Here are some simple methods to clean and maintain your bamboo mats, so you don’t have to worry about laundry or dealing with unpleasant mold.
1. How to Clean Bamboo Mats
You can clean your bamboo mat using the following methods:
1. Wipe the mat with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of alcohol and water (in a 1:1 ratio), then let it air dry in a cool, shaded area.
2. Bamboo mats are made from natural bamboo, so they are prone to insects, termites, and mold. Therefore, it is recommended to wash the mat multiple times before use, air-drying it in the shade and then wiping it down with a disinfectant. After some time, you can wash it with soap and water to remove any mold, and let it air dry in the shade.
3. Mix 50 ml of disinfectant (with bleaching, virus-killing, and sterilizing functions, available at pharmacies) with 200 ml of clean water. Dip a brush into the diluted solution and scrub the mat until you’re satisfied with the result. Then, rinse the mat thoroughly with clean water multiple times to remove any remaining disinfectant, and let it air dry.
4. Bamboo mats are known for their absorbency, breathability, and antibacterial properties, making them ideal for elderly and young children. Before washing, soak the mat in 40°C water for about 10 minutes. You can hand-wash the mat, but avoid wringing it out too vigorously. Instead, lay it flat and let it air dry naturally in the shade.
5. Scrub the mat with white vinegar, then wipe it down with a damp cloth dipped in clean water. If the smell of vinegar persists, spritz some perfume or air freshener to neutralize the odor. Ideally, wipe down the mat with a damp cloth every day; with regular cleaning, mold should disappear within a few days.
Note: When cleaning your bamboo mat, avoid direct sunlight as it can make the bamboo brittle. Also, ensure the bed slats are flat when laying the mat on the bed to prevent creases and cracks. Additionally, it’s a good idea to wipe the mat with warm water every day before bedtime to cool it down and make it more comfortable for sleeping.
2. How to Maintain Bamboo Mats
As the weather starts to cool down, you can store your bamboo mats using the following methods:
1. Use a damp cloth with warm water to wipe down the mat, especially in areas with sweat stains.
2. Use a mild salt water solution (3-5% salt) to wipe down both sides of the mat multiple times. This helps kill insects and bacteria, while also maintaining the mat’s moisture levels and preventing dryness and cracking.
3. When the weather is hot and dry, it’s best to air-dry the mat in the shade to prevent the bamboo from becoming brittle and fragile.
4. Before packing the mat away, you can lay a cotton fabric on the bottom and line the top with newspaper (which can absorb moisture). Then, use plastic wrap to securely wrap the mat, sealing it tightly.
5. Avoid pressing down on the mat too hard, and store it in a well-ventilated area, avoiding damp conditions.
Other Summer Mat Cleaning Methods
1. Cleaning Straw Mats
Wipe the mat with a damp cloth and then sun-dry it. Straw mats are prone to insects, so it’s best to scrub them multiple times before use, sun-dry them, and then wipe them with a disinfectant. You can remove mold by washing it with soap and water, then letting it air dry in a well-ventilated area.
2. Cleaning Bamboo Fiber Mats
Bamboo fiber mats are convenient as they can be easily folded, stored, and cleaned. When cleaning bamboo fiber mats, it’s important to use neutral detergents and let them air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
3.Cleaning Non-woven Air-Conditioned Rubber Mats
Non-woven air-conditioned rubber mats have a top layer made from natural plant fibers, including eucalyptus, bamboo, and cellulose fibers, which are ground into a powder and combined in specific ratios. This mixture is then processed by machinery to create the tencel compound that forms the mat, similar to a bed sheet.
High-quality non-woven air-conditioned rubber mats can be safely machine-washed without worrying about shrinkage, fading, or deformation. If hand-washing, use mild detergents and air-dry the mat in a well-ventilated area to prevent bacterial growth. Do not use heat-generating devices to dry the mat, as this can cause deformation.
By An Nhien – Vietnamnet
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