How To Clean Tatami Mats: The Basic Care For Your Tatami

Properties in Japan will have two types of rooms: Japanese-style rooms (washitsu, 和室) and Western-style rooms (youshitsu, 洋室). The former rooms will have tatamis, while the latter has wooden floors. 

While tatami floors aren’t the most difficult to care for, they require little maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible.

As such, we explain how to clean tatami mats and other basic tatami care you should know. 

What is tatami?

Close-up image of Japanese tatami mats

Tatami mats are traditional Japanese flooring used in Japanese-style rooms (washitsu, 和室).

The tatami surface is made of tightly woven igusa rush grass (イグサ), while the inner core (doko, 床) traditionally uses compressed rice straw.

Modern tatami mats may substitute compressed wood chips or polystyrene foam for a lighter, more durable core.

A standard tatami mat measures approximately 91 cm by 182 cm (about 3 ft by 6 ft), and tatami flooring naturally regulates humidity, absorbs sound, and provides insulation.

Knowing how to clean tatami mats properly is essential because igusa fibers are sensitive to moisture, dirt, and high humidity, which can lead to mold growth, mite infestations, and surface damage if neglected.

Most Japanese apartment layouts are measured by tatami mat size. However, just because rooms are measured by tatami does not mean they are tatami rooms. Instead, tatami rooms are usually colored green on the layout map to reflect their color.

How do you care for Japanese tatami mats?

Before we get into any specifics, here are general cleaning and care tips for your tatami:

Dos

• Let the tatami “breathe.”

• Vacuum or brush along with the grain. 

• Sit on the floor with a low table and sitting pillows.

• Use furniture foot covers or protection pads.

• Use dehumidifiers or moisture absorbers.

• If you have to lay furniture, use leg covers.

• Keep your tatami mats dry.

Don’ts

• No shoes on the tatami mats.

• No pets in the tatami room.

• No heavy furniture on the tatami.

• Do not lay anything over the tatami for a long period. Futons are fine, but you must put them away during the day.

• Do not drag items like a chair across, as it will damage the tatami grains.

• Do not place tatami in direct sunlight.

• Do not smoke in a tatami room. The mats will absorb cigarette smoke and the tobacco smells.

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Tatami care quick-reference table

General cleaning tips for tatami mats

These two tips are important for knowing how to clean tatami mats regularly.  

1. Vacuum along the grain, regularly

While you can use a soft-bristled broom to brush away dust and hair, a vacuum cleaner removes the smaller dust particles more efficiently.

Do not use the brush attachment when using a vacuum cleaner, as it can be too abrasive for the tatami. If possible, use the lower power setting.

Additionally, always go along with the grain to avoid damaging the tatami surface.

2. Use a dry cloth for deeper cleaning

After vacuuming, you can wipe the surface with a dust cloth along the grain. 

Avoid using a wet or damp cloth. Tatami is absorbent and can cause mold to grow. You can use a hair dryer to help dry out the area.

Look for 畳用クリーナー (tatami cleaner) to help you with cleaning your tatami mats and follow their instructions.

3. How to remove stains from tatami mats

For liquid spills such as coffee, soy sauce, or juice, act immediately.

Place a dry cloth or towel over the stained area and press down to soak up as much moisture as possible. Do not rub, as this can push the liquid deeper into the igusa fibers.

For dark or stubborn stains, sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder or flour over the stained area and leave it to absorb the remaining liquid. Once it has dried completely, vacuum it up along the grain. This method works well for coffee and soy sauce stains without damaging the tatami surface.

For odor removal, sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the affected area and leave it for several hours before vacuuming. Note that baking soda can cause yellowing on natural igusa if left too long, so limit contact to a few hours and use it sparingly. For heavy dirt or grease stains, citric acid or a diluted vinegar solution applied to a cloth is a safer alternative that will not discolor the tatami.

For general freshening, simply wipe along the grain with a cloth lightly dampened with diluted vinegar, then dry the tatami thoroughly using a hair dryer or fan. Always keep the tatami mats dry after any cleaning to prevent mold growth.

Dealing with tatami mold

One of the most common things you will encounter is seeing mold on your tatami mats. 

Don’t freak out. Continue reading to learn how to clean tatami mats mold.

How to prevent mold on tatami mats

Tatami flooring naturally absorbs moisture from the air, which makes mold growth a serious risk during periods of high humidity.

To prevent mold growth, ensure your living space is well-ventilated, especially during the rainy season (tsuyu, 梅雨) from June through mid-July and the humid summer months when indoor humidity often exceeds 70%.

Additionally, look at the corners of your living space, the back of your closet, and around the window frames for potential mold growth.

Use a dehumidifier (除湿機, joshitsuki) or moisture absorber packs (除湿剤, joshitsuzai) in your tatami room, and aim to keep indoor humidity below 60%.

On a sunny day, open windows on opposite sides of the room to create cross-ventilation.

If you sleep on a futon placed directly on the tatami, always fold and store your futon during the day so moisture does not get trapped between the bedding and the mat.

Regular maintenance and daily ventilation are the most effective ways to keep your tatami mold free throughout the year.

How to get rid of mold from tatami

It’s not too late if you found mold on your tatami.

One common household method for getting rid of tatami mold is to scrub the mold out with a small amount of ethanol (エタノール) and a small toothbrush. Do not scrub too harshly, as this can damage the tatami mat.

You can also try Kabi Killer (カビキラー), a popular Japanese mold remover spray.

Kabi Killer works well on bathroom tiles, walls, and other hard surfaces. However, because it contains bleach, it can discolor and damage natural igusa fibers on tatami.

If you use Kabi Killer on tatami, test a small hidden area first and wipe it away quickly. Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) remains the safest and most widely recommended option for cleaning tatami mold because it kills mold spores without stripping the natural rush grass surface.

When using these sprays, make sure the room is ventilated by opening the window.

Dealing with tatami pests

Unfortunately, insects like mites and ticks are common even in the cleanest homes. So here, we explain how to prevent them and then how to get rid of them.

How to prevent insects on your tatami

Before any mites become an issue, use ダニスプレー (dani spray). This bottle will help deter insects from entering and staying on your tatami. 

There are also tick odor and sheet repellents if you are reluctant to spray liquids on your tatami. 

Additionally, you should wash your futon cover and air out your futon in the sun at least once a month. 

How to get rid of tatami mites

First, you should contact your landlord or property manager if you rent your living space. They should be able to replace the tatami mats (depending on your contract).

If not, you can place mite traps on your tatami mats, sofas, and beds. Follow the instructions on placement and disposal.

You can also use a bug spray specifically designed for tatami mites, such as Dani Aasu (ダニアース).

These products come in aerosol cans with a needle attachment that allows you to spray insecticide directly into the tatami mat.

On a sunny day, you can also take your tatami outside and stand it upright in direct sunlight for several hours, as heat and UV light help kill mites. Vacuuming thoroughly after sun-drying will remove dead mites and their waste from the surface.

Damage and dents on your tatami

How to protect your tatami from dents and damage

These items above are okay to place on tatami mats

While it’s not recommended to place heavy akiya furniture on your tatami, there are cases where you have no choice.  

The first advice regarding tatami is not to place large or heavy items on your mats. However, smaller furniture items such as tables, chairs, and drawers are okay.

Items with wide, flat-botted legs are better than skinny-legged items such as chairs. 

Additionally, adding foam pads to the bottom of your furniture will help prevent scrapping and denting. 

How to fix dents on your tatami mat

If your tatami has uneven dents from furniture, you can repair them with a wet towel and an iron.

1. Soak a towel in hot water and squeeze hard to wring it out.

2. Place the damp towel over the dented area and gently press a household iron set to low heat over the towel for 20 to 30 seconds.

3. The steam will cause the compressed igusa fibers to swell back into shape.

4. Once the dent has lifted, immediately dry the tatami using a hair dryer or electric fan to remove all moisture and prevent mold.

For lighter dents, simply placing a damp cloth over the area and letting it sit for a few minutes may be enough.

Frequently asked questions

How do you clean tatami mats on a daily basis?

Vacuum your tatami mats along the grain once a day using a vacuum cleaner on a low power setting without the brush attachment. After vacuuming, wipe the surface with a dry dust cloth, again following the grain. This regular maintenance removes dust, dirt, and hair before they build up in the woven igusa fibers. Once a week, give the mats a more thorough wiping with a dry cloth to polish the surface and maintain its natural luster.

Can you use a wet cloth on tatami mats?

No. Tatami flooring is highly absorbent, and using a wet cloth can trap moisture inside the rush grass fibers, leading to mold growth and unpleasant odors. Always use a dry cloth for wiping. If you need to address a specific stain, use a cloth that has been dampened and wrung out until it is nearly dry, then immediately dry the tatami with a hair dryer or fan. Never soak or saturate a tatami mat with water.

How do you prevent mold on tatami mats?

Keep indoor humidity below 60% using a dehumidifier or moisture absorber packs, especially during the rainy season from June through mid-July. Ventilate your tatami room daily by opening windows to create airflow. Avoid placing carpets, rugs, or heavy furniture directly on the mats for long periods, as this traps moisture underneath. If you sleep on a futon on the tatami, fold and store it every morning so the mat can breathe.

How do you remove mold from tatami?

First, vacuum the moldy area along the grain to remove surface mold spores. Then spray a small amount of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) onto the mold and gently scrub with a toothbrush along the grain. Wipe the area with a dry cloth and spray ethanol once more as a final disinfection. Dry the tatami thoroughly using a hair dryer or fan, and ventilate the room by opening a window. Avoid using bleach-based cleaners like Kabi Killer directly on tatami, as the bleach can discolor the natural igusa surface.

How do you get rid of mites on tatami?

Use a dani spray (ダニスプレー) designed for tatami mats as a preventive measure. If mites are already present, place mite traps on the tatami and vacuum regularly to remove dead mites. On a sunny day, take the tatami outside and stand it in direct sunlight for several hours to kill mites with heat and UV light. Wash your futon cover and air out your futon at least once a month. Contact your landlord if you rent, as tatami replacement may be covered in your lease.

How do you remove stains from tatami mats?

For liquid spills, blot the stained area immediately with a dry towel. Do not rub. For dark stains like coffee or soy sauce, sprinkle talcum powder or flour over the stain, let it absorb the liquid for 10 to 15 minutes, then vacuum along the grain. For ink stains, gently wipe with a cloth dampened with a small amount of milk. For odors, use a light sprinkle of baking soda for a few hours, then vacuum. Use baking soda sparingly, as prolonged contact can cause yellowing on natural igusa.

How do you fix dents on tatami mats?

Place a towel soaked in hot water and wrung out firmly over the dented area. Press a household iron set to low heat over the towel for 20 to 30 seconds to create steam. The compressed rush grass fibers will absorb the moisture and swell back into shape. Immediately dry the area with a hair dryer or electric fan to prevent mold. For lighter dents, simply placing a damp cloth over the area and waiting a few minutes may be sufficient.

Is it safe to place furniture on tatami mats?

Small, lightweight furniture such as low tables, floor chairs, and drawers is fine on tatami. Avoid placing heavy furniture like bookcases or large desks, as they will create permanent dents and block airflow. If you must use furniture, choose items with wide, flat legs and attach foam pads or felt protectors to the bottom. Never drag furniture across tatami, as this will damage the woven grain of the tatami surface.

In closing

Learning to care for and how to clean tatami mats helps preserve their lifespan. Regular cleaning and prevention will help prevent mold, mites, and damage.

Contact your landlord, property management company, or a professional to handle your tatami if you find any major issues.