How long do tatami mats last is one of the most popular questions when people want to buy one for their house?
This flooring is first made in Japan and becoming widely used thanks to its benefits and durability, also the traditional feel it offers.
There are so many reasons why the Japanese still like using this type of flooring today.
In this article, we will go through some information about it, as well as some maintenance tips so that you can keep your mats last as long as possible.
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How Long Do Tatami Mats Last?
Tatami built from the best core material can last up to 50 years. The ones with man-made core materials are less expensive and last for up to 10 years. They are more durable than carpet, even if it is the cheapest option.
This Japanese flooring is a great option because it creates a relaxing feel in your home. It is also comfortable to sit on or sleep on and is a safe, soft area for children to play on.
Now you can easily find products that are designed to be put over hardwood floors is now available, making it simple to turn any space into a ceremony mat room.
These mats are extremely sensitive to moisture. It will begin to grow mold if you place it in a wet area. We can use vacuum cleaners with a special tatami mode or special floor mops on a daily basis to avoid this.
A dry piece of cloth would work for thorough cleaning. Above all, cleaning must be carried out in the same direction as the rush is woven.
If the mat can no longer be cleaned and is yellowing, you should reverse or replace it with a new one. It should be between 5 and 8 years old if we want to reverse a cover.
Japanese Mats In Daily Life
Tatami comes from the Japanese word tatamu, which refers to the rug’s foldability. A traditional Japanese straw mat made of rice straw and rush grass is known as a tatami. The core is made of rice straw, and the outside is made of woven rush grass.
People often use the hem material to tie the edge of the rush grass covered with a plain border fabric called heri.
The surfaces can range from soft, firm to hard. It is not as hard as wood, but it is more sturdy than a normal mattress. It means tatami mats last longer than the other ones.
We often confuse them for a futon. Some people refer to a tatami as a Japanese-style futon when they say they sleep on one.
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The new product has a distinct scent of gentle rush. Japanese people believe it to be a very nice and calming smell, while those who are not used to it may dislike it.
If this happens to you, wipe the mat down with a dry towel and let it air dry for one day.
This should get rid of a lot of the rush odor. If it still irritates you, let it dry for another day.
The Japanese have 2 ways of placing:
- Shyugi Shiki (祝儀敷き) is the most popular way used in everyday households. People usually place them like this so that the four corners of the carpet do not meet in one area.
- Fushyugi Shiki (不祝儀敷き) is a one for bad luck, such as funerals. It is a tradition to keep evil luck at bay.
2 ways of placing mats in a room (Source: Tsunagujapan)
How To Clean Mats In The Right Way
How long do tatami mats last also depends on how you clean them. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a special broom to clean the floor.
In Japan, you may buy a tatami broom at home centers or broom specialty shops. Some people use a “gum roller” to clean the floor to remove hairs and dust, however, if an adhesive cleaner with strong adhesion is used, the “tatami facing” will be damaged and frayed.
When using a vacuum cleaner or a broom, clean the carpet from one long side to the other, following the grain. Instead of trying to remove all the dust at once with a vacuum cleaner, carefully go back and forth over the tatami with the vacuum cleaner several times.
If you use a broom to clean, sprinkle it with used tea leaves that have been pressed dry. You can get rid of all the dust by sweeping away the leaves and anything else.
If you have spilled liquids on a tatami or bits of food have stuck to it, wipe it down with a thoroughly squeezed cloth or a dry cloth after cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner, etc.
How to get rid of the mold and mites?
Whether you live in a Japanese room or not, you are almost certainly using a mat as your bedding. If you mistreat your futon, it will get moldy and infested with mites. As you sleep, the smell will irritate your skin and make you feel uncomfortable.
Choose a sunny day to hang out it at least once a month. Hang between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. in the sun; otherwise, moisture in the air will soak into your mattress if you hang it too late in the afternoon. Hang one half of it in the sun for two hours, then flip it over to expose the other half. Use a mat broom to remove the dust at both times, which you can buy at the 100 yen stores.
The cover is more fragile and does not need beating. It only has to be hung in the sun, along with the cover, to kill any mites. Do not wash it with washing machines. Bring it to the cleaners if it needs to be cleaned. Fold it carefully and store it on top of the sunoko or wooden board when putting it away in the morning.
The right direction to wipe is following the red arrow (Source: concent2006)
Maintain Tips
A traditional tatami mat is a good investment that will last for a long time if properly cared for.
When it comes to caring, the following few tips will help you stay on track:
- You should ways do vacuuming your mat following the grain to avoid damaging the surface.
- Because they are highly absorbent, avoid wiping them with a wet cloth. Any moisture that remains could lead to the growth of mold.
- Wipe the surface with a tiny bit of normal vinegar to remove any odors.
- If you notice mold, scrub it with ethanol and a little toothbrush as soon as possible before it spreads.
- Do not wear shoes on it.
- Allow your tatami mat to air out on a regular basis in a well-ventilated place.
- Storage: You may need to store your tatami mat for a period of time. In this case, it is better to keep it somewhere cool and dry. It’s also a good idea to put them inside a cover.
How Long Do Tatami Mats Last? Frequently Asked Questions
1 – What Is The Point Of A Tatami Mat?
A tatami room is used to welcome visitors, have tea ceremonies, or hold a religious altar in traditional Japanese culture.
The airy design, straw rugs, and plain decor of the space also served to relieve the heat of Japan’s humid summers.
2 – What Makes Mites and Mold To Appear?
When the following conditions exist, mites and mold are more likely to appear:
- Humidity is high.
- High-temperature environment
- Nutrient availability
To put it another way, you should avoid those three things if you want to avoid mites or mold.
The good news is that tatami carpets and mats are simple to keep clean.
If you do have mites or mold, here are some actions to take to solve the problem and prevent it from happening again.
3 – How Much Does A New Tatami Cost?
In Japan, a new handmade product might cost anything from 50,000 to 180,000 yen.
A new machine-made one might cost anywhere from 8,000 to 40,000 yen.
4 – Is Tatami Good To Sleep On?
Researches have shown that sleeping on the floor has health benefits, including improved posture, less back pain, and a better night’s sleep.
Moreover, the mat’s firm padding provides enough comfort and stability for sleeping on the floor.
5 – Can You Put A Mattress On A Tatami Mat?
It is important to choose the right surface for your floor mattress.
We recommend using firm surfaces like hardwood floors, tile, tatami flooring, or synthetic carpeting (or rugs).
Natural fiber carpets are more likely to keep moisture and are less durable than synthetic carpets. Wool is also a popular natural carpet material.
Conclusion
Who would not want to keep using something they enjoy for as long as they possibly can? You can maintain your flooring looking great for years with a little elbow grease using the methods mentioned in this article.
In summary, how long do tatami mats last? Simply by keeping them dry, you will be able to use your tatami mat for many years to come, even up to 50 years. They are easy to keep, only need the occasional wiping down or vacuuming, followed by shade drying and some last cleaning.
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