How to Care for Bamboo Furnishings
How to Clean Bamboo Furnishings
Clean bamboo furniture with a dustcloth, brush, or vacuum brush attachment. Wash furnishings and cutting boards with hot water and liquid dishwashing detergent and let dry thoroughly. Dry wet bamboo furniture as quickly as possible in the sun or a breezy spot or with a hair dryer on a cool setting. Dry bamboo chairs for several days before use, as damp bamboo is weak and may warp.
How to Remove Stains from Bamboo Furnishings
Remove stains from bamboo by scrubbing with a firm brush and hot water mixed with dish detergent, then rinse with a wet cloth and dry thoroughly. Natural finishes can be sanded with fine-grit sandpaper to remove stubborn stains.
How to Maintain Bamboo Furnishings
Apply mineral oil to bamboo cutting boards and unpainted furniture to protect the surfaces and prevent stains. Don’t use cooking oil, as it will become rancid over time. Oil frequently used pieces every 2 weeks and seldom-used pieces seasonally.
How to Repair Bamboo Furnishings
Scratches can be sanded out of unfinished bamboo furniture and bamboo cutting boards using fine-grit sandpaper. Reapply mineral oil to protect from stains and scratches. Split cutting boards and furniture must be replaced.
Find this articoe and many others on the care of household items at Quamut.
Bamboo Care
Bamboo is a natural product and varies in color, size and shape. Some of the variable
factors include the species, the curing or drying process, the application of bleach,
stains or varnish, and finally the size and age of the cane when it is cut. Symphony Products are made from natural bamboo with several coats of outdoor varnish applied at the factory. In strong sunlight, the varnish will break down and the bamboo will begin to weather and change in color, much like any wood product, to a silver grey. When wet, this silver grey color darkens. Over many years it darkens to a rich red-brown. Some people prefer the darker natural look and either varnish it after it has aged or not at all. Bamboo is not meant to be placed in the direct sun especially in dry climates. It is normal for bamboo to crack. We recommend reapplying a UV protective outdoor varnish once a year in late spring before the heat of summer. If the product is to be used outdoors and you live in an area with wet winters, it is good to reapply the varnish before the rainy season, to seal it from the moisture. During the winter some bamboo products may grow a black mold on the surface. This does not harm the product and can easily be wiped off with a solution of water and bleach. This should keep it from recurring.
Splitting or Cracking
It is normal for bamboo to crack. The smaller the diameter of the cane the less likely there will be any splitting or cracking of any kind. When canes 2” or greater in diameter are put into the direct sun, especially in dry climates, the larger canes are likely to split and crack open. It is best with larger cane products to acclimate them slowly before using them outdoors and avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
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