Check out our answers to the questions most frequently asked by our users:
What to do if the water still has an unpleasant taste after 8 hours of purification?
It takes 20 to 40 grams of Binchotan charcoal per liter of water:
- 20 grams for standard quality water
- 30 grams for average quality water
- 40 grams for poor quality water
If an unpleasant taste persists beyond the 8 hours of purification, it means that the weight of the stick is under-dosed and that it is insufficient for the quality of your water. You will therefore need to increase the dose of activated charcoal.
What is the difference between a Binchotan charcoal and a bamboo charcoal?
In Japan, bamboo charcoal (also called "takesumi") is often used as fuel, to purify the air or to make charcoal-based cosmetics or dyes, but more rarely to purify water. Indeed, bamboo charcoal is NOT an activated charcoal(seehere). It is a simple piece of carbonized bamboo: it undergoes a carbonization phase, but does not include an activation phase, unlike binchotan. It is therefore important to choose a quality product (combustion temperature greater than 800°C) in order to ensure that the product does not contain tar harmful to health. Not being an activated charcoal, it is lighter and can float on the surface of the water, which makes its use more limited than a binchotan, since the takesumi is not properly submerged.Its lifespan is also more limited: only 4 weeks against 6 months for a binchotan. Moreover, if the manufacturing process of Japanese Binchotan charcoal is very strict and respects the environment, there is no guarantee that this is the case with takesumi. Indeed, some countries do not hesitate to deforest to plant bamboo (especially China), while the forests used to produce Binchotan have been maintained permanently and sustainably since the 16th century. Also, while Japanese binchotan is made without any chemicals, some countries use chemicals to promote bamboo growth. It is therefore important to choose a product from wood that has grown without any fertilizers or pesticides., because no one knows whether coal could return these pollutants to the water.
How long can I leave my binchotan stick in water?
Ibinchotan charcoal should not be left in the same water for more than 48 hours in a row. If you don't want to use your stick for less than 48 hours, you can leave it in the water and consume the water normally. Beyond 48 hours, it will be better to take it out of the water and let it dry.
Que do when I go on vacation, or if I have to be away for more than 48 hours?
If you do not use your binchotan for more than 48 hours, it is best to boil it to sterilize it, and let it air dry for at least one night. Then store it in a dry place, in its original pouch or in a clean, odor-free airtight jar. So you can take it everywhere with you. If it is not used for a long time, it will need to be boiled again before putting it back into use.
How to store binchotan?
For poles that have already been used: the binchotan must be very dry (drying at least one night), then stored away from humidity, preferably in its original well-closed pouch or in an airtight jar very clean and odorless. The sticks have a lifespan of 6 months from their first use.
For sticks that have not been used: as it is a dry product, there is no expiry date. It will simply be necessary to ensure that they are stored away from humidity, preferably in their original well-closed pouch or in a very clean and odorless airtight jar.
Does binchotan make water taste like coal?
Genuine Japanese Binchotan does not impart any taste to tap water. It captures the compounds that are responsible for the bad taste of tap water. The water regains the natural taste of spring water. It is therefore not a question of masking the bad taste, but of eliminating it. The particles remain trapped inside the carbon and are not released into the water.
If your charcoal leaves an unpleasant taste in the water, remember to check where it comes from (seehere). Counterfeit coals are made with cheaper, lower quality wood. Some counterfeits are Binchotan coals intended for barbecue. They are therefore neither dusted nor washed and can leave an ash or earthy taste in the water. With an authentic Japanese Binchotan intended to purify the water, the water has no unpleasant taste: it is similar to that of bottled water. Also remember to respect the dosages of binchotan so that the effectiveness of binchotan is optimal.
I found 5 euro binchotan in my store, how to explain this 81905-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_price difference?
Japanese binchotan from Wakayama (Kishu) is a regulated designation. Wakayama activated carbon is the purest in the world (90% minimum carbon). Unfortunately there are a lot of counterfeit Japanese binchotan circulating, and many are unaware of the differences between real and fake binchotan. You will find more informationhere.
Why do you say binchotan is environmentally friendly when it is imported from Japan?
Admittedly, binchotan comes from Japan but be aware that there is no production of activated carbon in Europe. Almost all activated carbon is manufactured in Asia, including the powdered activated carbon contained in filter cartridges and water filters. Similarly, the plastic used in conventional water filters and filter cartridges is imported from Asia. Even the ceramic beads are made in Japan. Even if there were activated carbons produced in Europe, it would be advisable to remain vigilant as to their method of manufacture: did the tree grow with fertilizers or pesticides? Is the charcoal activated naturally like Japanese binchotan or with the help of chemical solvents? Are the forests sustainably managed or is the tree felled?
My binchotan broke, is it serious?
Rest assured, a broken coal is perfectly usable. All you have to do is insert the pieces into your carafe. Your Binchotan will work the same whether the stick is whole or broken. If you notice a few carbon deposits in the bottom of the carafe, know that they are without risk: activated carbon has been used for centuries as a food supplement and it can be ingested without problems. On the other hand, if you are taking medication, avoid ingesting carbon deposits which can reduce the effectiveness of your treatment.
Why should Binchotan be boiled every month?
Boiling Binchotan charcoal sterilizes it to prevent bacterial growth. This is the big advantage of carbon compared to filters and filter cartridges which quickly become breeding grounds for microbes (seehere). In addition, the simultaneous action of heat and water vapor breaks the chemical bonds of the pollutants, and allows the coal to release the pollutants it has accumulated. It's a bit like a sponge that you wring out so that it can absorb again.
Why do I have to change my Binchotan charcoal every 6 months ?
Over time, the micropores of Binchotan charcoal become clogged, and its effectiveness decreases. No water filter is infinitely reusable, otherwise it would not be effective. Activated carbon hasinevitably happens at saturation, it is therefore recommended to renewClean your coals regularly to keep the best possible efficiency.
Should I put the carafe in the refrigerator during binchotan filtration?
Your charcoal will work the same whether water is stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. However, the water stored in the refrigerator being colder, the germs develop less there. If the carafe is left open in the refrigerator, the water can take on the taste of food and in this case it is better to close it.
I bought a carbon from another brand but it floats, why ?_cc7819 05-5cde-3194-bb3b -136bad5cf58d_
Kishu binchotan is a traditional Japanese product that is made in the Wakayama region. It has a carbon content of over 90% and is made from a very dense wood that has the ability to sink in water.It is on this condition that the yellow sticker that you will find on our products is issued.. Most "binchotan" sold on the Internet come from China, Vietnam or Laos: they look like binchotan but are made from less dense and less expensive woods, so they can float. In addition, their method of manufacture is different and less qualitative than Japanese binchotan (see under "counterfeits"). A true Wakayama binchotan does not float. It is free from radioactivity and activated only with water vapour.Only the round dot and jaune guarantee the authenticity of a Kishu binchotan. It is present on all our products.
Why do some Binchotan coals stain hands or clothes?
There are several qualities of coals and not all are created equal. Some coals are sold to you in their raw aspect: they are neither dusted nor washed, which can seriously stain hands and clothes.Our Binchotan coals are systematically sold to you dusted and washed.
CHow can you be sure that there is no radioactivity, since the coals come from Japan?
Although our charcoal artisans have provided us with tests carried out in Japan, we insisted on having our products analyzed by an independent French laboratory: CRIIRAD.
All binchotan sold on our site are free from radioactivity. For the sake of transparency towards consumers, this test has been made public. It can be consulted on our website under the heading "radioactivity"
Can I reactivate my Binchotan charcoal myself by putting it in the oven?
No, it is not possible to reactivate a staff of Binchotan yourself. Binchotan charcoal is not just a charred piece of wood. It is an activated carbon. By cooking your Binchotan charcoal in the oven, you will only get a piece of charred charcoal ... and therefore full of tar! The cooking process of Japanese activated carbons is an ancestral know-how, it is carried out in a traditional oven for more than 15 days and it is activated naturally with water vapour. This process cannot be improvised in a kitchen.
Is there a risk of microbial contamination when using binchotan?
Any standing water presents a risk of microbial contamination. The advantage of Binchotan is that it is sterilizable, unlike conventional water filters and filter cartridges.
Using a Binchotan is therefore more hygienic than any water filter (seeour water analysis in the "advantages" section). This is why we recommend not leaving the binchotan for more than 48 hours in the same water. By respecting this instruction, by boiling your Binchotan once a month, and with rigorous hygiene of the carafe twice a week, you prevent any risk of microbial contamination. For fragile people (infants, elderly ...), you can even boil the binchotan every week.
Can I use binchotan purified water for baby bottles?
Yes, no problem, provided that the tap water is of good quality (check at the town hall that your water is suitable for consumption by infants). It will be necessary to be intransigent on the hygiene of the coal: you can boil the coal every week to prevent any risk of contamination. It will also be necessary to be rigorous about the hygiene of the carafe (cleaning twice a week, if possible in the dishwasher).
Can I drink tap water if I have a water softener?
Softened water is completely drinkable. It is only freed from limestone (= calcium) and magnesium, which are replaced by sodium ions. There is therefore no risk in drinking softened water, since water represents only a tiny part of the calcium and magnesium intake. There will be no deficiencies if the person has a balanced diet. The sodium level contained in the softened water remains within the limits of potability. It is often lower than the sodium level of certain bottled waters. The sodium level of softened water is completely derisory compared to the ingestion of a piece of cheese or charcuterie, for example.