FREQUENT QUESTIONS

Is it possible to reactivate the coals by boiling ?
No ! Some information found on the Internet says that one can reactivate the coals by boiling and placing them under the sun. This is simply useless because the only way to reactivate coals would be to heat them up to temperatures above 1200°C. Only this high temperature can the coals be activated (releasing contaminent from pores). Such temperatures are impossible to reach at home, and this would not be economically interesting compared to just buying new coals.

So why is it recommended to boil the Binchotan before use ?
We recommend to boil 5 minutes Binchotan for hygienic reasons, just to be certain they will be clean when they are placed into your carafe. Boilling has no effect on their action (see previous question).

How many charcoals should I put in my water jug ?
We recommend 1 coal for 0.5 liters of water, so 2 coals per liter.

How long should we leave charcoals in the water pitcher ?
It depends on the quality of your tap water. In general, 2 hours. We suggest to prepare two pitchers with coals inside. When one is empty, just fill it, put it aside, and use the second. This way, water will constantly be in contact with coals and you will not have to worry about time of action.

How many months the action of charcoals is effective ?
It depends on the quality of your water, but also on volumes you consume. On the packaging it's indicated "three months", but the best way to know is simply to trust your taste, and change when water starts smelling again.

What should I do with my used Binchotan ?
Throw them into your garbage, bury them in your garden, burn them in your fireplace or barbecue, or use them as decorative elements... But be careful not to mix with new charcoals because nothing indicates that they were used.

Can I use activated carbons to purify water from a tank ?
We recommend to use active charcoals to improve the taste of water that is originally drinkable (tap water). In no case coals will "treat", "filter" or "purify" water not proper for consumption, and make it drinkable. That is why we do not recommend using Binchotan activated coals for tanks (type boat or caravan tanks), where various microorganisms could grow with time.

What is the effect of activated carbon on the chemicals in the water ?
To avoid improper use of binchotan activated carbons (as mentioned in the previous question about treatment of water in storage tanks), we do not provide analysis data, but we base the use on Binchotan on centuries-old tradition in Japan (coals are used since the 7th century). You will also find lots of information and statistical data on the effect of activated carbon as a whole and especially in their effects on detoxification or treatment of water. On this site, the argument is based on the perceived taste.

I just put charcoals in my carafe and one of them is not sinking...
It does not matter. This is simply due to the fact that this floating coal is more porous than others. This does not alter its adsorption capacity. Wait and you will see it will sink after a few hours.