Save My Melamine Colander?

[birdie22]

I bought a new melamine colander. Nothing fancy, not too many holes, easier than most to clean. I bought it in red to match my other red gluten-free items...kitchen utensils, toaster, etc. Well, my mom stayed at my house this weekend to babysit the kids while DH and I were out of town and she used the colander when she made the kids kraft mac n cheese. I could scream. She's the one that bought me the red utensils!!!!!! She washed it. I rewashed it with hot soap water and scrubbed the holes with a tooth brush. Since it's not one of those mesh style can it be salvaged? It wasn't expensive but I also don't want to spend the money to replace something I've used maybe 3 times.

[psawyer]

It has been thoroughly washed and has no pinch points, so I would consider it gluten-free.

[SensitiveMe]

On the rare occasions my colander gets used for wheat macaroni/pasta I give it a good washing twice before I will use it for me. I put a considerable amount dish detergent like Ajax Triple Action (something with lemon or orange in it to dissolve away the sticky residue wheat pasta leaves behind) and rub it all over the inside and outside of the colander and let it set several minutes and give it a good rinsing with hot water.

Mine is red too. And my other utensils also. I know it is difficult to have your own things with others in the house who eat wheat. And a nuisance too when your things get used. Last week I had to spend considerable time scrubbing out my expensive toaster over. I guess I have come to accept it happens every once in a while no matter that your things may be red or how careful you or others may usually be.

[birdie22]

Thank you both! Trying to balance being cautious and being crazy LOL!

[JNBunnie1]

I have a stainless steel colander of the same description, and if it somehow got glutened I would consider it possible to save. The mesh kind, no, but the big smooth holes are pretty easy to get into. I think you're good. Of course my neurotic self would wash it like eight thousand times.... But we all know Bunnie's a nutball....

[lovegrov]

I'd use it. I think it's just easier for people with celiac to have their own colander, but they are not impossible to clean.

richard