Silicone brushes are typically softer than traditional bristle brushes and are less likely to scratch water bottles. If you intend to clean glassware and other delicate items, a silicone brush is probably a safer bet. Another advantage to silicone bristles is that they’re less likely to bend or shed like nylon bristles often do. That’s why we suggest HIWARE’s 14-Inch Silicone Bottle Brush Cleaning Set, our best silicone. This silicone brush has a long 14-inch handle that has no trouble reaching the very bottom of most water bottles. The silicone bristles on this brush are soft and less likely to scratch your water bottle. Once you begin this relatively simple and easy step forward to save the environment, your awareness grows to greater vigilance over all items that in your household trash. The easiest method for cleaning reusable straws is with pipe cleaners or a straw cleaning brush with dish soap. First, rinse your reusable straws with clear water, add a bit of soapy water to a pipe cleaner and push it into the straw. Give the straw a good scrub, and then rinse with clear water. Rinse with hot water: The first step is to rinse your pipe cleaner immediately after using hot water – the sooner, the better. You can rinse via a tap or boil water and then run it through. The water must be hot to loosen any sediment left in the straw.

On the other hand, a brush with nylon or plastic bristles—particularly those that are stiffer—will deliver more scrubbing power. For the most scrubbing power, look for a brush made out of natural fibers, like boar’s hair. Store your reusable straws in a well-ventilated place and avoid putting them into airtight sealed containers.

With an 18-inch design, this bottle brush is perfect for cleaning taller water bottles—especially considering the bristles extend approximately two-thirds of the way down the brush. The stiff plastic bristles sit atop flexible wire, so the brush can bend to hit the bottle at all the curves and nooks and crannies. This feature also makes this an exceptional brush for oddly-shaped water bottles and vessels like vases. Still, the bristles are still firm enough to provide a good scrubbing. And, even though the top of the brush is made of flexible wire, the handle is a sturdier plastic to help you get a solid, comfortable grip. It also has a hang hole at the end for convenient drying and storage. Natural fibers, such as nylon or boar’s hair, are best for cleaning a water bottle, because they can reach the tight spots and crevices where bacteria can hide, says Nathaly Vieira, founder of cleaning company Inspire Clean. They are also gentle enough to not scratch the surface of your bottle. However, these tend to be more expensive, plus aren’t quite as durable as synthetic materials like plastic or silicone.

There is a lot more to know about keeping reusable straws clean – cleaning without a straw brush, sanitizing your straws, or getting rid of mold is all information you can discover below! Furthermore, you’ll find a list of the best reusable straws to help you decide which ones to get. How To Clean Reusable Straws Without Pipe Cleaners On top of cleaning your reusable straws after every use, it is also a good idea to sanitize them regularly. Some bacteria may grow and be stubborn when it comes to the removal with pure soap and warm water; therefore, weekly sanitizing is a good idea. According to environmental experts, washing reusable straws with soap and warm water after every use is the most effective way to ensure proper cleaning and maintain hygiene standards.

How to Clean Metal Straws

There are some additional basic washing instructions you should follow to ensure your reusable drinking straws are properly cleaned and cared for. This will also help prolong the life of your reusable straws regardless of which material they are made of. How to Find the Right Cleaning Brush Although technically all types of reusable straws can go in the dishwasher, Yang notes that those made of plastic will eventually break down and warp. Metal, bamboo, and silicon all do fine in there. But make sure to place them over the prongs or in the silverware basket so that jets of water and detergent can get inside the straw too. Just setting them down flat isn’t going to help. Boiling Staphylococcus aureus (Staph): Staph is a common bacteria found on the skin and in the nasal passages of humans. If it enters the body through contaminated food or drink, it can produce toxins that lead to food poisoning, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.