Some effective ways to clean your Tea Strainer

Tea is a daily tradition in every Indian family, and the tea strainer is an unavoidable part of the brewing process. Tea strainer serves the purpose of filtering our tea. With time, they become dirty and hence should be cleaned properly.

Discolored tea strainers not only look ugly, but also cause health hazards due to the deposits. Therefore, it is advisable to clean them frequently. Regular cleaning can avoid build-up and help you maintain a hygienic strainer.

Here are some tips that can help you maintain a squeaky-clean tea strainer:

Using Dish Soap:

• • • First, rinse the tea strainer under running water to remove loose tea leaves or residue.
    • Next, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Give a gentle mix to create a soapy solution.
    • Place the tea strainer in the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes. It will help loosen up any stubborn buildup.
    • Now, using a toothbrush, gently scrub it. Give a slightly vigorous rub to get rid of any visible residue.
    • Rinse the strainer thoroughly under warm water to remove the soap or any remaining debris. Pat it dry with a clean cloth.

Using a paste of Baking Soda and Vinegar:

• • • Create a paste using baking soda and vinegar. The reaction between baking soda and vinegar dissolves any residue, and makes it easy to scrub off.
    • Apply the mixture to the stained area and leave it for an hour.
    • Later, gently scrub it with the toothbrush. Wash it thoroughly and pat it dry.

Using Baking Soda and Dish soap:

• • • Heat some water in a deep pan and add baking soda to it. Then add some dishwash liquid to it.
    • Place the tea strainer in this solution and boil it for 5-7 minutes.
    • Later, remove it and scrub it using a toothbrush. Wash it thoroughly under running water and pat it dry using a clean cloth.

Using Gas Burner:

• • • If you see a lot of deposits on the strainer, place it directly on the gas burner and light the gas for 15-20 seconds. It will burn down all the deposit. Let it cool down.
    • Now pour some dish wash on it and scrub it with a toothbrush.
    • Scrubbing will help to remove any residue left, and the strainer will be clean. Avoid placing a plastic one on the flame.

Using Alcohol:

• • • Make a solution of water and alcohol in a ratio of 1:4 and soak the strainer overnight.
    • Next morning, scrub it with the help of a brush and wash thoroughly under running water.

Cleaning a Plastic strainer:

• • • If you are using a plastic strainer, take some warm water in a bowl and add ENO to it.
    • Soak it for about an hour.
    • Now remove it and scrub it with a brush.
    • Wash it with clean water.

Some Pointers:

• • • Always wash the tea strainer immediately after use to avoid any stains/deposits.
    • Clean the strainer fortnightly using any of the above methods to avoid buildup.
    • Always use a metal strainer instead of a plastic one, as they are long-lasting, easier to clean, and safer to use.