What is the best way of cleaning a mesh/wire colander/strainer?

Question

We have always had problems getting all the food particles out of the mesh. We used it to clean mushrooms and there are still particles in the mesh/wire. Is there a better way of cleaning them other than soap and water?

Answer 1

My daughter had this problem too.  First you  leave the mesh basket in hot soapy water - then slice a lemon in quarters and srub the mesh inside and out with the lemon quarters.

  Put it back in hot water and baking soda, let it soak for about 15 minutes then  take it out and brush it clean with an old tooth brush,

It worked well for us.

Answer 2

Seriously... get rid of it. The only way to clean it is to put it in a sink full of deep, warm soapy water, and scrub on both sides with a dish brush. And even that doesn't work too well. Get a "normal" colander. Even a plastic one is better than what you have. I know -- I used to have a mesh one. If you have a dishwasher, consider a colander that will fit in the dishwasher.

Answer 3

I usually fill up the sink with hot soapy water and plunge the colander in and out several times both right side up and bottom side up.

Answer 4

Use a nail brush dedicated for food use only.

Answer 5

put it in the dishwasher

Answer 6

if it's an old looking one, get a new one.try using the garden hose to use pressure to get rid of tiny particles