer on low heat to dry a tatami mat after cleaning. Ensuring the tatami is completely dry helps prevent mold and mildew growth, maintaining its durability and freshness.

Pro Tip:

For stubborn stains, avoid harsh chemicals. Instead, consult a tatami specialist for advice on safe stain removal.

3. Preventing Mold and Odors: Proper Ventilation

Tatami mats naturally regulate humidity, absorbing moisture in humid conditions and releasing it when the air is dry. However, prolonged exposure to moisture can cause mold or unpleasant odors.

How to Prevent Mold:

  • Regular Ventilation: Open windows regularly to allow air circulation. Aim to do this at least once a week.
  • Shade Drying: Once a month, move tatami mats outdoors to dry in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the mats to fade and dry out, leading to cracking.
  • Dehumidification: During the rainy season, use a dehumidifier or an air conditioner to maintain optimal indoor humidity.
Two tatami mats leaning against a wall near a window to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area. Proper shade drying and regular ventilation prevent mold growth and maintain the longevity of tatami mats.

4. Addressing Dents and Indentations: Restoring the Surface

Over time, tatami mats may develop indentations from heavy furniture. Fortunately, these can be minimized with simple techniques.

Close-up of a tatami mat surface showing slight indentations caused by heavy furniture. These dents can be minimized through simple techniques to restore the original surface.

How to Remove Dents:

1. Moisture Treatment: Lightly spray the dented area with water using a spray bottle.

Hand holding a spray bottle gently misting water onto a dented tatami mat surface to restore its original shape.

2. Steam Ironing: Place a damp cloth over the indentation and use a steam iron on low heat to apply gentle heat.

Close-up of a steam iron gently applied over a damp cloth on a tatami mat to remove indentations caused by heavy furniture.

3. Drying: Finish by using a dry cloth or hairdryer to remove excess moisture and prevent mold.

Close-up of a hand using a hairdryer on a tatami mat to remove excess moisture and prevent mold after cleaning.

5. Proper Storage: Protecting Mats During Non-Use

If you plan to store tatami mats for an extended period, it’s crucial to take proper steps to avoid mold and deformation.

How to Store Tatami Mats:

  • Clean and Dry: Thoroughly clean the mats before storage and ensure they are completely dry.
  • Shade Drying: Air the mats outdoors in a shaded area for a few hours to remove excess moisture.
  • Flat Storage: Lay the mats flat in a cool, dry space. Avoid stacking them upright, as this can cause warping.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Store in a location protected from direct sunlight and humidity.

6. Repairing Frays and Snags: Minor Touch-ups

Occasionally, the edges of tatami mats may fray or develop loose fibers. Addressing this promptly can extend the mat’s lifespan.

Close-up of a tatami mat with a loose fiber sticking out, illustrating the need for minor touch-ups to repair frays and snags.

How to Fix Frayed Tatami:

  • Trimming: Use small scissors to trim any frayed fibers at the base.
Close-up of a person using small scissors to trim frayed fibers at the base of a tatami mat, demonstrating how to maintain its appearance and prevent further damage.
  • Sealing: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or wood glue to the cut ends to prevent further fraying.
Close-up of a person applying clear nail polish to the cut ends of a tatami mat to prevent fraying and maintain the mat's durability.
  • Blending: Gently press the area with a cloth to blend the repaired section into the surface.
Close-up of a person gently pressing a cloth on the edge of a tatami mat to blend the repaired section and maintain a smooth surface.

7. Handling Seasonal Changes: Adapting to Humidity Levels

Tatami mats naturally respond to seasonal changes, expanding in humid conditions and contracting when dry. To maintain their shape and condition, adjust your maintenance routine accordingly.

  • Rainy Season: Increase ventilation and use a dehumidifier.
  • Winter: Keep the room temperature moderate to prevent excessive drying of the mats.

8. Understanding Natural Aging: Embracing Patina

Tatami mats naturally change color over time, transitioning from vibrant green to a warm golden hue. This natural aging process, caused by exposure to sunlight and air, adds character and elegance to your tatami mats.

Preserving Natural Beauty:

  • Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Rotate mats periodically to ensure even aging.

Conclusion: A Commitment to Longevity

Tatami mats, when cared for properly, can last for decades while maintaining their natural beauty and functionality. By following these essential maintenance tips, you can enjoy the timeless charm and comfort that tatami mats bring to your home.

For high-quality tatami mats made with expert craftsmanship from Kumamoto Prefecture, explore our premium collection and experience the harmony of tradition and innovation.

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