11 Japanese Bathroom Rules That Stop Mould Before It Starts

🔗 My books: everything I know about running a calm, ordered home, put down in writing: https://japanesehomewisdom.com This video explores the eleven Japanese bathroom rules designed to prevent mould growth. Haruko Tanaka, drawing from her upbringing in rural Japan, contrasts these practices with common American bathroom habits, highlighting how cultural differences influence hygiene and home maintenance. In this video, viewers will learn about the unique strategies employed in Japanese bathrooms that minimize moisture and discourage mould formation. Tanaka discusses the specific architectural elements, cleaning habits, and cultural norms that contribute to a healthier bathroom environment. By understanding these rules, viewers can gain insights into effective water management and hygiene practices that have been honed over generations. **What's covered in this video:** - The separation of toilets and bathrooms in Japanese homes helps maintain dry conditions and hygiene. - Japanese bathrooms utilize a unit bath design to reduce surfaces where water can linger. - Soft items like towels and mats are kept in a separate, dry changing room to prevent mould growth. - The unique bathing process in Japan, involving rinsing before soaking, keeps tub water cleaner for family use. - Daily habits such as using a squeegee to remove water from walls contribute to a mould-free environment. - Japanese bathrooms are built with continuous mechanical ventilation to control humidity effectively. - The importance of maintaining indoor humidity under sixty percent to prevent mould-related issues. - The presence of Serratia marcescens, a bacterium often mistaken for mould, serves as an indicator of dampness. - The rainy season, known as Tsuyu, tests the effectiveness of these mould prevention rules. - Identifying and fixing leaks is crucial, as no cleaning habit can resolve underlying plumbing issues. - The overall principle emphasizes drying wet surfaces within twenty-four to forty-eight hours to prevent mould. **Mentioned in this video:** Haruko Tanaka, Japanese homes, American environmental agency, Hotel New Otani, Tokyo Olympics, Serratia marcescens, Tsuyu, hinoki cypress, Japanese bathing culture. #JapaneseBathing #MouldPrevention #HomeHygiene 00:00 The Cloth On The Edge Of The Tub 00:39 Come In, Shoes Off At The Step 01:18 The Thread: One Day, Two Days 01:56 Eleven: The Toilet Has Its Own Room 02:38 Eleven, Continued: The Line On The Floor 03:19 Ten: The Wet Room Is One Waterproof Box 04:07 Ten, Continued: Fewer Seams, Less Hiding 04:47 Nine: Nothing Soft Lives In The Wet Room 05:30 Nine, Continued: The Mat And The Curtain 06:11 Eight: Wash Outside The Tub 06:57 Eight, Continued: Why The Water Is Hot And Short 07:44 Seven: Squeegee The Walls Before You Leave 08:25 Where Are You Watching From 09:00 Six: The Fan Runs After You, Not With You 09:43 Six, Continued: The House That Breathes By Law 10:30 Five: Keep The Air Under Sixty 11:17 One Thing Before Rule Five 11:55 Four: The Pink Comes First 12:39 Four, Continued: What Removes It 13:24 Three: The Rainy Season Rule 14:11 Two: Fix The Water Before The Habit 15:00 Two, Continued: The Room With No Fan 15:42 One: Start The Clock 16:16 One, Continued: The Cloth 16:56 A Word On Wood And Hinoki 17:37 One Thing To Do Tonight 18:11 Tell Me Where You Are 18:42 Dry By Morning