FAQs

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 artificial irrigation. Bamboo wood is harvested without killing the plant, so no erosion or damage occurs. The type of bamboo harnessed to produce Core Bamboo products is a distinct species that does not interfere with the panda population. Organically grown and naturally harvested, our use of bamboo reflects our commitment to sustainability.  

 

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 color, dyes, or stains added. After the boards are made, mineral oil is applied.

 

What glue do you use?

We use only food-safe adhesives, made from a minimally environmental invasive process.

 

Why is there fuzz on the surface of my cutting 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

 

Can Core Bamboo products 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 overnight if necessary. Use a non-metallic scraper to gently scrape the

 

How can I remove mold from Core Bamboo product?

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 they keep bacteria from getting trapped in the divots of the board. Oil also reduces 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 have a distinct smell?

We believe the smell associate with a new bamboo product is that of freshly cut bamboo. Bamboo cutting boards can have a fragrance when they are new as a result of the steam treatment given to them to obtain optimum physical properties and the rich caramel color. This aroma is completely normal and will go away shortly.

 

Do you have product testing results you can send me?

Our products are in fact tested for food safety by an independent lab per US-FDA standards. We cannot however release testing as it contains proprietary information.

 

Are the utensils food-safe?

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