Maintain a Japanese Futon
In Japan, futons are different from the versions found in many other countries. They are not used on frames, but are placed directly on the floor and slept on, then stored during the day to create space. They are bulkier than beds and are often preferred over air mattresses, which tend to deflate. Since Japanese futons have a different composition and are placed on the floor or in a closet frequently, they require more maintenance. If you are sleeping on a Japanese-style futon for the first time, you may need to learn about taking care of it so that it remains comfortable and clean for a long time to come.
Steps
- Lay the futon out properly. Japanese futons usually come in sets that may include a foam pad (matto), a futon (shikibuton), sheets (shiitsu), blankets (mofu), a duvet (kakebuton) and a pillow (makura). The foam pad should be laid out first. Put the bottom sheet on the futon and lay this on the pad, followed by the sheet and any blankets you may want. If you use a duvet, use the cover that comes with it. One side will be made of mesh; this goes up.
- Fold your futon when not in use. Leaving your futon out during the day may allow mold or mites to grow underneath. The futon and pad should be folded in thirds (take care to make sure that only the underside of the futon touches the floor as you fold) and stacked neatly in a cupboard or the corner of the room. The blankets are folded in four and placed on top of the folded futon and pad, and then the pillow goes on top of everything.
- Air your futon whenever possible. Hang it in the sunlight outdoors during a time of day when the air is relatively dry. This is said to kill anything that may be growing inside, such as fungus or mould, especially during humid times of the year. The fresh air also keeps it from smelling stale. Many people also use a beater (similar to what you would use on a carpet) to beat out dust and other material while airing.
- Keep the floor clean. Futons are usually used on tatami flooring, which is slightly springy and quite a bit softer than hard floors. If possible, sleep in a room with tatami mat flooring or carpet. However, make sure not to walk in this room with your shoes on, and vacuum frequently. Clean Tatami Mats
- Wash the blankets and sheets as needed. Though the practice is unusual, the futon itself can be washed if you have access to a double-size washing machine and dried in a very big drier if necessary (e.g. spills) or by hanging to dry. You can also bring it to a dry cleaners store (but call first to make sure they'll clean futons). Washing a futon in a washing machine can be an effective means of removing cat allergens.
Tips
- Folding your futon during the day has the added bonus of giving you extra room during the day.
- If you do choose to wash your futon and would like to dry it by hanging, be aware that it may take several days to dry. You may want to prepare something else to sleep on in the interim.
- Japanese futons come in sets, and there are different sets available for different seasons.
- You may mist your futon with a scented spray, but make sure it is suitable for fabrics and upholstery. This is not standard practice; if you follow the steps above, the futon should not need any misting.
- If you live in a particularly damp area or during damp seasons, you may benefit from packets of desiccant crystals designed specially for placing underneath futon. They are much like the small packets that often come with shoes and other new products, but are much larger. Place it under the foam mat or between the mat and futon. Be sure to replace it when the crystals have turned to gel.
- If you are a guest sleeping on a futon, it is good practice to fold your own futon upon rising.
Warnings
- Keep an eye on the weather while airing your futon. If it rains on your futon, you may be out of bedding for several days while it dries completely. If it gets dark before you bring your bedding inside, it may be damp and unpleasant to sleep on.
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