The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I Can’t Live Without

A little while back, I shared my experience with the TikTok trend, "Five things I'd never do because of my job." Many of those stories imprinted on me, especially the insider knowledge from Dr. Tracy, a microbiologist and retired professor who shared that she'd never use a water bottle for more than three days without cleaning it.

That video helped convince my husband to clean the water pitcher more often and also made me take a hard look at our family's extensive collection of bottles, jars, and reusable straws. I've had success using water bottle cleaning tablets, but I also wanted a sturdy brush that could get into the bottom of a narrow container or clear mystery gunk from a reusable straw. So when I came across Dollar Tree’s Ideal Kitchen bottle and straw brush set for just $1.25, I knew it was the answer.

Dollar Tree Ideal Kitchen Bottle & Straw Brush Set

Price: $1.25 for two brushes

Why I Love It: I use this brush set to clean water bottles, mason jars, and reuseable straws. The long bristles make it easy to reach the very bottom of narrow bottles, plus the silicone material is durable and doesn’t trap moisture or debris.

Why I Love Dollar Tree's Bottle & Straw Brush Set

The brush has durable, multi-textured bristles, plus a long, comfortable handle and grip. The first time I used the silicone brush on a particularly narrow vase, I was genuinely shocked at what I found lurking at the bottom. It reached places my dishwasher and regular sponge couldn't touch and removed gunk I didn't even know existed. Unlike traditional sponges or cloth brushes that can harbor bacteria, the easy-to-clean silicone doesn't trap moisture or debris.

Moreover, the tiny straw brush is a lifesaver for straws and flip-top cups. If you've ever tried cleaning a straw with, well, anything else, you know the struggle. Last year, on a week-long family trip to Austin, I didn't have the right tools, and my kids' water bottle straws came back with green slime despite daily cleaning—I felt terrible that I'd unknowingly let my kids drink out of them for days.

How I Use the Bottle and Straw Brush Set

While cleaning bottles and straws are the obvious use, I've used the brushes for much more. For example, I use mason jars as portable drinking glasses, smoothie containers, and storage solutions for everything from soups and stews to sauces, dressings, flavored simple syrups, home ferments, and overnight oats. Thanks to the bottle brush, I can easily scrub off any stubborn residue and pop the jars into the dishwasher to finish the job.

The tiny straw brush has also been perfect for cleaning the steam valve on my espresso maker. I've even reached for it when trying to dislodge food particles from the tiny holes in my air fryer basket, something I'd previously attacked with toothpicks and patience. The best cleaning hacks aren't always viral trends. Sometimes, they rely on the basics: a bit of elbow grease and a helpful tool. And in this case, it might be sitting on a Dollar Tree shelf, waiting to change your life.

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