How to clean and maintain your tatami mats in a humid environment

Tatami mats are not only integral to the Japanese way of living, but also the Japanese interior aesthetics. They are not only used for sleeping, but also as a floor mat to create a soft and relaxed look to the room. They are commonly made with either rice straw cores, wood chips or polystyrene foam. The edges of the mats are then wrapped with a fabric border, creating clean lines.
You can have them custom made so they can fit the corners of your space.
Since tatami mats have a different material from carpets, they require a different way of care and maintenance too. Singapore’s weather is also not the best for tatami mats, as they can grow mold easily in humid conditions.
Start off the cleaning by using a vacuum cleaner and vacuuming in the direction of the weaving. This helps to remove dirt. To remove stains and spills, use a damp cloth to wipe the areas gently. Be sure to let it dry. If molds starts to appear, get a damp cloth and mix one part of white vinegar with one part of water. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the stains gently.
I found out that tatami mats last around 5-6 years, and will fade to yellowish brown over time. This is definitely a good investment in my opinion.