Bamboo LT Tray 275x145mm: What Fits and How to Care

Quick answer

Use the LT tray 275x145mm as a compact tea or condiment tray, and care for it by wiping with a tightly wrung cloth after each use. Skip oiling and dishwashing; the urethane coating and bamboo construction call for dry, gentle handling.

What actually fits on a 275x145mm tray

At 275 x 145mm, this is a narrow tray best suited to a small tea set for one or two people, a few condiment bowls, or a single serving of snacks. The 17mm height gives a slight lip that helps keep cups from sliding, but it is not a deep tray for carrying messy or liquid-heavy items.

Before you commit, measure your teapot and cups together. A standard small teapot plus two cups often fits, but a full gaiwan set or a large serving bowl will likely exceed the width. Treat the tray as a defined serving zone rather than a catch-all surface.

Why oiling is not part of this tray's routine

Many bamboo tray care guides recommend oiling, but this tray is finished with urethane coating over natural bamboo. Applying oil on top of that coating does not nourish the wood the way it would on bare bamboo, and it can leave a sticky film that attracts dust. The manufacturer's care instructions do not include oiling, so leave the oil in the cupboard.

The coating also means you should not soak the tray or put it in the dishwasher. Water sitting on the surface or seeping into edges can dull the finish over time. A dry or barely damp wipe is enough for everyday use.

Where the tray should and should not live

Keep the tray away from direct sunlight and open flames, and store it in a dry spot. Bamboo is a natural material, so color and grain vary from piece to piece, and the handmade construction means dimensions and shape may differ slightly. Those variations are normal, not defects.

Because the tray is lightweight at about 320g, it is easy to move between kitchen and table. That portability is useful for small tea sessions, but it also means the tray should not be used as a permanent base for wet glasses or a dripping plant.

Daily care steps for the LT tray

1. Wipe after each use: Use a tightly wrung cloth to wipe the tray after serving. Do not rinse it under the tap or leave it wet. A cloth that still drips is too wet; wring it until no water runs.
2. Skip the dishwasher and soaking: The tray is not dishwasher-safe and should not be immersed in water or hot water. Wash cups and teapots separately, then set them back on a dry tray. If something spills, wipe it up immediately rather than letting it sit.
3. Dry and store away from sun: Let the tray air-dry completely in a shaded spot, then store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not stack heavy items on the tray while it dries; the bamboo can be marked.
4. Leave oiling out: Do not apply oil or wax to the urethane-coated surface. If the tray looks dry, a dry cloth wipe is enough. Oil can build up on the coating and attract dust, so skip it entirely.

Product facts

• LT トレイ 275x145mm バンブー: The LT tray measures W275 x D145mm x H17mm and weighs about 320g. The slim footprint and light weight make it a practical small tray for tea sets and condiments, but not for large serving pieces.