What is the best method to clean a strainer or collander?

Question

I've tried a thousand ways, but it never seems to be perfectly clean, especially when I strain pasta.....help!

Answer 1

Scrub it with a brush after soaking it in soapy water. If for some reason it's really grungy, spray it with oven cleaner, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, then scrub clean. Or wash it in a dishwasher if you have one. For the future, always spray your colander with cooking spray (such as Pam) before you drain pasta. The strainer will be much easier to clean.

Answer 2

If you have a dishwasher, try to swipe it out with a scubby pad when stuff is still fresh. Even if you don't have a dishwasher, time is crucial. I hate cleaning caked on colanders. Even the dishwasher doesn't get those clean on the first try. My only advice is to clean it right after you use it.

Answer 3

I'll sometimes soak mine over night in the sink, in the hottest water setting that my faucet can provide. Then wash with soapy water and a sponge in the morning?