How to Clean Mesh Strainer? (Secret Tips)

I know how annoying it is to clean a mesh strainer, especially one covered with many stubborn marks. Some people have to do a lot of struggle removing the stuck-on dirt from those pesky little holes! Really, it’s a bummer!

Are you also having a tough time getting rid of dirt or stuff like that? Well, don’t worry, I’m here to show you how to clean the mesh strainer. You’ll be happy to hear that I’ve added 5 effective methods, which you can apply to solve your problem once and for all.

So, let me show you all the secrets of cleaning a piece of mesh strainer with ease. It’s going to be fun!

The Consequence of Using a Dirty Strainer

We all believe that a piece of dirty strainer appears too ugly and bad. Even I personally don’t feel comfortable using such things.

Not only it looks disgusting, but there are a couple of side effects as well if you use stained strainers on a daily basis. Let’s say, a cup of tea that you’re going to make might be affected by chemical substances, resulting in bad impacts on your health.

Plastic strainers are not that safe to use, and these won’t even last for a longer period of time. This is why you should try to get your hands on one that’s made of stainless steel or high-quality materials.

However, if you don’t know the proper way of cleaning, the strainer you’re using will end up with stains, stubborn marks, and stuff like that. So, cleaning on a regular basis with proper technique becomes crucial.

A Number of Different Techniques to Clean Up a Strainer

Thankfully, there are a couple of ways available when it comes to cleaning up a dirty strainer. By choosing any of one the below-mentioned techniques, you’ll be able to keep this kitchen equipment always spick-and-span.

So, without wasting any more time, let’s get familiar with the 5 most effective cleaning methods:

Method-1: The Basic Washing

Hands down, it’s the simplest, and I think, the safest technique of cleaning. If you’ve recently bought a strainer that looks almost new, applying this method will be a good decision.

Speaking of the cleaning process, you’ll need to wash the stuff off with both cold and warm water. By doing so, it’ll be a piece of cake to keep your strainer away from stubborn marks.

So, after using this kitchen tool for your specific needs, make sure to wash it off immediately by applying this super-easy technique. Guess what? The basic washing method won’t damage your strainer at all.

Method 2: Applying Alcohol

Using alcohol will be a good idea in order to remove the stuck-on marks and dirt from your strainer. Be sure to add a wee bit of alcohol along with fresh water. The ratio should be around 1:4.

So, after preparing the mixture properly, let the strainer down into liquid overnight so that it gets completely clean. By applying this method, removing stains will be a breeze!

Important Note

There is another way you can apply if the stain appears pretty light. In that case, wash off the mesh strainer with freshwater, utilize the alcohol individually on the marks, and leave the mesh strainer for at least an hour. Afterward, use water once again to make your kitchen equipment entirely clean.

Method 3: Utilizing the Baking Soda

Not only for a strainer, but baking soda comes in handy for cleaning a lot of different things as well. You can use it to wash off the mesh strainer with ease that’s made of plastic or metal.

So, ensure to create a perfect solution by adding adequate amounts of baking soda into warm water. Afterward, it’s necessary to dip the strainer into the liquids for a couple of hours or so.

When the waiting period is done, get your hands on a clean brush to utilize it gently on your mesh strainer. If you do it correctly, you’ll notice that there is no more stubborn dirt. Easy-peasy, eh?

Method-4: Bleaching

Like the baking soda method, you’re going to mix up bleach with warm water to reduce dirt or such thing from your strainer. The water you’re using should be hot enough so that you can remove stains or marks effortlessly.

Soaking the strainer into the liquid for a couple of minutes will be a wise idea, and there is no need to wait for too long. And using a piece of toothbrush is required to take out every little dirt with ease.

Method-5: Hard-Brushing

Keep in mind, this method isn’t for everyone. If you’re using a mesh strainer made of plastic instead of metal, don’t make a decision to try this one.

Well, first off, you’ll need to heat the mesh strainer up safely over a stove for at least 3 minutes. Be sure to carry the stuff with the assistance of a kitchen glove. Thus, you can keep your hands out of accidental burning.

After heating up the strainer, get a toothbrush or such thing to clean effectively. The chance of making your mesh strainer clean and tidy is very high if you apply this technique. But again, this particular method isn’t compatible with plastic models since you’ll have to work with fire.

Important Tips to Keep Your Strainer Tidy

Here, I’m giving you some essential tips that you should follow to keep your mesh strainer clean and out of the dirt. These are as follows:

  • Don’t forget to wash the strainer with water after each use
  • Ensure to clean up the stuff every week with alcohol or baking soda in order to get rid of tough-to-remove marks
  • My personal pick is always a strainer manufactured with premium-quality metal because plastic models won’t last for a longer period

Difference Between a Strainer and Sieve (Sifter)

As for cooking, a piece of strainer and sieve aren’t the same tool. But we, sometimes, use these words interchangeably.

Talking about a sieve, it’s used to aerate, separate, and break some particles up in dry ingredients.

A mesh strainer, on the flip side, plays a significant role in separating, purifying, and filtering liquid food items from solids.

Should I’ve to Get Both Sieve and Strainer?

A strainer is, hands down, one of the most necessary pieces of kitchen equipment since the mesh it comes with can work like a sieve and strainer at the same time. But when it comes down to the sifter, it’s only required if you’re involved in baking tasks.

So, in my opinion, a mesh strainer itself can do it all. However, it’s not a bad decision to get both.

Wrapping Up!

For your convenience, I’ve made the cleaning task a cinch through the writing on how to clean mesh strainer.

Since there are a number of methods to choose from, nobody can stop you from keeping your mesh strainer always tidy and dirt-free. Stay good and try to maintain every single kitchen utensil in the best way possible!

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