5-Step Guide to Deep-Cleaning Your Bent Steel Straw

So, you’ve made the switch to reusable straws—good for you! They're better for the planet, they last a long time, and they even look kind of cool. 

But here’s the thing: just rinsing them isn’t enough. If you’re using metal straws often (maybe for your smoothies or iced coffee), they can build up gunk inside. And if your straw is bent? That makes cleaning even trickier.

In this guide, we’ll go over exactly how to deep-clean your bent steel straw, step by step. We’ll also show you what tools to use and why it matters. 

You don’t need anything fancy—just a bit of time and the right method.

Now, let’s make sure your straw is clean, safe, and fresh to use!

Why Steel Straws Need More Than a Rinse

Rinsing with water may wash away visible stuff, like juice or coffee. But it won’t reach the sticky bits that hide inside the straw—especially when the straw is bent. These hidden spots can trap old liquids, bacteria, and even mold. Yuck.

Even though metal drinking straws don’t stain easily, they can still collect residue. This builds up over time, and it’s not something you can always see. Plus, if you leave your straw sitting around, dried gunk can get harder to remove later.

So, if you're using your straw regularly, it's a smart idea to give it a deep clean at least once a week. Quick rinses are fine for daily use, but deeper cleaning keeps your straw truly safe and fresh.

Can You Really Tell If It’s Dirty Inside?

Not always. That’s what makes this tricky.

A straw might look clean from the outside but still be dirty inside. Bent reusable straws with cleaning brush sets are even harder to check by sight because of the curve. Light doesn’t pass all the way through, and your eyes can’t always catch what's hidden inside.

Here’s a quick tip: Give it a smell. If your straw smells odd or sour, it probably needs a good scrub. Or try running hot water through it—if the water doesn’t flow smoothly, there might be blockage from dried bits stuck inside.

What You’ll Need for a Proper Deep Clean

To deep-clean your bent steel straw, you don’t need any fancy tools. Just a few helpful items you can easily find—even if you’re searching online for metal straws near me in Belgium.

Here’s your cleaning checklist:

• Straw cleaning brush: This is your most important tool. A metal straw brush is thin, long, and made to scrub the inside of the straw. If you don’t have one, look for reusable straw cleaner sets that include it.
  

• Warm water: Not boiling, just warm enough to help loosen anything stuck inside.
  

• Dish soap: Mild dish soap works well to break down oils and residue.
  

• White vinegar or baking soda (optional): Great for deep-cleaning and removing odors.
  

• Towel or drying rack: To dry your straw completely after cleaning.

You can also find handy straw cleaning brushes in most home shops or online marketplaces in Brussels, Ghent, or Antwerp. Make sure it fits the size of your straw.

Once you have everything, it’s time to dive into the actual cleaning steps—coming up next in the full guide!

How to Deep-Clean Your Bent Steel Straw

Now that you know why deep cleaning matters and what tools you need, let’s go through the exact steps. Don’t worry—this is simple. And once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature.

Here’s how to deep-clean your bent steel straw, step by step.

Step 1: Rinse the Straw Right Away

As soon as you finish using your straw, give it a quick rinse with warm water. This helps stop liquids from drying inside.

• Run warm water through both ends of the straw.
  

• If something’s stuck inside, try gently tapping the straw on the sink to loosen it.
  

• Don’t skip this step—even if you plan to clean it later!

This quick rinse makes the deep clean easier.

Step 2: Add Soap and Warm Water

Next, use a little dish soap and warm water. This helps break down any oils or sticky leftovers.

• Fill a small cup or bowl with warm water.
  

• Add one or two drops of dish soap.
  

• Place the straw in the soapy water and let it soak for a minute or two.

If your straw is very dirty, you can soak it for a bit longer.

Step 3: Scrub with a Cleaning Brush

Here comes the important part: scrubbing the inside.

• Take your cleaning brush (also called a metal straw brush) and slide it into the straw.
  

• Twist and move it back and forth to scrub the full length inside.
  

• If your straw is bent, be sure the brush reaches the curved part too.
  

• Flip the straw around and do the same from the other end.

These brushes are designed for this job. That’s why reusable straws with cleaning brush sets are so handy—they give you the exact tool you need.

If you’re cleaning more than one straw, rinse the brush in between to avoid spreading grime.

Step 4: Rinse Again and Inspect

After scrubbing, rinse your straw well under running water. You want to wash out all the soap and loosened debris.

• Hold the straw up to the light to check for anything left inside.
  

• If it still looks cloudy or smells odd, scrub again using your reusable straw cleaner.

Sometimes, you might need to repeat the cleaning if the straw hasn’t been cleaned in a while.

Step 5: Dry It Completely

Drying is an easy step to skip—but it’s important!

• Shake out any extra water.
  

• Place the straw upright in a cup, or lay it on a clean towel.
  

• Let it air-dry completely before storing.

This keeps mold and moisture from hiding inside your straw.

Once dry, your straw is ready to go for the next drink!

Using straw cleaning brushes regularly will help your metal drinking straws last longer, stay safe to use, and taste fresh every time. These steps don’t take long, and they make a big difference—especially for metal straws with a bend, which can be harder to check and clean without the right tools.

Ready to build the habit? Cleaning your straws once a week is a small job that gives big benefits over time.

Conclusion

Keeping your steel straw clean isn’t hard—but it does take a bit more than just water. With the right tools (like a good cleaning brush) and a little know-how, your straw can stay spotless and ready for use anytime.

A clean straw means better taste, better hygiene, and a longer-lasting product. So take a few minutes each week to do a deep clean—you’ll thank yourself later!

Looking for high-quality reusable straw cleaner sets? Be sure to check out Wisely Market for trusted, easy-to-use tools that keep your eco-friendly habits going strong.

FAQs

1. How often should I deep-clean my metal straw?

Once a week is best, especially if you use it daily.

2. Can I put metal straws in the dishwasher?

Yes, but hand-cleaning with a straw brush gives better results for bent straws.

3. What if I don’t have a cleaning brush?

You can try pipe cleaners or string with baking soda in a pinch, but a proper straw cleaning brush works best.

4. Is vinegar safe to use for cleaning metal straws?

Yes, white vinegar is safe and helps remove odors and residue.

5. Where can I buy straw brushes in Belgium?

Many stores in Brussels, Ghent, and Antwerp carry reusable straws with cleaning brush sets, or check online for “metal straws near me.”