I can’t find a nylon strainer for my kefir. What do I do?

TL;DR

If you’re unable to find a nylon strainer for your kefir, don’t fret. There are several convenient alternatives like using a mesh-type material or even a normal metal strainer temporarily. These options ensure your kefir grains grow optimally without hindrance, allowing you to start your treatment promptly.

Nylon strainer for milk kefir grains

Nylon strainers are a bit old fashioned, and although they are available online, if you want to start your treatment faster than postage will allow, you definitely have other options.

As an alternative, you can also get some mesh-type material to use as a small sack – it can actually work much better than the strainer, as you don’t have to strain at all which is more convenient. So fine mesh (sort of like lace curtains or very small fishnet stockings), but not too fine – the milk has to be able to enter and exit the material and get to the kefir grains easily. It has to have the space to grow and not be cramped.

You’ll see when your grains arrive that they are quite large, sort of like soggy popcorn, so they won’t easily fall through. Don’t mash them, ever – you want them to be big and full and fleshy. If you really can’t find any of these things, don’t worry too much – a normal metal strainer is not going to kill the bacteria too much for the duration of your treatment, until the nylon strainer arrives or you find a suitable mesh bag.

Also buying one online – locally – is usually quite cheap and faster, so when buying one, get it from your home country – delivery is usually only a few days.

The process of making your own kefir just takes a little bit of getting used to, so do a couple of practice runs before you start your treatment if you need to, just so you know what is supposed to happen once you get your kefir grains.  



Jessica Lloyd - Vulvovaginal Specialist Naturopathic Practitioner, BHSc(N)

Jessica is a degree-qualified naturopath (BHSc) specialising in vulvovaginal health and disease, based in Melbourne, Australia.

Jessica is the owner and lead naturopath of My Vagina, and is a member of the:

  • International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD)
  • International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)
  • National Vulvodynia Association (NVA) Australia
  • New Zealand Vulvovaginal Society (ANZVS)
  • Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
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