You're doing your part for the planet by using reusable straws, awesome! But now you're probably wondering, how do I keep these things clean? No worries, we've got you covered! This guide will show you how to clean your reusable straws, whether you're at home or on the go.
Some Things that Help the Environment Can Take a Lot of Effort
Just by switching to reusable straws, you've already made a huge difference! Instead of adding to the mountains of plastic straws that end up in landfills and polluting our oceans, you're consciously choosing to reduce your waste.
This small act of choosing reusable drinking straws can actually inspire you to be more mindful about other things you throw away. And the best part? You're saving money on garbage disposal costs and making a positive impact on the planet!
How do I Make Sure My Reusable Straws Stay Super Clean?
To make sure your reusable drinking straws always taste fresh and clean, give them a quick wash and rinse after every use. This will prevent any leftover drinks from building up and affecting the taste of your next beverage.
And remember, storing them right away after cleaning helps keep them ready for the next adventure!
It's also a great idea to teach kids how to take care of their reusable straws so they can use them for school, beach or picnics, and everything in between.
What Should I Know About the Cleaning Brushes?
You'd be surprised by the wild ideas people come up with, like using dental floss, denture cleaner, or even an espresso machine! While these might seem clever, all you really need is one good cleaning brush.
Since Shaka Love includes a cleaning brush with every order, you've got everything you need to keep your bamboo, glass, silicone, and stainless steel straws sparkling clean. Just remember, it's important to choose a cleaning brush that's the right size for your straw! A brush that's too small won't get everything clean, and a brush that's too big might get stuck.
You might notice that those extra-long and extra-wide reusable straws come with brushes that are a little different. Look closely at the cleaning brush – from the bristles to the handle – and you'll see they're specially designed for those larger straws! These extra-long brushes are perfect for cleaning the super-sized straws you use for 24 and 36-ounce drinks.
How to Clean Reusable Drinking Straws
The whole point of reusable drinking straws is to enjoy them again and again, so a good cleaning is essential! Here's how to get those straws always clean:
#1 Gather your tools:
You'll need your cleaning brush (or pipe cleaner), hot soapy water, and a mild liquid detergent.
#2 Get scrubbing:
Use hot soapy water and a little elbow grease to remove any residue, like fruit pulp, coffee stains, or leftover milkshake thickness.
#3 Soak for a boost:
If you have time, let those straws soak in the soapy water for about five minutes. This helps loosen up any stubborn residue.
#4 Brush away:
Now comes the fun part! Insert your cleaning brush into the straw and rotate it back and forth, making sure you reach every nook and cranny.
#5 Rinse and dry:
Give your straws a good rinse with warm water and then lay them out to dry completely.
Voila, your reusable straws are ready for their next adventure!
How Can I Wash My Reusable Straws When I'm Not Home?
Don't let being away from home stop you from keeping your reusable drinking straws clean! Even if you don't have your usual cleaning supplies, you can still get them sparkling. Just rinse your straw under running water, letting the water flow through it to remove most of the residue. If you have a cleaning brush, give it a quick scrub, rotating it back and forth to get rid of any leftover bits.
Once it's clean, rinse it again and let it air dry before putting it back in your eco-friendly travel bag or case. Now you're ready to enjoy your next drink, wherever you are!
Is It Okay to Use Pipe Cleaners for My Reusable Straws?
Lost your cleaning brush? No problem! You can actually use eco-friendly pipe cleaners to keep your straws clean. Keep a few handy at work or in your purse, just in case. Just make sure you use pipe cleaners with chenille stems, because chenille is made from cotton, which is natural and biodegradable.
How Do I Make Sure My Reusable Straws Are Completely Dry?
Making sure your reusable straws are completely dry is important to prevent bacteria growth. After rinsing and cleaning, let your straws air dry completely by laying them flat on a clean towel or a drying rack.
Avoid stacking them, as this can trap moisture. You can also use a straw drying rack, which is designed specifically for drying reusable drinking straws. They often have a stand to hold the straws upright and let air circulate around them.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to speed up the drying process, but be sure to hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the straw to avoid melting or damaging it. Once your straws are completely dry, store them in a clean, dry container, like a reusable pouch or a straw holder.
Final Thoughts,
Reusable straws are a fantastic way to reduce waste and protect the environment, and they come in a variety of eco-friendly materials like glass, stainless steel, silicone, bamboo, copper, or plastic. While all are great choices, remember that cleaning and drying times can vary depending on the material.
Glass straws are super easy to clean because you can see right through them, and bamboo straws dry super quickly because of their natural properties. Stainless steel and glass straws are some of the most durable options out there.
To make sure your straws last a long time, just follow the cleaning and storage tips we talked about earlier. That way, you won't have to throw them away because of mold or neglect.
If you're reading this, you've already made the smart choice by switching from single-use plastic straws to reusable drinking straws! Keep up the good work and enjoy your fresh, clean drinks.
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