Bamboo FAQs
Question |
Answer |
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I detect an odor on my new cutting board. Is this a chemical? |
It is normal for a board and more noticeable on a newly washed board to have a unique bamboo fragrance. What you smell is the natural smell of bamboo. |
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Are any chemicals used to grow the bamboo? |
All our bamboo is grown organically without the use of any pesticides, fertilizer, chemicals or even any artificial irrigation. Bamboo is harvested without killing the plant. The root system is left in place to begin again with renewed growth. Thus no erosion and no need for artificially irrigated rhizomes to be planted. Note also that our bamboo is not the type of bamboo which is consumed by giant pandas, thus our bamboo is "Panda-safe". |
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How big/tall are the feet on the Big Kahuna? |
The Feet are 3/4 inch tall. |
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Did the hole change on the Idaho board? |
This was a rolling-change on this item only. The hole was re-located to allow the board to hang in the correct orientation. Due to the shape of the board, the hole had to be placed in an awkward location, and the decision was made to make a keyhole in the back, so there would not be a hole in the front of the board which would negatively affect the appearance of the front of the board. |
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Re-surfacing Burns: |
The only solution that I know will remove the burn marks is to sand the board down past the burn. Of course, this is only practical if the burn is not too deep. Unless you have a sander, this could be hard work. I would start with 100 to 120 grit sandpaper to remove the burn, and then transition to 220 grit to make the surface smooth. Always sand with the direction of the grain. Then oil with mineral oil. On the brighter side, if this doesn't work or is impractical, consider the burns as part of the "patina" of a well-used board, a story-board of use by your family! |
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How is the bamboo treated when made? What is the process? |
Bamboo is split and then boiled and/or heated with steam before getting glued into boards. A longer heat/steam process is what creates the caramelized color in the dark boards. There are no colors added. After the boards are made, mineral oil is applied. |
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Are any dyes or stains used on your cutting boards? |
Bamboo is split and then boiled and/or heated with steam before getting glued into boards. A longer heat/steam process is what creates the caramelized color in the dark boards. There are no colors added. After the boards are made, mineral oil is applied. |
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Why could there be mold on my dish rack? |
Mold can grow on any organic surface in a damp environment. Our dish racks have a protective finish, but over time the finish does not provide as much protection as it does when it is new. Mold on the dish racks happens when the dish racks are kept wet for extended periods of time. It is recommended that bamboo or wooden dish racks are dried between use (do not leave sitting in a wet drain board), and do not store in a damp location (under the sink). I found a site online which offers some advice and solutions regarding removing mold. It appears to be directed toward wooden cutting boards, but it would apply just as well for dish racks. |
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What glue do you use? |
We use only food-safe glues. |
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Are there animal products in the glue? |
No. |
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What kind of glue is used for Eco Dish rack? |
Screws and food safe adhesive hold it together. |
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Why is there fuzz on the surface of DWS/Greenlite board after washing the first time? |
Part of the seasoning process when a brand new board is washed for the first few times, a slight or raising of the grain may appear, this is normal not harmful will dissipate after a few washings. |
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Does the Greenlite warp? |
It is normal for the GL boards to warp slightly due to the thin design of the board, but ultimately really due to not allowing the board to dry appropriately. To remedy this, wet board and let dry on edge making sure air is able to circulate on both sides of the board. |
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Can you use the greenlite boards as a trivet? |
Similar to wood, bamboo can withstand heat up to around 400 degrees, the exact temperature it can withstand also depends upon the duration of the exposure. |
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Can these be used in a commercial dishwasher? |
No, the temperature is too high in a commercial washer. |
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How can I remove the label off the items? |
If you experience difficulty in removing a label, apply vegetable or mineral oil, leave over night if necessary. Use a non-metallic scraper, such as a credit card or plastic putty knife. |
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Do the utensils have lacquer? |
The Lambootensils have a lacquer finish, as do the 5 pc set: |
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What lacquer is used? What is the brand? |
Our lacquer is a proprietary formula that complies with all relevant food-contact safety standards. |
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What is the clear lacquer made of? And why is it on the bamboo? |
We take consumer safety very seriously. These utensils are made of bamboo, and coated with a food-safe lacquer finish for durability. To insure consumer safety, we test our products regularly to insure compliance with all FDA requirements and recommendations. Coatings are also tested to insure absence of toxic materials including phenols (BPA, etc.) and heavy metals (including cadmium and lead). |
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Why mineral oil? |
Here are some facts about the use of mineral oil on cutting boards and mineral oil in general: |
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How can I remove mold from my cutting board? |
Removing Mold |
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Do I have to oil my board? |
It is not necessary to use oil, however, oiled cutting boards are more hygienic because bacteria can’t hide in cracks as well. Oil also acts to reduce water absorption. As an added benefit, mineral oil or coconut oil will improve the appearance of your wood or bamboo cutting boards. |
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Why does my new cutting board smell? |
We believe the smell you detect is that of freshly cut bamboo. Bamboo cutting boards can have a fragrance when they are brand new. Rest assured this aroma is coming from the bamboo, which has been heat and steam treated to give it optimum physical properties and to obtain the rich caramel color. Though the aroma is not really considered objectionable, it will go away very quickly. Please note that we use only glues which are developed and tested to be 100% compliant with all FDA and other regulatory agencies governing food safety, to insure your bamboo cutting board is the best product available. |
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Do you have product testing results you can send me? |
Our products are tested for food safety by an independent lab pursuant to US-FDA standards. We don’t release the testing as it contains proprietary information. |
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Can I use my cutting board as a trivet? |
We do not recommend using your cutting board as a trivet. |
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Is there a certain degree the Trivet can tolerate? |
Our bamboo trivets are designed to protect the surface beneath them, your table, or countertop from heat that would damage them. Similar to wood, bamboo can withstand heat up to around 400 degrees, the exact temperature it can withstand also depends upon the duration of the exposure. |
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Is the bamboo spreader all bamboo? |
The whole spreader including the blade is all bamboo. |
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Are the utensils food safe? |
Yes. There is a food-safe lacquer coating on the utensils. |
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In what degree can the utensils can get heated up too? |
Similar to wood, bamboo can withstand heat of up to around 400 degrees, but this also depends upon the duration of the exposure. |
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Why do you use petroleum based packaging on some items? |
We try to be very conscientious about our packaging, and we are pursuing more environmentally-friendly packaging for all of our products. I’m sure you understand that we do have protective packaging requirements for miscellaneous reasons, ranging from sanitary requirements, protection in the store, or for protection in shipping. We are currently looking for options, including starch-based polybags to replace the petroleum-based bags. |
| What is the weight limit for Hollywood Chairs Directors Chairs? | The Hollywood Chairs Directors Chairs are designed to accommodate up to 300 pounds. |