Futons are traditional Japanese mattresses that are being extensively used these days. They were earlier considered ideal for those who could not use a conventional mattress if they frequently traveled from one place to the other or to make space by folding it in a small room.
Modern futons are as comfortable as you can imagine and are made from high-quality foam and latex. They are soft and pliable enough to fold but firm enough to support your spine.
However, since futons are placed close to the ground, it is likely to get dirty and soiled faster. Your pets may easily climb on your bed, or you may spill something while eating or cleaning. Clean your futon when you notice stains on it or when some kind of odor comes out from the mattress.
If your futon keeps gathering dirt and mites, it could become a source of infections and allergies. Depending on the material from which the futon is made, there are simple yet effective ways of cleaning it that will make it stain and odor free. Cleaning the tatami mattress below it will result in comprehensive cleaning of your mattress.
How Frequently Should You Clean Your Futon?
Cleaning your futon is essential to keep dirt away and to increase your mattress’s longevity. You should clean your mattress immediately if there are any accidental spills or stains.
Otherwise, it would be best if you deep cleaned your futon once a year. You should vacuum the futon and wash the covers for general care and maintenance. Cleaning your mattress is a good practice if you frequently eat on it or snuggle with pets.
Daily Cleaning of Futon Mattress
Your daily cleaning of the futon mattress need not be difficult. Make sure you vacuum your futon daily to get rid of the superficial dirt. It’s an excellent way to keep dried skin cells, food crumbs, and pet hair out of your futon.
Vacuuming draws away dust particles and reduces the chances of allergies and infections to a great extent. Once a week, toss the cover into the washing machine to get rid of residual sweat and body oils that may have seeped into it.
In addition, try to place your futon in the sunlight whenever possible, at least twice a month. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant, and the heat will keep your mattress dry and fluffy, especially if you have a traditional Japanese futon with cotton filling. You will love the warmth and coziness when ready to use your futon again.
Following this practice will help keep your futon fresh and clean for a long time.
Spot Cleaning of Futon Mattress
Spot cleaning of your futon will become necessary if there is a sudden spill or stain on the mattress. You could have spilled something, your pet might have peed on the mattress, or there could be stains from oil if you were eating on the futon.
1. General Spot Cleaning
Here is how you can spot-clean your futon.
- Strip the futon of its covers and toss them into the washing machine.
- If the spill is still fresh, use microfiber cloths to absorb as much liquid as possible. Do not rub or scrub; it will push the fluid deeper into the mattress.
- Once you have absorbed the liquid, make a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts of baking soda and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the area.
- Let the mixture sit for half an hour. If it gets absorbed or dries up, spray the solution again.
- Use the microfiber towels to absorb the solution. The vinegar and baking soda mixture will have drawn out the pee or oil from the futon. Once the towels have saturated, you can repeat the process if you still notice any residue.
- Once all the liquid is absorbed, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda on the area. It’s an excellent way of eliminating odors if you spilled some strong sauce on the mattress or there was urine. Allow the baking soda to sit in the area for at least eight hours.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to suck the baking soda. Your futon should be odor-free. If the smell persists, you can repeat the process.
2. Spot Cleaning Innerspring Futon
In the case of an innerspring futon mattress, you can directly spray an enzyme-based laundry stain remover on the stain. Let it sit on the affected area for ten minutes.
Wet a microfiber cloth and use it to rub the detergent away slowly. Any food residue, blood, or urine should quickly come off. If you still feel there is some residue, repeat the process.
3. Spot Cleaning Memory Foam Futon
If you have a foam-based futon or the stain has already set in, use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water to remove the stain.
- Saturate the affected area with the mixture to remove the stain and bring it to the surface. Let the mixture sit for an hour on the mattress.
- Once the peroxide evaporates, use damp microfiber towels to rub off the stain with laundry detergent.
- Do not wet the towels too much, as they may seep into the mattress. Just dampen it enough to rub off the stain. The solution is also effective against odors, so by the time your mattress dries, both stain and odor should be gone.
- If the odor persists, sprinkle baking soda and vacuum it off after eight hours.
After trying any of the processes mentioned above, leave your futon to air-dry for at least half a day or a full day, if possible. Do not apply heat from a hair dry-dryer, as it may dent your futon. Put on the fresh covers afterward, and your futon is ready to be used again.
Annual Cleaning of Futon Mattress
Even if you are careful around your mattress and do not let anything spill on it, deep cleaning your futon once a year is still a good idea. That will keep it in good shape and protect the fibers of your mattress.
Even if you engage in daily or weekly cleaning of your futon, the annual deep cleaning is a good practice.
- Use your vacuum cleaner and set it to the high-suction option. Go over the futon thoroughly, especially on the sides.
- Turn the futon over and vacuum the rear, which is close to the floor.
- Vacuum the jute tatami if you use it under your futon to keep it from sliding.
- Attach the soft brush so as not to affect the surface of the futon.
- Make a cleaning solution of three parts white vinegar and one part baking soda. Sprinkle it lightly all over your mattress. Allow it to sit for some time, and spray again.
- Once the vinegar evaporates, use your vacuum cleaner again to suck out the baking soda residue. All the fluids like sebum or sweat will be sucked clean from the mattress, leaving it clean and fresh.
You can take the futon outside and let it remain in the sun for a day or so to disinfect it naturally. If that is not an option, or if you live in a very cold region, spray some sanitizer on the futon to eliminate germs.
Tips to Keep Your Futon Clean for Long Periods
After taking these measures to clean your futon, it is evident that you would want it to stay fresh and clean for as long as possible. Here is what you can do to ensure your futon stays fresh and clean.
- Use a waterproof mattress cover on your futon. It’s effective for catching spills or urine from getting on the mattress, especially if you have a baby or a pet in the house.
- Keep your futon cover clean by tossing it into the washing machine at least once in ten days.
- Adjust the humidity levels in your house to keep your room dry and fresh. Excess humidity can result in the growth of spores, fungi, or mildew in the deeper layers or underside of the futon. You may not be aware of it, but it could cause allergies and infections if you keep using your futon.
- Do not put anything wet on your futon, like a damp towel or wet blanket.
- Always use a washable cover or mat if your pets are allowed on the futon. That will prevent pet hair, saliva, accidental poop, or urine from staining the mattress.
- In case of accidental spills, spot-clean your futon immediately. That will prevent the stain from taking hold and be easier to clean.
FAQ’s
It is natural to have some questions regarding cleaning your futon so that you can do so correctly. The answers to these questions will help you clean the mattress correctly.
Can you use detergents on your futon?
Are futons waterproof?
Should you also clean the tatami along with the futon?
Conclusion
Futons have come a long way and are no longer just used in dorms. They have evolved enough to compete with regular mattresses; some find them more comfortable than their commercial counterparts. High-quality futons are made with superior foam and worth investing in.
You can use them on the floor over a mat or a bed frame, whichever suits you best. However, keeping it clean is the key to maximizing your investment. That will keep your futon in good shape for longer, and you won’t have to replace it soon. You can fold it, store it away, and roll it out whenever you want to use it again.
