all you need to know about maintenance, cleaning and repair of a premier bathtub made of the most ecologic and friendly material: wood.

hinoki wood japanese bathtub > FAQs/comments > FAQ's - maintenance

FAQ's - maintenance


Q #13		 How long can I leave the water inside the tub? Do I need to dry it after each use?
A #13 The water should be removed while still warm (cold water can facilitate the insurgence of mold). It is a good practice to quickly wipe the bathtub with a towel to remove the excess water. Then ensure there is a good natural ventilation (a bathroom with a vindow is strongly recommended) so the wood can "automatically" regulate its degree of humidity.
Q #14 Are your japanese hinoki bath tubs mold resistant? How do I clean it?
A #14 Again, hinoki wood has a unique natural protection against rot, mold and fungi, but you should use some common sense. If the bathroom is not ventilated or if you leave the bathtub full of cold water on a daily base, some stains may appear overtime. No need to worry. Just pour abundant warm water on the area until well absorbed by the wood. Then wipe gently with a cloth sprayed with alcohol for disinfection. The stain will disappear completely.
Q #15 Which is the optimal humidity level for a wood tub? Can I use one for outdoors?
A #15 You should pay attention to the following: The wood is a natural material and is well preserved in a balanced environment. A moisture percentage of 50% is recommended.
  • If there is scarce ventilation and the humidity is often over 70% your tub is likely to develop mold stains (which can quite easily be removed)
  • On the other hand, if the environment is too dry (below 40% relative humidity) the tub may crack and cause leakings.
The dryness effects can be mitigated by using the tub daily or leaving it full of water when you leave home for longer periods. Dryness is harmful for wood. Avoid direct and prolonged sunlight exposure and if you have heating system in the bathroom, keep an eye on the hygrometer.
Yes, you can install the tub outdoors, but please avoid as much as possible direct sunlight exposure, expecially when the tub is empty.
Q #21 Several years ago I purchased a tub from Japan and it came with a container of a kind of cleaning/conditioning fluid for the tub, which included a hinoki oil base. Do you offer, or know where I could obtain, something similar?
A #21 Cleaning liquid: I am sorry, we do not have this product. In Japan, as in other countries, hinoki oil is available for aromatherapy in different formats, including a liquid emulsion to be poured inside the hot water to have a hinoki-tub-like aromatic effect. This is not used for cleaning. Hinoki wood contains within its fibers the resinous product commonly known as hinokitiol. Usage of cleaning products such as detergents or waxes/oils will clog the natural wood pores thus sealing inside the hinokitiol. If you want to take maternal care of the tub, you may wipe it with a towel after use which will prevent any darkening caused by mold. Then keep a hygrometer inside the bathroom and avoid the relative humidity to drop below 50%.

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