Reusable Stainless Steel Straws: What to Look for and How to Maintain Them
Reusable straws are a staple for anyone looking to reduce their plastic waste or go zero-waste altogether. If everyone switched to reusable straws today, 500,000 plastic straws would be conserved daily in the United States alone.
Some states and municipalities around the country have already moved forward with plastic straw bans such as San Fransico, Portland, Seattle, Malibu, and many others. People recognize the problems produced by using single-use plastics that are unable to be collected and recycled. Instead, they end up in landfills, burned for fuel or polluting our oceans and beaches. However, we as consumers have a large responsibility to take our own initiatives in reducing our plastic waste by buying reusable straws and other products to replace some of the conveniences we have grown accustomed to with certain single-use plastic products.
Today, there are so many different options to choose from. Let’s take reusable straws as an example. From glass and bamboo, to silicone and metal. There are many different types and it can be hard to decide which to go with. For many metal, stainless steel straws are the way to go for a variety of reasons. They are durable, non-toxic, hygienic, easy to clean, recyclable, and best of all, they will last a lifetime if properly taken care of.
Stainless steel straws still reign supreme, as they check most of the boxes consumers are looking for. They come in many different colors, sizes, shapes, and can be fitted with silicone tips for a softer feel. Stainless steel straws are affordable, dishwasher safe, eco-friendly, food-grade, lightweight, recyclable, and safe to use. Stainless steel straws also offer an aesthetic drinking experience and are often said to make drinks taste better and offer a more luxurious feel compared to other options.
Cons that some people may find about stainless steel straws are how easy they conduct heat and retain cold. People sensitive to temperatures will need to take this into consideration. Adding a silicone tip can help solve this issue. Not all metal straws are created equal. Some metal straws are made cheaply, combining different metal compounds, such as high amounts of nickel, that will promote rust and faster wear. Your forever straw is an investment so avoid cheaply made straws. Our straws are made of quality stainless steel, unlike some of the other options available that are more prone to rust and degradation.
Although stainless steel straws are super durable it is important to take care of them. Since most straws have a small diameter it is important to get yourself a straw cleaning brush for the inside, a straw cleaning brush is even more important if you have a straw with a bend. Clean with warm soapy water from both ends, one end at a time, and clean the outside of the straw with a soft sponge or cloth. Using abrasives can damage the color of the straw. Of course, stainless steel straws are dishwasher safe so once you’ve cleaned the inside you can always toss them into the dishwasher to sanitize. Avoid leaving your straw in acidic juices and soda for extended periods of time.
Take care of your stainless steel straw and it will take care of you. Each baby step you take towards reducing single-use plastics and other products can really go a long way in reducing waste. As more and more people join the effort to combat waste, climate change, and living more sustainably, we will be able to turn things around. Leaving a cleaner better world for our children and grandchildren.
