Shikibuton covers are different to fitted sheets that you would use on a western mattress. They are made specifically to encase the whole futon, rather than just covering the top and sides as a western style fitted sheet (clinging for dear life onto each of its four corners). Our futon covers fully encapsulate your item in a high quality cotton zipper case. Our kakebuton covers also envelope the whole duvet with a cute top window showcasing the gorgeous pattern. Depending on the size, your kakebuton cover might have a mesh covered window which helps to keep the duvet in place while you move around in your futon while sleeping. 

You can sleep on the shikibuton cover, of course, but really it’s a protection cover (for dust and bugs) that we recommend you put another sheet over. You can think of it a bit like a mattress protector going under the fitted sheet of a western mattress.

The cotton covers that we sell at Futons from Japan are machine washable, unlike your cotton-filled items (shikibuton, kakebuton, zabuton or makura). You can wash the covers as you would do any other cotton sheets – 30C is recommended, or warmer, if you prefer. If you use a tumble dryer, please use the lowest heat to minimise any shrinkage. We recommend line drying your covers in the sun, if possible, but we understand this is not so practical for all households. UV rays help to kill bacteria. But also, sheets and covers always smell super fresh when dried by the sun and breeze. I think we can all agree there is no better smell in the world than freshly laundered sheets on a sun-fluffed futon set!

Kakebuton covers are also important! As mentioned, the covers are washable unlike the duvet itself. If you use your kakebuton without a cover, and also without a top sheet, you might find that your body oils and moisture can dirty the plain white backing of the kakebuton.  This is avoidable by using a cover and washing it regularly.

We recommend you purchase two covers (per item) so that you have one to put on your futon and/or duvet while the other is in the wash. You can change your cover as much as you like or need. We recommend at least once per month, whereas changing your bed sheets weekly is a more appropriate schedule. Obviously, this really can depend on the time of year and how much you sweat, in general. It’s all relative – which is the same as airing your futon items, really. You can read all about futon care in a previous blog.