How to Clean a Strainer

Kelsey asked, “How do you clean strainers?”

You Will Need:

• Sink plug or large bowl
• Dish liquid
• Scrub brush
• Old toothbrush
• Hand towel

Steps to Clean the Strainer:

1. Plug the sink and fill it up with hot/warm water, or fill a large pot or bucket with water in the sink.
2. Mix some dish liquid into the water.
3. Soak the strainer in the soapy water for about 15 minutes to loosen any residue. If you have problems with a plastic strainer floating to the top of the water, place another item inside it to weigh it down.
4. Turn the strainer upside-down and hold it under a running faucet.¹
5. Dip a bristle brush in the soapy water and use it to scrub the strainer clean.¹ If you don’t have a bristle brush, use an old, sterilized toothbrush instead.²
6. If you have trouble removing any debris, fold a hand towel and set it in the sink. Hold the outside of the dirty area of the strainer against the towel, then scrub the inside portion of the strainer that is against the towel.
7. Rotate the strainer on the towel as you scrub to clean the entire surface.
8. Rinse it thoroughly with water.
9. Let the strainer air dry.

• Clean the strainer immediately after you use it to prevent any residue from drying, making it more difficult to clean.¹
• You can line the bottom of the strainer with a basket-type of coffee filter to prevent smaller debris from catching in the holes.³

1. How To Clean Anything by Consumer Reports
2. 10,001 Hints & Tips For  The Home by Reader’s Digest
3. Extraordinary Uses For Ordinary Things by Reader’s Digest