296694 Mon Apr 05 15:21:38 -0700 2004 2 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1635067 I don't have a dishwasher. How do I clean strainers most effectively? Last night I thawed some frozen broccoli using a strainer and little bits of broccoli are still stuck in the strainer. Running water won't take them all out. It's a fairly big strainer with very small holes (like netting) so unless I sit there poking each one out with a toothpick I still have stuff in there. Any ideas? Mon Apr 05 15:21:38 -0700 2004 0 Chowderhead 1 1635069 Let the broccoli bits dry overnight, then run your hand over the mesh a few times. That should loosen them enough so you can shake them out. Then wash as you normally would (that is, hot soapy water). Mon Apr 05 15:29:43 -0700 2004 1635067 0 ricepad 2 1635073 I wash dishes often with a relatively stiff brush with a 6-inch or so handle. (Great when I'm using hot, hot water and don't wanna stick my hands in.) What I do is scrub the strainer under the running faucet or while submerged in water. Usually works. Mon Apr 05 15:51:03 -0700 2004 1635069 0 xavier