Care

Wash it. Use it. Wash it again.

Washable is the whole point.

Most tatami can't get wet. Ours can. We use a modern tatami fiber developed for durability — the same weave, the same sit-down softness under a hand, without the fragility of traditional igusa.

Everyday cleaning

• Wipe spills with a damp cloth.
• For oil, wine, soy, or coffee, add a drop of mild dish soap to a damp cloth and wipe in the direction of the weave.
• Dry by laying flat on a towel. Avoid propping against a wall — uneven drying can warp the edges.

Deeper cleaning

• Rinse under the tap with warm water and a little mild soap.
• Press (don't wring) excess water out.
• Lay flat to air-dry, away from direct sunlight.
• A full dry takes 4–6 hours.

What to avoid

• No machine washing. The structure is hand-bound and tumbling will stress the edge stitching.
• No tumble drying. Heat-drying will shrink the cotton binding.
• No long hours in direct sunlight. The modern tatami weave is much more color-fast than traditional igusa, but months of harsh sun will still mute the tone.
• No bleach. For stubborn stains, a second rinse works better.

Heat safety

Safe up to about 250°F / 120°C — fine for a hot dinner plate, a teapot, or a baking dish straight from the oven if you give it a moment first. A cast-iron pan straight off the burner can still scorch the weave, so let it rest 30 seconds before placing.

Storage

Store flat or loosely rolled (never folded). Keep away from humidity and pests. A cotton drawstring bag or a shelf with airflow works.

The weave softens with use

Most of our customers say their placemats look better a year in than they did out of the box. The fiber develops a quiet sheen and the edges soften. This is normal and intended.

Repairs

If a piece wears or unravels, send it back — we'll repair it. See our Shipping & Returns page.