...and it generally lives on my side table. I drink water from it constantly. It has a lovely little straw that sticks out of the top...
Naturally, from time to time I need to clean my mug. That's easy enough. But cleaning the straw is more of a challenge. How does one clean a straw like this? (Seriously, I'm asking. What do you all do that I'm missing?)
Last week I had an idea.
I took some 18-gauge wire I had on hand (for various other projects). I cut it longer than the straw length. And I coiled both ends...
(Apologies. This was the best picture I could get of the ends. And, my wire technique needs practice--a lot of practice.)
Then, I took some cotton yarn (kitchen cotton they call it, the kind that's perfect for washcloths), and I crocheted a row...
...that was a bit longer than the straw. (I did one row of chain, and then alternated single and double crochets until the end where I did about an inch's worth of single crochets.) A strand of yarn at the end easily slid over the coil...
...and I had the perfect little thing to wipe out the inside of the straw...
And here's a much better photo of the coil...
These are the sorts of things I think about when I have an odd moment here or there. I don't generally get them complete this quickly, but I had all the materials on hand, and it didn't take very long at all.
Now, if only I could get one of my other projects to completion...
Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI went to a professional conference last week and got some swag -- reusable metal straws and two brushes to clean them.
I saw those brushes someplace. It's what caused me to think of this.
DeleteVery clever of you to come up with that idea!! Came out great too!
ReplyDeletebetty
Well done ... clever solution ... I was going to say pipe cleaner ... which in fact I bought for something similar - not a straw though ... similar size though. Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeletePS Songbird's Crazy World's swag sounds interesting ...
Clever! Something new you can sell.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had that kind of mind. We've got these kinds of glasses and straws too, and I just run the tap through the straw, which I'm sure doesn't clean it. You should patent these!
ReplyDeleteHa, a straw cleaner. Smart. I'd be so worried about it ripping through. Then you'd have a straw filled with yarn :P
ReplyDeleteThat's a smart idea. After a while, I just end up chucking the straws.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cool straw! And your idea was awesome!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! (And you know what it means when people start saying "such a great idea...."
ReplyDeleteI have some concept of it ;)
DeleteThe saying "need is the mother of invention" perfectly applies here. I like that you have ideas and then are able to implement them.
ReplyDeleteCreative response. I would have said pipe cleaners which I'm sure are going to make a comeback and shift from craft aisle to celaning aisle again...
ReplyDeleteHa Ha you are a genius! Of course you have the perfect solution! Here in Asia we are banning plastic straws left right and centre because of the environment, and the trendy's carry their own straw and brush in their handbag! All the new bamboo straws come with a little brush I like your brush better! Your straw is pretty fab too :)
ReplyDeleteWren x
Wren x
Oooh, I want a bamboo straw...
DeleteI just stick mine (steel, glass and silicone) in the dishwasher, seems to work fine!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a plan. Alas, I don't have a dishwasher currently.
DeleteClever! I've always avoided reusable straws for this very reason.
ReplyDeleteYeah, they can get icky inside.
DeleteThat's an awesome idea. I used to have a filtered water bottle with a straw that I drank out of, but had no idea how to clean the straw. It broke, but if I ever get another, I'll have to remember this.
ReplyDeleteIt's an easy solution.
Deleteexcellent idea! I think you have a new sales item. I was thinking pipe cleaners
ReplyDeletePipe cleaners are the perfect solution.
DeleteHAHA....well if it works then have at it! I don't have a twistie straw like that, mine is straight so its not that hard to clean. Or better yet, lets say I think it is getting cleaned.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't twist at all. Just a straight up straw.
DeleteI have one of those huge gas station mugs that also had a straw attachment. About once a week (probably should have been more) I would toss it in the sink with water and bleach and let it soak for an hour. Then running hot water through it took care of it.
ReplyDeleteBleach... Yeah, that ought to do it.
Delete