Cleaning the dish drainer is quick and easy using the right methods for each material type

by Mark Bennett

January 31, 2024

Cleaning the dish drainer is quick and easy using the right methods for each material type
Advertisement

A dish drainer is a very useful utensil/tool in kitchens, obviating the need for you to dry your dishes by hand. But the drainer's continued presence in humid areas could cause limescale, mold and bacteria to develop on it.

Additionally, we often forget to routinely clean the dish drainer, with this neglect leading us to replace the item eventually.

Dish drainers are made from different materials, satisfying various needs:

  • Plastic dish drainers are convenient, adaptable and lightweight;
  • Steel dish drainers are durable, elegant and corrosion-resistant;
  • Finally, bamboo dish drainers are the most environmentally friendly, but require the most maintenance.

Each type of dish drainer has its own cleaning methods, so let's find out what these are:

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the dish drainer

Regular maintenance and cleaning of the dish drainer

MagdaWojtyra/Flickr

The first step in the correct handling of the dish drainer is its regular cleaning and maintenance:

  • After use, carefully dry your dish drainer, in order to avoid limescale and grime developing;
  • Clean your dish drainer weekly using white vinegar and baking soda. Both these products are natural and eco-friendly;
  • Consider using silicone linings or mats to protect the water-collection areas of the drainer;
  • Check the drainer regularly to detect any issues/problems in good time.

Advertisement

Troubleshooting for dish drainers

Troubleshooting for dish drainers

Tim Evanson/Flickr

What if you haven't intervened in time? Well, try these "troubleshooting" actions:

  • Mold: one of the most common problems is caused by humidity, is the growth of mold. To remove mold, you can use a solution of water and vinegar, spray this directly on the affected areas and leave to act for a few minutes before scrubbing carefully and drying thoroughly;
  • Rust: Metal dish drainers can easily develop rust stains, which are easily removed with white vinegar. Simply immerse the drainer for (no more than) 30 minutes in a solution of water and vinegar before scrubbing it carefully with a non-abrasive sponge. Dry thoroughly to prevent any residual moisture from causing the rust to reappear. If you want to prevent the rust from reappearing, you can cover your dish drainer with insulating tape to prevent it from spreading.

Thanks to these tips, your dish drainer will always be perfectly clean.

Advertisement