Clothing Care
Moth balls and De-humidifier boxes (shikketori) can be placed in closets and dresser drawers to prevent deterioration of clothes. The slight odor of moth balls will be offset by having hole-free clothing.
Washing machines. The lack of an agitator in most machines means that clothes will likely be in one big ball at the end of the wash cycle. Wash clothes in mesh bags (available at drugstores and ¥100 shops) to prolong their life. If the spinner is separate, set the timer for no more than 30 seconds and put an old towel or shirt at the bottom as some spinners can cause minor shredding.
Coin laundries ランドリー (randorii) These are widely available and useful for bigger items such as blankets and futons, or for in the winter when drying clothes without a dryer can take longer than in other seasons.
Dry cleaning クリーニング(kuriiningu) This is the best way to care for the suit(s) you will inevitably wear in Japan. Payment is made when you drop off your clothes, and on your first visit you will have to acquire a membership card. This requires simply your address, phone number and your date of birth.
Store your futon on the upper shelf of your closet (oshiire), and air them out on sunny days to kill mold and dust mites.