In Japan, people do not usually wash the futon mattress or comforter itself very often. Sheets and covers are washed regularly like ordinary laundry, but the futon itself is treated a little differently. Many futons are too large and heavy to fit into a normal household washing machine, so everyday care is more about airing them out than washing them. People commonly hang or air out their futons to reduce moisture and only consider washing the entire futon when it really seems necessary.
When a futon does need a full wash, a coin-operated laundromat is often the first practical option. Some laundromats have large-capacity washers and dryers that can handle bedding far too bulky for a home machine. That does not mean every futon can simply be put into one, however. Some futons, depending on their filling and construction, are not suitable for machine washing, so checking the care label first is important. If the futon is washable, a laundromat can be a relatively easy way to clean it without paying for professional service.
More expensive futons, delicate bedding, or anything that would be risky to wash yourself may instead be sent to a cleaner that handles futons or other large bedding. Professional cleaning is not necessarily something people do every year. It is more likely to be considered when a futon has become noticeably dirty, has been used for a long time, or is simply too difficult to deal with at home or at a laundromat.
The practical problem is the price. Cleaning a futon can cost much more than sending out an ordinary shirt or pair of trousers. Sometimes the quoted price is high enough to make people think, “Wouldn’t it make more sense just to buy a new futon?” For a relatively inexpensive futon, replacing it after several years of use can be more reasonable than repeatedly paying for professional cleaning.
So the choice often depends on the futon itself. A washable one may go to a laundromat, an expensive or delicate one may go to a professional cleaner, and a cheaper one may eventually be replaced. In Japan, the question is not always just “How should I wash this futon?” Sometimes it is also, “Is this futon worth the cleaning bill?”
