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Many people have probably struggled with how to store their futons, asking themselves things like, "It's a hassle to put the futon in and out every day," or "I don't have enough storage space because I change futons every season."
Since futons are large, it's ideal to store them in a deep closet. However, in modern housing situations, there might not be a large storage space available. While you might want to store them neatly and easily, some people leave them spread out or cram them in tightly, struggling to get them in and out.
For those seeking the best practices for futon storage locations and methods, we will introduce the basics and ideas for futon storage.
2 Main Patterns of Futon Storage
There are mainly two patterns for storing futons. We will introduce cases where you store them daily because you use a shikibuton (Japanese mattress), and cases where you store them every season.
1: Daily Storage Pattern
Some people might leave their futons spread out because it's a hassle to put them away. However, it's said that people sweat about one cup's worth of perspiration while sleeping. Leaving a futon as it is can trap sweat and moisture, leading to mold and odors. Therefore, try to store it daily if possible.
When storing daily, it's important to make putting them in and out easy.
When Storing in a Japanese Closet (Oshiire)
The upper section of an oshiire is called the "golden zone" and is suitable for storing items that are frequently taken in and out. Since you don't need to bend down, if you fold the futon in half and lay it flat, you can take it in and out with minimal effort. Also, to prevent moisture buildup and damage, stack heavier shikibutons at the bottom and lighter kakebutons (duvets) at the top.
If storing in the lower section, where moisture tends to accumulate, it is recommended to lay down slatted boards (sunoko-ita) to prevent dust mites and mold. Furthermore, using a futon storage rack with casters can reduce the burden of putting futons in and out.
When Storing in a Closet
The depth of a typical closet is said to be around 45-60cm, and a single-sized shikibuton (mattress) folded in three has a depth of about 60cm. Therefore, to store a futon without it sticking out, it is recommended to store it vertically rather than lying flat.
Mattress-type futons are less likely to fall over, so store them vertically as they are. For soft futons, use a futon storage case that matches the depth of your closet, or use a tension rod inside the closet to prevent the futon from falling over.
2: Seasonal Storage Pattern
Storing bedding while it still contains moisture can easily lead to the growth of dust mites and mold. Remove futon covers and sheets, sun-dry cotton futons, and air-dry down futons in a well-ventilated room. Once thoroughly dry, store them in a place with as little humidity as possible. When stacking futons, place heavier shikibutons at the bottom and lighter kakebutons at the top.
Store with insect repellents
Place insect repellents between the futons and store them in a futon-specific bag or a breathable cloth. Be careful not to store them in non-breathable bags like plastic bags, as this can cause moisture to accumulate inside the bag, leading to mold and damage to the futon's quality.
Occasionally air and dry
To prevent dust mites, mold, and odors, it's recommended to air out your futons occasionally. You can also open the doors of your storage space to air it out, or use a dehumidifier to dry it. This small effort will improve the durability of your futon.
When using vacuum bags, match them to the futon material.
Futons left in vacuum bags for long periods may lose their volume, but cotton has high restorative properties, so using vacuum bags is not a problem.
However, down comforters can be damaged if placed in a vacuum bag, shortening their lifespan, so care is needed. If you must use one, aim for about a quarter of the original height and avoid extracting too much air.
Main Futon Storage Locations
Each futon storage location has its advantages and disadvantages, so let's examine them.
1: Oshiire (Japanese closet)
Oshiire are designed for futon storage, so futons fit neatly when folded in three, and it's easy to take them in and out. However, if you don't clean them thoroughly before storing, it can lead to dust mites and mold, so don't neglect humidity and dirt prevention measures.
Also, depending on how you store things, other stored items might become difficult to access, and if you stack futons, the ones at the bottom might be hard to retrieve. So, imagine your daily life and decide on the order and position.
2: Closet
Storing futons in a closet can keep your Western-style room neat without disrupting its aesthetic.
However, closets are originally designed to store clothes, bags, and miscellaneous goods, so they may not be able to accommodate large futons. Also, even if you manage to store them, it might make other stored items difficult to access.
In recent housing situations, it might not be possible to store futons in either an oshiire or a closet. However, leaving futons spread out looks bad and makes it difficult to invite friends over. Also, a part of the room will be occupied by the futon, narrowing your living space.
If you store it somewhere in the room, utilize dead spaces like under the bed, under the sofa, or in a corner of the room. Stacking them can cause the futon to be crushed and deteriorate its condition, so if you are concerned, use specialized items like compression cases or storage bags for storage.
Furthermore, when storing, it is crucial to thoroughly remove moisture, which causes dust mites and mold, and to dry the futon. Pay particular attention to under the bed, where moisture tends to accumulate.
Futon Storage Ideas
While storing futons in an oshiire or closet is standard, there are other methods, so adopt the storage method that suits you best.
1: Use as a cushion or sofa.
Recently, convenient goods for neat futon storage have been released, such as cases that allow futons to be used as cushions or sofa fillings.
In the case of a cover that turns a rolled-up duvet into a cushion when the zipper is closed, if you choose a solid material and design, it not only saves storage space but also serves as an interior decoration. Some sizes can also store sheets and mattress pads, so choose according to your bedding.
2: Use a futon storage service.
A futon storage service is a service that cleans and stores down futons, blankets, and kotatsu futons that are not used during the summer.
There's no need to secure storage space at home, and you can rest assured that there's no worry about dust mites or mold. Generally, many businesses clean items before storage, but you might also be able to choose to have them cleaned just before return.
However, dirt becomes harder to remove over time, so have it cleaned before storage. It is generally said that winter items are put away in mid-May and taken out around October, but recently, the timing of cold weather varies depending on the year, so a service that allows adjustment of the return period is recommended.
Also, some companies store cleaned futons in a compressed state, while others do not, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. If returned compressed, you can store it neatly until you start using it, but there is a risk of the futon getting damaged or flattening. If not compressed, the fluffy condition is maintained, but it will be bulky until you start using it.
In addition, rules vary by company, such as materials not accepted or an inability to handle unhygienic stains like vomit or urine, so check in advance. Consider your home's storage space and futon materials to find a suitable service.
What is the best practice for futon storage?
So far, we have explained futon storage locations and methods, but any storage method requires maintenance and carries the risk of dust mites and mold. Changing bedding seasonally requires space to store off-season bedding.
Therefore, we introduce "Brain Sleep All-in-One," which can be used all year round, is easy to put in and out, and supports quality sleep.
Focus on "easy and effortless" futon storage!
When putting your futon in and out daily, the key is how easy and effortless it is to store. If you change your futon seasonally, make sure to secure storage space and take measures against mold and dust mites.
If you want to store it compactly, find it bothersome to change futons every season, or want to easily machine wash it for hygienic use, check out "Brain Sleep All-in-One," which can be used all year round.
