How to remove mildew from tatami

Introducing cleaning methods for mild to severe mildew.

Tatami mats can be restored to their original state if mold has grown on them and the proper methods are used. If the degree of mold is severe, it may take several days to remove the mold.
In this chapter, we will introduce methods for cleaning mold on tatami.

If there is a thin layer of mold on the tatami

Open a window and then vacuum slowly along the stitch of the tatami to suck out the mold. Work carefully so that mold spores will not be scattered by the exhaust of the vacuum cleaner.

After vacuuming out the mold, wipe the tatami dry along the stitch of the tatami. Avoid wiping with water, as it will give moisture to the tatami. Wipe the tatami dry about four times.

Severe mold on tatami

If there is a large area of mold, clean it outdoors on a sunny day. First, remove the mold on the surface by vacuuming, broom or dry wiping. After that, dry the tatami mat in the shade outdoors in a well-ventilated place, or turn over the surface of the tatami and let it dry for 3-4 days.

If mold cannot be removed by the above methods

If the mold cannot be removed by vacuuming or dry wiping alone, the use of rubbing alcohol (ethanol) is one option.

Before you begin cleaning, open a window to ventilate the room. Next, spray the tatami mat with rubbing alcohol and leave it for 20 minutes. Then, use a used toothbrush to scrape out the mold. At this time, scrubbing the toothbrush with too much force will damage the tatami, so carefully scrape off the mold along the stitch of the tatami.

If rubbing alcohol is not available, vinegar can be used to remove mold from tatami mats. Vinegar has a disinfecting effect, so it is effective for tatami maintenance.
Make a solution of vinegar diluted 10 times with water, moisten a rag with the solution, wring it out tightly, and carefully wipe off the mold along the stitch of the tatami. However, be careful when using vinegar on the edges of tatami or new tatami mats, as it may cause discoloration.