Ready-to-use replacement activated charcoal for all types of drinking vessels. Simply fill any bottle or carafe with tap water and wait for the charcoal to filter out impurities from the water. It is ideal to let the water steep overnight, but you will notice the difference after just one hour. It may seem counterproductive to purify drinking water with a charcoal stick, but the Japanese have been doing it for centuries. Binchotan is an activated charcoal derived from tree trunks, known for its ability to soften water, add beneficial minerals, and absorb unwanted tastes and odors like chlorine. Over time, a decrease in the filter's effectiveness on the water taste will be noticeable. In this case, place it in boiling water for 10 minutes to wash out the impurities. Overall, this filter lasts up to six months.