So you've made the switch to reusable glass straws. Good call. But now you're staring at a straw that's been through a mango smoothie and wondering: how exactly do I clean this thing?
Don't stress. Cleaning glass straws is genuinely easy, and once you've got the routine down, it takes no time at all. Here's everything you need to know.
Why cleaning your glass straw actually matters
Glass straws are non-porous, which means they don't absorb flavours, odours, or bacteria the way plastic, paper or silicone can. That's one of the many reasons we love them. But "non-porous" doesn't mean "self-cleaning". Residue from smoothies, juices, and milky drinks can still build up inside the tube if you leave it too long.
The good news: a quick rinse right after use does most of the heavy lifting.
What you'll need
- A straw cleaning brush (the thin, flexible kind. All Sucker sets include one)
- Warm water
- A drop of dish soap
FYI, our Travel Glass Combo Straw Set also includes a brush cleaner.
The quick clean (for everyday use)
This is your go-to after every use:
- Rinse immediately. Run warm water through the straw as soon as you're done. This stops residue from drying inside — especially important after smoothies or anything thick.
- Run the brush through. A few passes with your straw brush and a drop of dish soap is all it takes. Work from both ends.
- Rinse again. Make sure no soap is left inside.
- Air dry. Stand it upright or lay it on a clean cloth. Done.
That's it. Seriously. The whole thing takes less time than it took you to read this paragraph.
Can you put glass straws in the dishwasher?
Absolutely! Our borosilicate glass straws are dishwasher safe. Pop them in the cutlery basket or a mesh bag to stop them rolling around. Top rack is fine.
We have been using dishwasher only with our glass straws for years, and they've always been safe (no breakages) and clean as a whistle.
Who wants to deal with the admin of hand-washing, anyway?!
The deep clean (never really needed!)
If you've used your glass straw and left it hiding under your pillow somehow, and you've found it weeks later.... (no judgement) - a deeper clean will help get things fresh again:
- Soak the straw in warm water with a splash of white vinegar for 10–15 minutes.
- Run the brush through thoroughly.
- Rinse well and air dry.
This is especially handy after anything with milk, protein powder, or pulpy juice.
How often should you clean your glass straw?
Simple rule: rinse after every use, brush after anything thicker than water.
- Water or sparkling water: A quick rinse is fine.
- Juice, iced coffee, cocktails: Rinse + dishwasher or brush.
- Smoothies, protein shakes, milkshakes: Rinse immediately, then dishwasher or brush. Don't leave it sitting.
Cleaning different straw sizes
Not all straws are created equal, and neither are their cleaning needs.
- Original drinking straws (like our Reusable Glass Drinking Straws): longer and bent, so a quick brush from each end does the job.
- Cocktail straws (like our Cocktail Glass Drinking Straws): easy to clean with a standard straw brush.
-
Smoothie straws (like our Reusable Glass Smoothie Straws): wider diameter means thicker residue can build up - rinse immediately and use a wider brush.
-
Curly straws (like our Curly Reusable Glass Straws): Kinks and turns make it harder to use the brush cleaner. Rinse immediately and whack it in the dishwasher.
When to replace your glass straw
Borosilicate glass is tough - it's the same material used in lab equipment and quality cookware. But glass is still glass, so inspect yours occasionally:
- Any chips or cracks? Retire it. Don't risk it near your mouth.
- Cloudy or discoloured inside? (never happens..) Try a vinegar soak first. If it doesn't clear up, it's time for a new one.
- Otherwise? A well-cared-for glass straw can last years.
When it is time to replace, check out our full range of glass straws — including travel sets, smoothie straws, and our fan-favourite wavy and wildflower styles.
TL;DR: The Sucker cleaning cheat sheet
- ✅ Rinse immediately after every use
- ✅ Brush with soap after anything thick
- ✅ Dishwasher safe (cutlery basket)
- ✅ Vinegar soak for a deeper clean, when needed
- ✅ Check for chips — replace if cracked
- ✅ A good straw brush is your best friend
And if you're still using plastic or paper straws while you read this... well. You know where to find us. 😏