A bamboo sushi mat (known as a makisu in Japanese) is a traditional kitchen tool used to tightly roll sushi ingredients into clean, compact cylinders. It consists of individual bamboo slats woven tightly together with thin cotton string. Essential Care & Usage TipsUse Plastic Wrap: Wrap your mat completely in plastic cling film before using it. This prevents sticky sushi rice from getting trapped in between the bamboo slats and keeps cleanup incredibly simple.Cleaning: Never put a bamboo mat in the dishwasher. Hand wash it gently without harsh soap using warm water.Drying: Air dry the mat completely before storing it. If you store it while it is still damp, it can easily trap moisture and develop mold.