How to clean metal straws

Finally, I got around to buying some metal straws. My daughter uses them because her dentist said it would help prevent getting brown stains on teeth.

I've been wanting to have some to take with me when I go to a restaurant to avoid making plastic waste by getting a straw there.

Rather than looking all around locally, I ordered some from Amazon. Then, I saw some on sale for half-price at my co-op. Now I have 16 metal straws.

I’ve been washing them in the dishwasher but knew that that wasn’t really cleaning them.

Follow these steps to clean metal straws:

• Rinse the straws after every use. Use warm, soapy water to remove any residue or food particles.
  

• Soak the straws in a water. Add dish soap to a bowl or sink of water and let the straws soak for a few minutes.

• Use a cleaning brush for straws to scrub the inside of the straws. Use dish soap and a soft sponge to clean the outside of the straws.
  

• Rinse the straw with warm water. That will remove any soap residue.

• Make sure to thoroughly dry the straws before using them again. Air dry the straws or use a soft towel to dry them manually.

• Store clean and dry straws in a well-ventilated area to prevent rust. Store them vertically in a coffee cup or in a drawer with silverware.
  

Other things you can use to clean metal straws besides dish soap are white vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.

You can wash your metal straws in the dishwasher. However, only the outsides get clean. You should always use a cleaning brush to clean the insides after they’re washed in the dishwasher. That will remove any food particles that could get inside the straws during dishwasher cycles.

I’m all set now in the metal straw department. However, neither set I bought came with a bag or case to carry them in. I think I can just put them in a plastic bag.

And, I’ll keep some in my car. I’ve had big success using plastic spoons and forks from a supply I have in the car. I like to get soup and other vegan takeout from the co-op deli.