Let’s be honest. When was the last time you properly cleaned your tumbler? We know life can be hectic and giving your tumbler a good clean could be the least of your priorities. But with this blog we hope to show you the importance of why you should be cleaning your tumbler daily. With simple methods in which can do it with ease.

What is a tumbler?

A tumbler is an insulated piece of drinkware that can be used on the go. It can come as a mug or cup in a range of sizes from 170ml to 852ml (6oz to 30oz). The materials it can be made from are glass, stainless steel, and plastic. But stainless steel is the most popular as it allows you to keep your liquid at a temperature you desire! 

Importance of cleaning your tumbler?

Having a reusable tumbler is great but at some point, you will have to clean it to maintain good hygiene (like most things in life). The Joint Chiropractor recommend cleaning your tumbler at the end of each day to avoid the unwanted symptoms of bacteria like E-coli and more.

But don’t worry! Below I have provided methods on how to clean your tumbler to maintain its fresh out the box look. With additional knowledge on why mould does grow in your tumbler and what you can do to prevent it from occurring.

What causes mould to grow?

According to the Healthline, mould thrives in areas that are dark and moist. So places like the lid on your tumbler with a removeable seal (that you have probably never removed to see the light of day) is a prime spot for mould to grow. Therefore, if this seal is never removed when cleaning, moisture will build up, leading to unwanted mould spots developing in your tumbler.

Before you start to panic, if you’re not experiencing any symptoms like: lung irritation, skin rash or wheezing (see Healthline for more info). Simply follow the method below so you can prevent mould from growing or remove it completely. But if you are experiencing the above symptoms, please contact your doctor urgently.

How to clean your tumbler?

Now you know how important it is to clean your tumbler for healthy hydration. Here is a method on how to keep your tumbler squeaky clean.

1. First take apart the lid from the tumbler. Then remove the seal on the lid so that every part of the tumbler can be exposed to the water and soap. This is important to get into every corner of the tumbler.
2. Rinse all the parts to get any noticeable gunk off the tumbler. So, you can get into the any areas where dirt might not be as noticeable.
3. Use a bottle cleaning brush to scrub your tumbler and lid. Add water and antibacterial dish soap to wash your tumbler and lid thoroughly – to make your tumbler as good as new!
4. Now rinse all parts of the tumbler thoroughly to get all the soap off to make it safe to add drinkable liquids.
5. To use the tumbler immediately, use paper towels or a clean kitchen rag to completely dry the tumbler. But for later use, you can leave the tumbler on the washing rack to dry until its ready to be used.
6. Make sure the tumbler is dried completely before it is used. Otherwise, a wet/moist tumbler could lead to bacteria growth.

How to deep clean your tumbler if needed?

A simple wash is sometimes not enough to clean your tumbler. Especially when you’ve had a drink that smells particularly strong or stains like coffee – left in your tumbler for a couple of days. Fortunately, we have 3 simple methods on how you can deep clean your tumbler to rid any smells or stains.

Method 1 – Vinegar and Baking soda

1. Remove the lid from the tumbler.
2. Add one tablespoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of vinegar to the bottom of the tumbler
3. As the mixture begins to bubble, set the tumbler aside for 5 minutes until the bubbling seizes.
4. When the bubbling has stopped, place the lid on tumbler and shake it (for 15-30 seconds) to make sure the cleaning solution covers the inside entirely.
5. Now pour out the cleaning solution and rinse all the parts of the tumbler thoroughly.
6. Once it has been rinsed. Get your bottle cleaning brush and wash all the parts of the tumbler with antibacterial dish soap and water (follow the steps in the section above). This will leave you with a fresh smelling tumbler!
7. For immediate use, dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen rag until completely dry. Or leave on the wash rack to dry until its ready for use.
8. Make sure the tumbler is dried completely before it is used. Otherwise, a wet/moist tumbler could lead to bacteria growth.

Method 2 – Hydrogen Peroxide

1. Remove the lid from the tumbler.
2. Get your bottle cleaning brush and wash all the parts of the tumbler with antibacterial dish soap and water (follow the steps in the section above).
3. After you have washed it with soap and water. Add a ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide into the tumbler and close it with the lid.
4. Now shake it vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds and pour out the hydrogen peroxide into the sink.
5. Rinse the tumbler thoroughly with water, to completely get rid of any hydrogen peroxide that might be left in the tumbler.
6. For immediate use, dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen rag until completely dry. Or leave on the wash rack to dry until its ready for use.
7. Make sure the tumbler is dried completely before it is used. Otherwise, a wet/moist tumbler could lead to bacteria growth.

Method 3 – Water Cleaning Tablets

1. Remove the lid from the tumbler.
2. Fill your tumbler with water (about halfway).
3. Add a tablet into the water and set it aside for around 20-30 minutes (but do have a look at the instructions on the package).
4. Next rinse the tumbler with clean water to get rid of any tablet residue, that may be left inside.
5. For immediate use, dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen rag until completely dry. Or leave on the wash rack to dry until its ready for use.
6. Make sure the tumbler is dried completely before it is used. Otherwise, a wet/moist tumbler could lead to bacteria growth.

How to clean your lids?

Tumbler lids can be quite difficult to clean due to their intricate shape. This make is it easier for bacteria and dirt to stay in places which are to get to. But fortunately for you we have a simple method in which you can clean your lids with ease.

1. Fill up a bowl with warm water with antibacterial dish soap added into it.
2. Let the lid soak in the bowl for around 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Now with a small enough brush, scrub the lid to get any gunk and dirt off.
4. Dry the lid with a paper towel or clean kitchen rag for immediate use. Or leave to dry on washing rack until it is fully dry.

How to clean your straws?

Straws can be a real pain – due to their narrow shape. Making it quite difficult to get rid of bacteria. But not to worry! Here is a simple method to get your straw – as good as new.

1. Fill up a bowl with warm water and add antibacterial dish soap into it.
2. Fully submerge the straw into the bowl in order to get the liquid running through the straw.
3. Then use a straw brush to scrub inside and remove all dirt from within.

If your bowl is too small to begin with.

1. Go to your sink.
2. Apply antibacterial dish soap to your straw.
3. Allow water to pass through the straw.
4. Then use a straw brush to scrub inside the straw as the water passes to rid any bacteria.

How to clean oxidation spots?

Oxidation can appear on your stainless steel overtime which is completely normal. Thankfully with Hydronairs quality stainless steel tumblers – oxidation spots are easy to remove with the method we have provided below.

1. Remove the lid from the tumbler.
2. Add 2 teaspoon of baking soda and a ¼ cup of vinegar to the bottom of the tumbler.
3. As the mixture begins to bubble, set the tumbler aside for 5 minutes until the bubbling seizes.
4. When the bubbling has stopped. Place the lid onto the tumbler and shake it carefully (for 25-30 seconds) to make sure the cleaning solution covers the inside entirely.
5. Now pour out the cleaning solution. If spots are still present use a bottle cleaning brush with 2 teaspoons of baking soda and water - to then scrub the tumbler vigorously until the spots disappear.
6. Rinse the tumbler thoroughly.
7. Once it has been rinsed. Get your bottle cleaning brush and wash all the parts of the tumbler with antibacterial dish soap and water (follow the steps in the section above). This will leave you with a fresh smelling tumbler!
8. For immediate use, dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen rag until completely dry. Or leave on the wash rack to dry until its ready for use.
9. Make sure the tumbler is dried completely before it is used. Otherwise, a wet/moist tumbler could lead to bacteria growth.

What not to do when cleaning your Tumbler?

Now that we have given you the best methods in which you can clean your tumbler. Lets see some methods of cleaning you should avoid to not destroy your tumbler.

1. Don’t use bleach. Bleach is too strong for stainless steel tumblers as it contains an oxidizing agent which breaks down chromium oxide in your tumblers (chromium oxide is what makes your tumbler stainless). If bleach is used, overtime a chemical reaction will occur causing rust to develop in your tumbler.
2. Don’t use a metal brush or steel wool. Using harsh metals will do harm to your tumbler instead of good. When used it can cause scratches in your tumbler – where stains and drink residue will gather. Resulting in the contaminants embedding themselves into the tumbler making it near impossible to clean.
3. Don’t not microwave your tumbler. Hydronair's tumblers or travel cups are made from stainless steel which will reflect microwaves back to your microwave. Damaging your appliance. So it is best to completely avoid placing your tumbler in the microwave.

 Conclusion: 

In conclusion, keeping your tumbler or travel cup clean is essential not only for maintaining its appearance but also for safeguarding your health. With proper daily cleaning and occasional deep cleans, you can prevent harmful bacteria, mould, and unpleasant odours from taking over your drinkware. The methods we’ve outlined are simple and effective, ensuring your tumbler remains fresh and hygienic with minimal effort. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way toward enjoying safe, refreshing drinks every day. So, take a few minutes to clean your tumbler regularly it’s a small habit with big benefits!