How To Clean Reusable Straws
It’s funny — I thought when my kids stopped drinking out of bottles that I was done with that phase of cleaning all sorts of bits and bobs associated with their drinkware. Alas, they went into straw cups next, then to insulated water bottles that they, to this day, carry with them to school or daycare every day. And then we all realized just how terrible those plastic straws you get at restaurants are for the environment. All of that’s to say: I clean a lot of straws.
Cleaning straws is not particularly hard, but people sure do love to complicate it. In my research, I came across tips about using all sorts of stuff like dental floss, denture cleaner, an espresso machine, and more — all clever, and yet, so unnecessary. All you truly need is one good brush.
My Favorite Brushes for Cleaning Straws
Before I get to the steps, one note: I use my daughters’ everyday water bottles exclusively for water (juice or milk or anything else goes into a different vessel). As long the girls each stick to their own and don’t share, those don’t need be be cleaned quite as vigorously day to day (I could maybe even go a week without feeling too guilty!). But if you use straws for other liquids like lemonade, milk, or the dreaded smoothie, you’ll want to clean them right away.
How To Clean Reusable Straws
What You’ll Need
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- A pipe cleaner or straw brush
- Baking soda (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the inside of the straw: If you can, rinse your straw as soon as you’re done using it, so stuff doesn’t harden in there. To do, cap the bottom end with your finger and place the top end under hot running water from the faucet. Then release and let the water run through; do this a few times. If you see something chunky in there (like bits from a smoothie), try plugging up the bottom hole, filling the straw with water and blowing through the opening at the top.
- Scrub the straw: Add dish soap to your straw brush, then push it into your straw and scrub it vigorously. Repeat from both ends of the straw. Don’t forget to clean the openings and the outside of the straw.
- Add baking soda: If you still suspect or see debris, add the scrubbing power of baking soda. Sprinkle some onto your bottle brush, then scrub from the top and bottom as before.
- Rinse: When you’re done cleaning, run the straw under hot water for another minute to flush out any remaining soap or baking soda. You’re done!
3 Reusable Straws We Love
- Koffie Straws, $13 for two
- Rainbow Reusable Straws, $11 for 24
- Stainless Steel Straws, $6.50 for eight