How to air a tatami mat

Some foreigners in Japan, and indeed maybe even some Japanese people, may not be naturally aware that you are supposed to air your tatami mats at least once a year. Especially if they are aging. Here is a quick guide on how to do that.

1. Remove any furniture 
2. At a corner of the tatami, insert a flathead screwdriver or a S shaped hook between the mats
3. Lift slowly from the edge, keeping the mat straight
4. Stand the tatami on its side indoors, leaning it against the wall
5. Leave space underneath so air can circulate 
6. Hoover the surface on which the tatami sits
7. You can also gently hoover or wipe the sides of the tatami mat
8. Air for a half a day

A couple of notes - there is a special tool for lifting tatami, but it is hard to come by and quite costly. I use a S shaped hook I bought in 100 yen shop and it works a charm. A flathead screwdriver has worked in the past, but I prefer the hook.

The Igusa of the tatami fade when in direct sunlight, hence it is best to air them indoors. And for the same reason, it is why most people avoid letting sunlight into a tatami room.

Opening windows or using a dehumidifier will aid the airing process. You should particularly use a dehumidifier if you have noticed any moisture and / or a dry cloth. Moisture is not good for tatami. If the damage is bad, the tatami might need replacing.

You see advise floating around online that tatami should be replaced about every five years, but in my experience that is entirely unnecessary if you care for your tatami well. Mine are going on 20 years and there are no signs that they need replacing yet. And I only started airing them earnestly (more than once a year) in recent years!