Using reusable plastic straws is an eco-friendly way. However, you need to know how to clean reusable plastic straws to keep them hygienic.
Plastic has become a significant component of our everyday lives and has many advantages, but it is important to understand that it can also be harmful to the environment.
A prime example is plastic straws, which are typically made from petroleum-based plastic and are used once, then thrown away into the ocean or other bodies of water.
Reusable plastic straws are popular nowadays because they are made from safe materials. It became a good alternative for people who have concerns about the environment.
Some people use them with their favorite drinks while others use them as a part of kitchenware. They’re great for carrying juice around the house or at work.
Many people are starting to use reusable plastic straws instead of paper ones. However, some have found that they can be difficult to clean. This is due to the tiny holes that make the dirt hard to reach.
In this article, we’ll talk about how we can clean reusable plastic straws. This article is for people who have these straws and don’t know how to clean them properly.
Contents
Why should you use reusable plastic straws?
1. They are more eco-friendly than using disposable straws
The reusable straws are made out of plastic that is fully recyclable, so they are much more eco-friendly than disposable straws. Using reusable items means you are helping prevent the environment from further polluting.
Reusable plastic straws can be washed and reused, decreasing waste in landfills and seas.
Also, plastic straws can take up to 200 years to decompose, adding to the ocean’s plastic waste problem.
2. They last much longer than disposable plastic straws
The disposable ones are only meant to be used once and then thrown away, but reusable straws, like plastic ones, look alike and are meant to be used time after time.
3. Reusable plastic straws are cheap to buy
Reusable plastic straws are a great investment for anyone who goes out a lot.
These straws are reusable, meaning you only have to purchase a single one, which you can use over and over again.
How To Clean Reusable Plastic Straws
1. Dishwashing liquid
You can clean reusable straws by mixing warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a bowl.
Prepare the following materials:
- a few drops of dishwashing liquid
- warm water
- straw brush
- sponge
To clean the reusable plastic straws, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water to a container. Then, mix them well to create soapy water. After that, soak the dirty straws in the mixture for 10 minutes.
Then, dip a sponge into the mixture, take the straw out and wash it gently. Use a straw brush to clean the inside area. After that, rinse thoroughly under running water. Let them dry before using them again.
2. Baking soda
Baking soda is an amazing product that you can use in your everyday life to help you clean and maintain your household. Baking soda helps you to get rid of germs and dirt, so it is ideal for cleaning plastic straws.
- 2 tablespoons of baking soda
- 300ml warm water
Mix some baking soda and warm water in a container. Then, put the straws in the solution for 3-4 minutes. Take them out and use a sponge to wash the outside of the straws. Next, use a straw brush to clean their inside part.
The inside of a reusable straw is typically more difficult to clean than the outside, so it is important to brush it inside as well as scrub it with a sponge. Last, rinse under running water to remove the residue completely.
3. Vinegar
Another useful way to clean straws is using vinegar. Vinegar has a chemical compound called acetic acid which kills bacteria and germs.
Prepare the following materials:
- 150 ml of vinegar
- 150 ml of warm water
Simply mix 150 ml of warm water and 150 ml of vinegar in a container. Then, soak the reusable straws in the mixture. Wait for 15 minutes.
This process will slowly break into your plastic straws and remove dirt inside them. After that, wash the surface with a sponge and then clean the inside part with a straw brush.
To get a better result, you can clean the surface with dishwashing soap. After that, rinse the straw thoroughly with running water. If you want to reuse it, wait until perfectly dry.
You can also use vinegar to clean a spray bottle.
4. Lemon Water
You can clean reusable straws using lemon water. The citric acid of lemon water will help you to remove germs, dirt, and bacteria.
Prepare the following material
- 1 lemon
- 250 ml of warm water
Just cut the lemon and squeeze it into the bowl. Then, add warm water and soak the plastic straws in it for 30 minutes. Then, wash the outside part with the sponge and the inside section with a straw brush. Rinse it with running water to make sure no residue stays at all, then dry it thoroughly before use.
5. Boiling Water
It is easy to clean reusable plastic straws with boiling water!
- boiling water
- dishwashing liquid
First of all, wash the outside part with a wet sponge with soapy water from dishwashing liquid, then use a straw brush and clean the inside part of it.
After that, put it in boiling water for 15 seconds, then take it out. Make sure you put the straw in 100 degrees celsius boiling water to make sure the germs and bacteria are completely gone.
Take the straws out of the boiling water. Wait until the temperature goes down, and here you go!
How to Keep your reusable plastic straws clean
1. Store them properly
To keep your reusable plastic clean and tidy, it’s best to store it in the straw box that comes with it or a similar small container. This will prevent it from getting dirty and will keep it safe from both scratches and spills.
If you store your reusable straw without storing it in the special box, you are exposing the straw to molds and bacteria which can get inside of the straw, making it much harder to clean and eventually ruining your reusable straw.
Also, don’t leave them in your bag or leave them lying around for other people to pick up and use carelessly.
2. Wash it after using it
It’s important to wash your plastic straw after every single use. By doing so, you can keep it clean and prevent germs from growing on it. Keep in mind that a straw cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher.
It has to be washed by hand with warm, soapy water.
How to clean reusable plastic straws without a straw brush
Rinse the straw well, allowing it to soak if it has dried-on gunk.
Get the pipe cleaner wet and add a few drops of any brand of dish soap to the last few inches of the pipe cleaner.
Insert the soapy end of the pipe cleaner into the straw and begin moving it in and out. Continue until the straw is clean.
Rinse the straw thoroughly and place it upright to dry.
FAQ
Do you really need to clean reusable plastic straws?
How do you deep clean a reusable straw?
How do you clean the inside of a straw?
Do reusable straws get clean in the dishwasher?
Are the reusable straws hygienic?
How to clean reusable plastic straws without a straw brush
Conclusion
Plastic straws are causing a lot of problems for the environment, and some cities around the world already banned plastic straws.
That’s why it’s important to change your lifestyle and reduce your waste production; using reusable plastic straws is the way.
For those of you with reusable plastic straws at home, this article will give you tips on how to clean them.
- Dishwashing liquid
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Lemon Water
- Boiling Water
