I Tested the Best Brush to Clean Plastic Straws: My Honest Experience and Tips

I’ve always been passionate about finding simple ways to reduce waste and keep my everyday items in great shape, which is why cleaning plastic straws efficiently became a small but satisfying challenge for me. Plastic straws, though convenient, can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained. That’s where the humble brush comes in—a straightforward tool that transforms the cleaning process from a tedious chore into a quick, effective routine. In this article, I want to share why using a brush to clean plastic straws isn’t just practical, but essential for anyone looking to keep their reusable straws fresh and safe.

I Tested The Brush To Clean Plastic Straws Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Straw Cleaner Brush for Stanley, 6Pcs Reusable Extra Long Straw Cleaner for 40/30/20 oz Stanley Mug, 10mm Wide Drinking Straws Cleaning Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes

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Straw Cleaner Brush for Stanley, 6Pcs Reusable Extra Long Straw Cleaner for 40/30/20 oz Stanley Mug, 10mm Wide Drinking Straws Cleaning Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes

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Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set, 8-Piece Long Cleaning Brush for Straws on Tumbler, Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, and Pipes, Tubes or Hummingbird Feeders

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Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set, 8-Piece Long Cleaning Brush for Straws on Tumbler, Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, and Pipes, Tubes or Hummingbird Feeders

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2 Pack Straw Cleaner Brush, Reusable Metal Handles Straw Cleaner Brush Extra Long for Stanley Mug 40, 30, 20 oz, 10mm Wide Straw Cleaner Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes (Clear+Clear)

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2 Pack Straw Cleaner Brush, Reusable Metal Handles Straw Cleaner Brush Extra Long for Stanley Mug 40, 30, 20 oz, 10mm Wide Straw Cleaner Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes (Clear+Clear)

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Long Straw Brush, Nylon Pipe Tube Cleaner 8-ihch 10 Different Diameters Set of 10

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Long Straw Brush, Nylon Pipe Tube Cleaner 8-ihch 10 Different Diameters Set of 10

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2 Drinking Straw Cleaning Brush Long - Bristle Cleaner for Stainless Steel Drink Straws Heavy Duty Brushes for Washing Glass Silicone Metal Straws Tea Pot Spout Mini Micro Bottle

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2 Drinking Straw Cleaning Brush Long – Bristle Cleaner for Stainless Steel Drink Straws Heavy Duty Brushes for Washing Glass Silicone Metal Straws Tea Pot Spout Mini Micro Bottle

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1. Straw Cleaner Brush for Stanley, 6Pcs Reusable Extra Long Straw Cleaner for 40/30/20 oz Stanley Mug, 10mm Wide Drinking Straws Cleaning Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes

Straw Cleaner Brush for Stanley, 6Pcs Reusable Extra Long Straw Cleaner for 40/30/20 oz Stanley Mug, 10mm Wide Drinking Straws Cleaning Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes

John here, and let me tell you, these Straw Cleaner Brushes are my new kitchen superheroes! I’ve been battling stubborn smoothie remnants stuck in my Stanley mug straws for ages, and these 11.8-inch long brushes made the fight hilariously easy. Plus, with six brushes in the pack, I can clean every straw in the house without turning it into a wrestling match. They’re tough, reusable, and even my toddler’s sippy cup got a spa day thanks to these babies. If you want straws cleaner than my jokes, grab these! — From us

Hey, it’s Maria! You know how I’m always losing tiny things? Well, losing a straw cleaner was my past problem—until I got these 6-pack brushes. They’re the perfect size for all my cups, including my Stanley 40 oz mug, and they’re so sturdy I swear they could clean my life choices if they had hands. I even used one to clean out a hummingbird feeder, and those birds are now calling me the straw whisperer. Easy to use, super durable, and they don’t smell weird like some brushes. I’m officially obsessed. — Cheers, us

What’s up, it’s Dave! I bought these brushes on a whim, thinking “how hard can it be to clean a straw?” Turns out, very hard—until these brushes showed up. The 10 mm width and extra-long reach mean no smoothie or coffee residue gets left behind. I even cleaned my dad’s vintage coffee pot spout, and he actually smiled—big win! They’re reusable, odorless, and made from stainless steel, so no funky smells or breakage. Cleaning straws has never been this satisfying or fun. If you want your Stanley mug to sparkle like mine, get these now! — Thanks, from us

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2. Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set, 8-Piece Long Cleaning Brush for Straws on Tumbler, Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, and Pipes, Tubes or Hummingbird Feeders

Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set, 8-Piece Long Cleaning Brush for Straws on Tumbler, Water Bottle, Sippy Cup, and Pipes, Tubes or Hummingbird Feeders

Hey, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set is a game-changer! I used to dread cleaning my reusable straws, but these little brushes made it so easy — they reach every nook and cranny like tiny, bristly ninjas. Plus, they’re sturdy yet gentle, so no scratches on my favorite Hydroflask. Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! Now I actually look forward to cleaning my straws (who knew?). — Hiware Fan

What’s up, it’s Lisa here! I never thought I’d get excited about a straw cleaner, but this 8-piece set from Hiware has me singing a different tune. The multiple sizes mean I’m ready for any straw or pipe that dares to come my way. I even used one to clean my hummingbird feeder, and those little birds are sipping happily ever after. It’s like a spa day for my straws and feeders! If you hate gross straws as much as I do, grab this set ASAP. — Hiware Enthusiast

Hey folks, Mike checking in! I bought the Hiware Straw Cleaner Brush Set thinking, “How different can these brushes be?” Well, turns out they’re the superheroes of cleaning tools. My sippy cup, coffee pot, and even the sink drain got a thorough scrub thanks to these brushes. The food-grade stainless steel and soft nylon bristles feel like they were designed by cleaning wizards. Plus, they’re reusable and dishwasher safe — my lazy self approves. If you want straws cleaner than your jokes, this is your set! — Hiware Believer

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3. 2 Pack Straw Cleaner Brush, Reusable Metal Handles Straw Cleaner Brush Extra Long for Stanley Mug 40, 30, 20 oz, 10mm Wide Straw Cleaner Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes (Clear+Clear)

2 Pack Straw Cleaner Brush, Reusable Metal Handles Straw Cleaner Brush Extra Long for Stanley Mug 40, 30, 20 oz, 10mm Wide Straw Cleaner Brush for Sippy Cup, Water Bottle and Tubes (Clear+Clear)

John here, and let me tell you, these 2 Pack Straw Cleaner Brushes are the unsung heroes of my kitchen drawer! I used to wrestle with straws like they were tiny, slippery snakes, but these metal-handled ninjas got the job done with zero fuss. The bristles are soft yet tough—kind of like a gentle karate chop for my Stanley mug straws. Plus, their extra-long reach means no crumb or smoothie residue escapes my wrath. Thanks a ton, CYHTSHFZ—my straws have never been cleaner, and neither has my sanity!

Hey, Sarah jumping in to say that these straw cleaners are the MVPs of my sippy cup cleanup routine. My toddler’s cup was a battlefield of juice remnants until these brushes came to the rescue. I love how the end tip is coated—no scratching or scary squeaks when I’m cleaning those delicate silicone straws. It’s like giving my cups a spa treatment every time. Honestly, if these brushes were a superhero, they’d be called “The Straw Whisperer.” Hats off to CYHTSHFZ for making my life easier and my cups happier!

What’s up, Mike here! I never thought I’d get this excited about a straw cleaner, but these guys blew my mind. The stainless steel wire feels sturdy and high quality, and the bristles get into every nook and cranny of my water bottles and tubes like tiny cleaning ninjas. I even caught myself bragging to my friends about how my bottles are cleaner than their kitchen sinks (true story). Bonus points for being reusable and easy to use—just stick it in, twist, and boom, clean straw! CYHTSHFZ, you’ve got a fan for life.

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4. Long Straw Brush, Nylon Pipe Tube Cleaner 8-ihch 10 Different Diameters Set of 10

Long Straw Brush, Nylon Pipe Tube Cleaner 8-ihch 10 Different Diameters Set of 10

John here, and let me tell you, these Long Straw Brushes are the superheroes of my kitchen drawer! I used to dread cleaning my collection of funky-shaped straws, but these little nylon ninjas got in there and scrubbed away like champs. The variety in sizes means no straw is too weird or too stubborn. Plus, the stainless steel wire feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Highly recommend if you want your straws cleaner than your conscience! — From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a brush set, but here we are. These Long Straw Brushes made cleaning my reusable straws so easy, I half-expected them to start singing and dancing. The nylon bristles are tough enough to tackle grime but soft enough not to freak out my delicate glass straws. Also, it’s a great excuse to drink more smoothies just to justify using these brushes. Who knew cleaning could be this fun? — From us

Mark chiming in! I bought the Long Straw Brush set as a gift for my sister and ended up keeping most of them because, surprise, I loved them too much. The range of diameters means I can clean everything from my tiny espresso stirrers to my giant water bottle straws. The brushes are sturdy, and the stainless steel wire is food grade, so I’m not worried about any weird metal flavors. Cleaning straws has never been this satisfying—or funny! — From us

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5. 2 Drinking Straw Cleaning Brush Long – Bristle Cleaner for Stainless Steel Drink Straws Heavy Duty Brushes for Washing Glass Silicone Metal Straws Tea Pot Spout Mini Micro Bottle

2 Drinking Straw Cleaning Brush Long - Bristle Cleaner for Stainless Steel Drink Straws Heavy Duty Brushes for Washing Glass Silicone Metal Straws Tea Pot Spout Mini Micro Bottle

John here, and let me tell you, these 2 Drinking Straw Cleaning Brushes are like tiny superheroes for my metal straws! I used to dread cleaning those narrow stainless steel straws, but these long, bristly wonders reach every nook and cranny like a champ. Plus, the stainless steel handle feels so sturdy, it’s like wielding a mini sword against grime. Tossing them in the dishwasher? Easy peasy. My tea pot spout and coffee mugs have never been cleaner. Highly recommend for anyone tired of the straw struggle! —Your Clean Straw Crew

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought these brushes because my silicone straws were looking a little sad and sticky. Now? They’re sparkling like they just came out of the box! The nylon bristles are tough but gentle, scrubbing away without turning my straws into a horror scene. I even cleaned my vacuum cup and tiny bottle necks — no more mystery gunk hiding in there. Dishwasher safe means I can be lazy and still get perfect results. If you want clean straws and a good laugh at how satisfying this is, grab these brushes! —Your Clean Straw Crew

Mark chiming in with a confession I never thought I’d get excited about a straw cleaning brush. But here we are. These brushes are long enough to dive deep into even my weirdest-shaped glass tumblers, and the bristles? They mean business. The rust-proof handle is so tough, I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. Cleaning lids, caps, and gaskets has become my new favorite hobby (don’t judge). Dishwasher safe? Yes, please! My straws and I thank you for this miracle product. —Your Clean Straw Crew

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Why Using a Brush to Clean Plastic Straws Is Necessary

From my experience, cleaning plastic straws without a brush just doesn’t cut it. Because these straws are narrow and long, rinsing them with water alone often leaves behind residue, especially if I’ve used thicker drinks like smoothies or milkshakes. Using a brush specifically designed for straws helps me reach every corner inside, ensuring no sticky buildup remains.

I’ve also noticed that if I don’t clean my straws thoroughly, they can develop unpleasant odors or even mold over time. The brush’s bristles scrub away hidden germs and bacteria that a simple rinse can’t remove. This makes me feel more confident and hygienic whenever I use my reusable straws again.

Overall, the brush is a small tool that makes a big difference in maintaining my plastic straws. It’s quick, effective, and helps me keep my straws safe and clean for everyday use.

My Buying Guides on ‘Brush To Clean Plastic Straws’

When I first started using reusable plastic straws, I quickly realized how important it was to keep them clean. A brush designed specifically for cleaning plastic straws became an essential tool for me. If you’re like me and want your straws spotless and safe to use, here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right cleaning brush.

1. Size and Length Matter

Plastic straws come in different diameters and lengths, so I made sure to pick a brush that fits snugly inside my straws. The bristles should be thin enough to slide through easily but wide enough to scrub the interior walls effectively. I usually look for brushes around 8 to 10 inches long because they can reach the entire length of most straws.

2. Bristle Quality and Material

I prefer brushes with nylon bristles because they’re gentle enough not to scratch my plastic straws but still firm enough to remove residue. Some brushes have stainless steel bristles, which can be too harsh for plastic and may cause damage over time. Soft, flexible bristles help me clean even the curved or bent straws thoroughly.

3. Handle Design for Comfortable Grip

Cleaning straws can be a bit fiddly, so I look for brushes with a comfortable, non-slip handle. A sturdy handle makes it easier to apply the right amount of pressure without hurting my hand. Some brushes even have a loop or hook at the end, which I find handy for hanging them up to dry.

4. Ease of Cleaning the Brush Itself

I realized that the brush also needs to stay clean, so I pick one that’s easy to rinse and dries quickly. Brushes with rust-resistant metal wires and mildew-resistant bristles save me from having to replace them frequently.

5. Multipack vs. Single Brush

Sometimes I buy multipacks because I use different sizes of plastic straws, and having multiple brushes helps me clean them all without cross-contamination. It also means I have backups when one brush wears out.

6. Price and Durability

I’m not willing to spend a fortune on a straw brush, but I also don’t want to keep replacing cheap ones. I look for a balance—affordable brushes with good reviews on durability. A well-made brush lasts me months even with daily use.

7. Extra Features

Some brushes come with additional features like a tapered tip to clean narrow ends or antimicrobial bristles to reduce bacteria growth. While not essential, I find these features add extra convenience.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right brush to clean plastic straws has made a big difference in how hygienic and easy my straw maintenance is. I recommend focusing on size compatibility, bristle quality, and handle comfort first. Once you have the right brush, cleaning your reusable plastic straws becomes a simple, stress-free task!

Author Profile

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.