Use a brush or pipe cleaner
One of the simplest and most effective ways to clean reusable straws is to use a brush or pipe cleaner. These tools are designed to fit inside the straw and have bristles that can scrub away any residue or debris. To clean the straw, simply insert the brush or pipe cleaner into the straw and scrub it back and forth. Be sure to reach all the way to the bottom of the straw to ensure a thorough cleaning. Once you have scrubbed the inside of the straw, rinse it with water to remove any remaining residue.
Soak in hot soapy water
If you have a set of reusable straws that are particularly dirty or stained, you may want to consider soaking them in hot soapy water. Fill a container or sink with hot water and add a few drops of dish soap. Place the straws in the soapy water and let them soak for about 15-30 minutes. The hot water and soap will help to loosen any debris or stains, making it easier to clean the straws. After soaking, use a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the straws, and then rinse them thoroughly with water.
Use vinegar or lemon juice
If you prefer to use natural cleaning methods, you can try using vinegar or lemon juice to clean your reusable straws. Fill a container or sink with equal parts vinegar or lemon juice and water. Place the straws in the solution and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. The acidity in the vinegar or lemon juice will help to break down any residue or stains on the straws. After soaking, use a brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the straws, and then rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar or lemon juice.
Run them through the dishwasher
If your reusable straws are dishwasher safe, you can simply toss them in with your regular dishwasher load. Make sure to place them in the utensil compartment or use a dishwasher-safe straw holder to prevent them from falling through the dishwasher racks. Running the straws through a hot dishwasher cycle will help to sanitize and clean them. However, check the manufacturer’s instructions before putting your straws in the dishwasher, as some materials may not be dishwasher safe and could get damaged.
Consider using a straw cleaning kit
If you frequently use reusable straws and want a more convenient cleaning option, you may want to consider investing in a straw cleaning kit. These kits typically include a variety of brushes and tools specifically designed to clean straws of different sizes and shapes. Using a straw cleaning kit can make the cleaning process quicker and easier, ensuring that your straws are thoroughly cleaned and ready for their next use.
