Can you imagine two ancient technologies merging in perfect unison to make your life better in the modern day?
Yes, that is true. In some of our previous blog posts, we have delved into one of the most flexible and usable modern-day furniture for a better sleep experience – Futons. We also dug deep into its history and origin and let our readers know that the origin of Futons dates back centuries from the ancient land of the rising sun – Japan.
But did you know that wool was discovered at least 10,000 years ago? And it is no wonder people in Japan have been using wool to make their futons since ancient times. As such, it is not only practical to make futons from wool, but it is also very comfortable and convenient to use a wool futon for your everyday sleeping needs, especially during the winter holidays.
But, our curious readers just like you must be delighted to know one more trivia. The ancient technique of air-drying wool futons! It’s a simple, practical, and convenient method to clean and maintain your futon.
Modern air-drying techniques involving machine technology started to develop around the mid-seventeenth century. However, the regular sun drying of clothes and mattresses has been prevalent since the early Stone Age era. Apart from air-drying, there are various other methods to clean a wool futon.
While we have separately discussed mattresses, wool, and futons at various points previously in our blog, in this article, let’s dive deeper into how to clean and keep your wool futon tidy for everyday use.
Regular Cleaning and Maintaining Your Wool Futon
Since futons serve as a regular driver for sleeping for many people, an inherent need arises to keep them clean and tidy. A wool futon, like any other bedding material, can get dirty and odorous from accidental stains, splutters, spills, or just plain daily usage.
Whatever the reason, the following methods work well for various purposes.
- Rotate and Flip For Regular Maintenance
One of the easiest ways to keep your wool futon fresh, tidy, and clean is to rotate and flip the sides of the futon mattress once every month or so. While you flip the mattress, specks of dust that accumulate within the pores of the mattress come out.
Flipping the sides of the mattress also ensures that it remains fluffy and does not become stained, bloated, and sagged from the inside. Thus, your sleeping surface remains fresh, clean, and tidy for a long time. - Air Dry
It is one of the most ancient and time-tested methods of keeping your futon mattress fresh, fluffy, and clean. Leaving the mattress in the open to dry it in mild sunlight and exposing it to fresh air can remove the dampness and moisture.
Though wool has natural moisture-wicking properties, occasionally letting it open in the air to dry itself completely makes the mattress fresh and fluffy all over again. - Use a Mattress Topper or Pad
Take your futon’s comfort and protection to the next level by adding a mattress topper or pad. Getting one made of premium and breathable material can ensure that your futon gets an added layer of protection against spills and stains.
The topper acts like a shield, preventing any accidental spills from reaching the surface of your mattress. Add to that, it also gives you an extra layer of comfort and coziness.
Spot Cleaning
However much we may be careful, accidents and mishaps always have a chance to pop up from nowhere. Your wool mattress futon could be a victim of so many unintentional or natural mishaps, like baby’s or pet’s pee, spillage from a bed tea, coffee, or any other beverage, or menstruation cycles in cases of women.
When any of those happens, do not panic. Rather, follow the below techniques to clean the spots. Always remember that the key to successfully cleaning a spot or stain is to act promptly and use gentle methods to avoid causing damage to your mattress.
- Do Not Rub, But Blot The Spot
When there is an accidental spillage, do not rub the stains, as this may drive them deeper into the material, making it more difficult to clean. Rather, take a bloating paper or a dry cloth and blot the spot. Let the bloating paper or cloth soak in the spilled moisture completely. - Detergent Wash
If the stains are stubborn, use a wool-safe detergent and water to make a mild solution. Apply the solution to the stained area from the outside using a soft cloth or sponge. Do not scrub aggressively, but blot the area with gentle taps. - Natural Remedies
In certain cases, natural remedies may work wonders for cleaning spots and stains. Using mixtures of white vinegar and water or gently scrubbing the surface with lemon can help neutralize odors and lift the stains. It is wise to test the solution on your futon by using it in a small area preferably at some remote corner. It will ensure that the solution is compatible with the fabric of your mattress.
Preserving Your Wool Futon And Your Blissful Sleep
Wool gives you an upper hand in efficiently maintaining and cleaning your wool futon mattress. Wool is a natural fabric with excellent temperature regulation and moisture-wicking properties.
Therefore, keeping it tidy doesn’t have to be a strenuous job. Air dry it in mild sunlight, flip and rotate it regularly, or spot clean to remove any accidental stains to keep your futon as fresh as a lily, your haven for a blissful sleep.
