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Bamboo FAQs

Question

Answer

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.

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".

How big/tall are the feet on the Big Kahuna?

The Feet are 3/4 inch tall.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

What glue do you use?

We use only food-safe glues.

Are there animal products in the glue?

No.

What kind of glue is used for Eco Dish rack?

Screws and food safe adhesive hold it together.

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.
To expedite the removal, use dishwashing scrubber pad while washing.  Thoroughly dry and re-oil.  After eating with chopsticks if you look at them after, you will see tiny fibers sticking out. This is very similar to what the boards do and is not harmful.

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.

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.

Can these be used in a commercial dishwasher?

No, the temperature is too high in a commercial washer.

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.

Do the utensils have lacquer?

The Lambootensils have a lacquer finish, as do the 5 pc set:
20-2069                5 Pc Utensil Set
20-2073                14" Ladle Lambootensil
20-2074                14" Spaghetti Server Lambootensil
20-2078                14" Spoon Lambootensil
20-2079                14" Slotted Spoon Lambootensil
20-2102                14" Spatula Lam-Bootensil

Utensils without lacquer (they have an oil finish):
20-2410                14" Salad Server Set
20-2415                14" Utensil set/3
20-2420                5 pc Burnished Bamboo Utensil Set

What lacquer is used? What is the brand?

Our lacquer is a proprietary formula that complies with all relevant food-contact safety standards. 

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).


Why mineral oil?
Can I use any other oil?

Here are some facts about the use of mineral oil on cutting boards and mineral oil in general:
We use only food-grade mineral oil
Mineral oil is chosen because of its stability and resistance to rancidity; coconut oil is also very stable, and can be a good substitute so long as there are no allergies to using this oil. Vegetable and olive oils should be avoided, as they are not stable.
Oiled cutting boards are much more hygienic because bacteria can’t hide in cracks. As an added benefit, mineral oil will improve the appearance of your wood or bamboo cutting boards.
Interesting facts about Mineral oil:
It is commonly used as a laxative
Many commercial lemon oil furniture polishes are just mineral oil with lemon scent.
Baby oil is just mineral oil with fragrance
Mineral oil is good for treating diaper rash and other skin rashes
Mineral oil is used by confectioners and bakers and in machinery which contacts food.

How can I remove mold from my cutting board?

Removing Mold

Natural Cleanser
Because cutting boards come in direct contact with food, you may want to try a natural cleanser first. If your cutting board is moldy, sprinkle a coarse salt, such as sea salt, generously over the board. Cut a fresh lemon in half and use it to work the salt into the surface of the cutting board. The salt will lift tough stains and minor mold out of any cracks, grooves and cuts in the cutting board, and the lemon will leave it smelling fresh. Mold is tough to remove, so don't be discouraged if the lemon-and-salt treatment doesn't get rid of it all. Simply move on to the next cleanser and try again.

Bleach It Clean
Though it may not be the first chemical you reach for when cleaning your kitchen, bleach is a safe disinfectant to use around food when used properly. Plus, it's an excellent mold killer. Bleach will keep any kind of cutting boards clean and free of bacteria -- whether it's wood, plastic or glass. For cutting board cleaning and mold removal, mix 1 teaspoon of bleach into 2 quarts of water. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub the cutting board with it, moving the brush in small circles to work the solution into all the nooks and crannies. When cleaning a wooden board or butcher block with bleach and water, use the mixture sparingly to avoid saturating the board. If the mold is resistant, try a more potent solution of 50/50 bleach and water, but do not make the mixture any stronger. If the mold on a wooden cutting board runs too deep for bleaching to be effective, sand the board down with a fine-grit paper until you get rid of the mold.

Proper Washing Techniques

Always wash wooden boards by hand and dry them with a towel to remove as much moisture as possible when finished. Allow the board to air dry the rest of the way before putting it away, standing it upright in the dish drainer to allow air to reach all sides of the board. Once a week, clean your cutting boards with white vinegar. Apply vinegar to the board with a sponge or paper towel and let it set for 10 minutes before rinsing. This will help prevent mold growth.

Apply Some Oil
Wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks stay much cleaner and mold-free when they are given a regular coating of oil. Once a month, soak a cloth with food-grade mineral oil and rub the oil into the cutting board, rubbing with the wood grain. Apply the oil liberally and allow it to soak into the wood for five to six hours before wiping off the excess with a clean towel. Never use vegetable or olive oils to oil your wooden board as they can turn rancid.

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.

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.

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.

Can I use my cutting board as a trivet?

We do not recommend using your cutting board as a trivet.

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.
Our trivets will sustain damage if the heat from your pot is excessive. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the surface will not be damaged  when using them with pots coming directly from the stove top or broiler… To ensure your trivet does not get damaged, please transfer food to a heat safe serving dish on the stove top first, and then place on your bamboo trivet on the table.  

Is the bamboo spreader all bamboo?

The whole spreader including the blade is all bamboo.

Are the utensils food safe?

Yes. There is a food-safe lacquer coating on the utensils.

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.

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.