Check the filling and label first
What you can do depends on what is inside. Traditional Japanese futon mattresses are often cotton-filled, sometimes with wool, and they hold moisture and are slow to dry. Others use polyester or foam. Look at the care label for the filling and for any washing symbols. If the label or maker says not to wet the mattress, believe it. When in doubt, treat the futon as something to clean on the surface, not wash.
For routine airing and sunning, see our guide to cleaning a Japanese futon. This article focuses on stains and spot cleaning.
Safety notes
- Never mix cleaning products. Do not combine bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other acids. Avoid bleach on futon fabric. Do not mix vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in the same bottle, as they can form a corrosive acid.
- Ventilate the room while you work and while the futon dries.
- Keep children and pets away from wet areas and powders. Store cleaners out of reach, and vacuum up all baking soda before the futon is used.
- Avoid essential oils if you have cats, dogs or small children, since some are harmful.
- Patch test each cleaner on a hidden area first, especially on dyed cotton.
Supplies
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Baking soda
- Mild detergent or an enzyme cleaner for fabric
- Clean white cloths and dry towels
- Cold water
- A fan, a hair dryer on a cool setting, or a sunny, dry spot for drying
General cleaning steps
- Strip the futon. Take off the cover and sheets and wash them following their labels.
- Vacuum both sides. Use an upholstery attachment, especially along seams and tufts. Go gently.
- Deal with stains using the sections below.
- Deodorize. Sprinkle baking soda evenly over the surface and leave it for at least 30 minutes, or longer, even overnight, for stronger odors. Vacuum it up completely.
- Air and dry the futon fully (see below) before covering it or folding it.
How to remove stains from a futon mattress
Act quickly if you can, and always blot rather than rub, since rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the filling. Use as little liquid as you can.
Sweat and body oil
Mix a small amount of mild detergent or an enzyme cleaner with cool water. Dampen a clean cloth, blot the stained area, then blot with a cloth dampened in plain cold water to take out the residue. Dry as described below.
Blood
Use cold water, not hot, because heat can set blood stains. For fresh stains, dab with a cloth wetted with cold water. For dried stains, some guides suggest a paste of baking soda and cold water left on for about 30 minutes, then blotted off with a damp cloth. An enzyme cleaner is another option. Do not use bleach.
Urine and pet accidents
Blot up as much as you can. Apply an enzyme cleaner as directed on the label, or use a very dilute mild detergent solution, then blot. Sprinkle baking soda once it is mostly dry, leave for a few hours, and vacuum. Do not use bleach or ammonia. Cotton filling holds odors if it stays damp, so dry thoroughly. See our guide on cleaning a mattress after bed wetting for more detail.
Food and drink
Lift off solids, blot liquids, then treat with a mild detergent solution and blot with cold water. For greasy marks, a light dusting of baking soda or cornstarch left for a short time can absorb some oil before you vacuum and spot clean.
Mold or mildew spots
Small, light surface spots may be treated outdoors, wearing a mask and gloves, by brushing off loose spores and blotting with a cloth lightly dampened with a diluted white vinegar solution, then drying fully in the sun or with airflow. Do not combine it with other cleaners. If mold appears in the filling, spread widely, or keeps returning, replacement is often safer. People with asthma or allergies should avoid handling it.
Drying the futon completely
Moisture in the filling causes smells and mold, so this step matters most.
- Press a dry towel firmly onto treated spots to draw out water.
- Use a fan, or a hair dryer on a cool or low setting, keeping it moving.
- Set the futon in a bright, ventilated spot or hang it outdoors on a dry day, covers removed. Turn it so both sides dry.
- Check the inside by pressing your hand against the area. If it feels cool or damp, keep drying.
- Do not fold, store or sleep on the futon until it is completely dry.
How to make a futon fluffy again
Cotton fillings compress over time. Airing in sun, gentle beating with a racket or broom, and turning or rotating the futon can help loosen the fibers. Fluffing is limited, and if the filling is matted or lumpy, airing may not restore it. Regular rotation also spreads out wear.
How often to air it out
Daily airing, folding or lifting the futon each morning, is a common recommendation. For sunning, retailer advice ranges from a minimum of about twice a year to more frequent sessions, especially in humid weather or if it sits on the floor. Increase frequency if you notice dampness or odor.
Is it healthy to sleep on a Japanese futon?
Many people do so comfortably, but it is a matter of personal preference and health. Futons are firm and low, which suits some sleepers and not others. If you have back or joint issues, check with a health professional. For cleanliness, regular airing and cleaning keeps moisture and dust down. For allergy concerns, see reducing dust mites in a mattress.
Preventing stains
- Use a washable cover and a protector.
- Wash covers and sheets regularly.
- Avoid eating and drinking on the futon.
- Air it daily and keep it off damp floors.
- Consider a waterproof layer if there is risk of accidents, but remember waterproof layers can trap heat and moisture, so air the futon often.
For other mattress types, see how to clean a latex mattress and how to clean a bamboo mattress, or our overview of getting smells out of a mattress.