Folding futons

I learned a lesson this week about using futon mattresses on a tatami mat floor. When we first got to Japan we went to IKEA and bough two brand new futon mattresses for our bedroom.

Last week while I was vacuuming the floors I decided to lift up the futon to clean underneath of it. When I did, I was surprised to see that there was a lot of mold on the bottom of the futon and on the floor! I learned my lesson when I asked one of the Japanese people in my house why this happened, they told me that I was supposed to fold up the futon everyday so that the tatami does not get too much moisture from the mattress, or it will mold. I wish I would have known this a little earlier. Another gaijin moment =)