FAQ
Here you find the answers for the most frequently asked questions. If you have something else in your mind or want more information, please contact our customer service.
Use and Care
Are all the products dishwasher safe?
When the product has a dishwasher symbol, you can wash it in the dishwasher. We always recommend washing plastic products in the upper part of the dishwasher and placing them there loosely. Symbols tell us a lot about the use and benefits of the products, take a look at their meanings here.
Are all the products microwave safe?
When the product has a microwave symbol, you can heat it up in the microwave. Note that with oily food there is a risk of overheating because oil gets hot very quickly. We recommend stirring the food every now and then while heating it in the microwave. Symbols tell us a lot about the use and benefits of the products, take a look at their meanings here.
Can I use SmartStore™ storage boxes for storing food?
All SmartStore™ products except the SmartStore Recycled boxes and baskets made from recycled material are approved for contact with food.
How do I remove labels/stickers from the product?
Sorry to hear that there are problems with removing the sticker from a new product. You can get the sticker off by using hot water and adding some washing-up liquid to it. Soak the product in the hot water for a while and then peel the label off. You can also use olive oil when peeling off the glue. With bigger, bulky products you can use window cleaning spray. We do not recommend acetone or other strong substances for plastic surfaces as these can damage the surface of the product.
Why did my new lunch boxes get stained in the dishwasher?
Staining may occur at high temperatures, if the box has contained for example carrot or beetroot or if there are other dishes with traces of food that have not been rinsed. We recommend rinsing the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher if they contained brightly coloured ingredients.
Product safety
Yes, you can count on our products' quality. All our products made from conventional plastic are free of Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Recycled plastic is also tested and safe, but as it originates from multiple plastic products, it cannot be used in food-contact products. We test our products regularly, both at independent test laboratories and through function tests. Our material suppliers have strict controls over production and processes, enabling them to guarantee that the materials are tested and approved. Nearly all our plastic products are produced in Sweden or Finland, and we always follow the strict requirements as set out in EU rules and regulations. If you want to know more about product safety, click here.
BPA (bisphenol A) can be used in the production of polycarbonate (PC) and as a hardener in other plastics. It helps to make the plastics impact resistant and helps them to withstand acids, fats and oils at high temperatures. However, BPA may have harmful effects, especially on small children, and its use is even banned in baby bottles. All products manufactured from traditional plastic by Orthex Group are made of BPA-free materials. Also, all our recycled materials are safe and tested, but because the material origins from many different products, we can’t fully guarantee that small traces of BPA would not exist. Orthex Group guarantees that all our products marked with a food approval symbol (fork and glass symbol) are free of BPA and phthalates. We care about you and your family's safety and our environment. You are safe with us. Read more about product safety here.
High temperatures may cause the plastic to become marked. High temperatures can cause marks in the plastic. To avoid this, we recommend that you do not use the highest temperature when heating food in the microwave or when washing the product in the dishwasher. The boxes can be safely used even if the plastic has light spots or is bent. If the surface of the box becomes uneven, the product should be replaced with a new one for hygienic reasons.
Materials and symbols
The symbols tell you important product information. You can for example see the product guarantee, whether the product is made of food-grade material, what kind of temperatures it withstands, how to use and clean it and how to recycle it. You'll find the meanings of the symbols here.
If the product has a dishwasher safe symbol, it can be washed in the dishwasher. We recommend placing plastic products loosely in the dishwasher. The combination of heat and tightly packed dishes may affect plastic products and cause them to deform and bend. However, the products are still perfectly safe to use. Symbols tell us a lot about the use and benefits of the products, take a look at their meanings here.
Where to buy?
You can find our products at most retail stores in Scandinavia. Since the assortment varies from store to store, please contact your local retailer to be sure they have the product you want in stock. For inquiries from other countries please feel free to contact us and we will do our best to let you know shortly, where you can get the desired product in your area. You can also visit our outlets.
Nice to hear that you want to sell our products in your store. Please contact us and let's start cooperating!
Product complaints
We can provide spare parts for some products, but we don't have a specific spare parts department. Please send any spare part inquiries to us and specify what you need. We'll do our best to help you.
SmartStoreTM boxes are very durable, but sometimes the conditions may be too tough. Have you used the box outdoors or in very low or high temperatures? Or have you stored heavy or sharp objects in it? For tougher conditions and use, we recommend SmartStoreTM PRO boxes, which are as unbreakable as it gets.
We recommend placing plastic products loosely in the dishwasher. Even with high quality products the combination of heat and tightly packed dishes may have an effect and cause them to deform and bend. Even if the lids appear a little bent, they are still ok to use, because of their soft material. Soft material makes the lids easy to open and close.
We are sorry to hear that the set was incomplete. Please contact us. If you have lost parts of a product, you can ask for new ones as a spare part. We are happy to help you.
Guarantee issues
All SmartStoreTM products that carry a label saying “10 Year Guarantee” are guaranteed to stay functional for a period of 10 years, fulfilling their original purpose. The guarantee does not in any way impact the legal rights of consumers. If a consumer buys a product that is faulty or becomes faulty, s/he is entitled to get a full refund in form of a new product. The guarantee does not cover products that have been damaged as a result of wear and tear from normal use, or products that have been misused or subjected to carelessness or abnormal usage conditions. To request a refund, we recommend you contact in the first instance the store where you bought the product. Alternatively, you can also contact us directly.
Orthex is known for good quality and durable products. SmartStore™ Classic, Home, PRO and DRY have a 10-year guarantee. All the kitchen products are high quality and tested regularly regarding food safety. In addition, functional and mechanical tests are performed continuously.