Quinoa cooks faster than rice, but it needs to be washed/rinsed thoroughly beforehand to remove the saponin soap like coating.
BTW, with washing do you mean in a similar way to rinsing rice a few times?
It's easiest with a very fine stainless steel sieve or strainer, like this: http://files.meilleurduchef.com/mdc/photo/product/mfr/fine-m...
Alternatively, a large jar or bowl with enough headroom to fill with extra water that can be poured off and drained.