How to Clean an Insulated Tumbler (and Keep the Print Looking New)
A tumbler that smells like last week's coffee doesn't get used. Five minutes a week keeps it fresh for years.
Before anything else, read the care instructions that came with the cup. Makers know their own finishes and lids best. The steps below are the safe, general approach that works for most stainless steel tumblers.
Every day: rinse and air-dry
- Rinse the tumbler, lid and straw with warm water when you finish your drink, especially after coffee, milk or anything sweet.
- Wash with a drop of dish soap and a soft sponge or bottle brush.
- Let every piece air-dry apart, with the lid off. Trapped moisture is what causes odors.
Once a week: the deep clean
- Take the lid apart. Most lids have a silicone gasket (the rubber ring) that pulls out. Gently lift it out with your fingers or a blunt utensil. This is where the smell hides.
- Soak the lid parts in warm water with dish soap and a spoonful of baking soda for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Brush the straw with a thin straw brush. If it didn't come with one, they're cheap and worth having.
- Scrub the inside of the cup with a bottle brush and a baking soda paste.
- Rinse everything well, dry it fully, and put the gasket back in before the lid.
Odor fix: fill the cup with warm water and a splash of white vinegar, let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash and rinse well. Don't leave vinegar sitting for days.
What to avoid
- Bleach and chlorine cleaners on stainless steel. They can damage it.
- Steel wool and scouring pads, which scratch the inside and the outer finish.
- The microwave, ever, for any metal tumbler.
- Freezing an insulated tumbler full of liquid, which can damage the walls.
Protecting a holiday print
Printed, glitter and character finishes look best for longest when you wash the outside by hand with a soft cloth. Even when a cup is labeled dishwasher safe, the heat and detergent can dull a design over time. If you're giving a printed tumbler, tuck a small note in the box: "Hand-wash to keep it pretty."
Insulated tumblers
Hydrapeak Limited Edition Gingerbread Man Christmas Tumbler
Ceramic mugs
Most plain ceramic mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe, but mugs with metallic trim, decals, 3D shapes or added parts often are not. Check the bottom of the mug or the box. Metallic paint and microwaves don't mix.
Questions people ask
Can I put my insulated tumbler in the dishwasher?
Only if the maker says so. Many stainless tumblers are labeled top-rack safe, but heat and harsh detergent can fade printed, glitter and painted finishes. Hand-washing is the safe choice for holiday prints.
How do I get coffee stains out of a stainless tumbler?
Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, scrub the inside with a soft bottle brush, then rinse well. For stubborn stains, let the paste sit for 15 minutes first.
Can I microwave a stainless steel tumbler?
No. Never put stainless steel or any metal tumbler in the microwave.