Cleaning the Trendy Stanley Cup: Quick & Easy Disinfecting Tips

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Clean your popular reusable water bottle with this simple guide
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After going viral on sites like TikTok, the Stanley Quencher cup has become one of the most popular reusable water bottles. With its reusable straw and removable parts, it’s important to know how to thoroughly clean the Stanley to prevent mold and keep your water nice and refreshing. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the easiest cleaning process, provide popular cleaning alternatives, and teach you how to remove and prevent bacteria in your Stanley products.

Easiest Way to Clean a Stanley Cup

Take your Stanley cup apart, including all parts of the lid, and soak each piece in soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a soft-bristle brush and use a straw cleaning brush for hard-to-reach areas. Rinse and let each section dry completely before reassembling.

Section 1 of 5:

How to Clean a Stanley Cup

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  1. Remove the straw, spout protector, and any other removable parts. Unscrew the lid from the cup and remove the straw. On the inside of the lid, squeeze the part where you insert the straw to pop off the rubber piece. This makes it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas. [1]
  2. Fill a sink or basin with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap and mix until suds form. Then, submerge all of the cup’s parts and let them soak to loosen dirt and grime. [2]
    • Add a splash of white vinegar to the soapy water for extra cleaning power.
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  3. Wet a soft-bristle brush or toothbrush with the soapy water and begin scrubbing each part to remove dirt and residue. Be sure to scrub the straw and spout protector extremely well, as moisture can accumulate and cause mold and bacteria to grow in these areas. Try using a cotton swab to clean grime in hard-to-reach areas. [3]
  4. After scrubbing, rinse each piece of your Stanley under clean, warm water to remove all soap and debris. It’s important to do this step thoroughly to prevent a lingering soap taste. [4]
  5. Pat everything down with a clean, dry towel, or allow each component to air dry on a drying rack . Make sure everything is completely dry before reassembling to prevent mold and mildew. Then, gently wipe your reassembled cup with a microfiber cloth to remove any fingerprints or smudges. [5]
    • To dry your straw, position it vertically so the excess water drains out before putting it away.
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Section 2 of 5:

Can you put a Stanley in the dishwasher?

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  1. Just be sure to disassemble the cup first. It’s still a good idea to give your Stanley a quick scrub by hand before putting it in the dishwasher to make sure it gets as clean as possible. [6]
    • To keep your Stanley’s paint or finish looking its best, avoid using the dishwasher too frequently. Hand washing is best to keep it in tip-top shape.
    • Always check the bottom of your Stanley cup (or other product) to make sure it’s dishwasher-safe.
    • Place all components on the top rack of the dishwasher to avoid heat damage.
    • If necessary, scrub each piece with warm water after the dishwasher has completed its cycle.
Section 3 of 5:

How often should you clean a Stanley cup?

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  1. This may sound obvious, but the best way to prevent mold is to clean your Stanley after every use—even if you just drink water. When you’re done using your cup for the day, simply wash it with water and a bit of dish soap and let it dry overnight. Take the cup all the way apart at least once a week to deep clean all of the components, including the straw and lid. [7]
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Section 4 of 5:

Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Areas & Small Products

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  1. This method is particularly useful for hard-to-reach-inside Stanley products like thermoses and flasks. Fill your Stanley with ¼ cup (56 g) of uncooked rice and 3 oz (89 mL) of distilled white vinegar. Seal the cup and shake it vigorously for a minute, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Shake again for another 1-2 minutes, then empty it and rinse with warm water. Leave it open until it dries completely. [8]
    • If you’re cleaning a Stanley cup, be sure to disassemble the straw and lid piece and hand clean them with soap and water.
Section 5 of 5:

Removing & Preventing Mold and Bacteria

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  1. To disinfect your Stanley and remove mold, fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Spray the cup’s surface and let the product sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing with clean water. [9]
    • If necessary, repeat the process with the other product. For example, if you originally sprayed the cup with vinegar, you can then spray it again with hydrogen peroxide. Just don’t use the two products simultaneously.
    • If you notice black gunk in your Stanley, don’t panic. It’s more likely to be bacteria from your mouth than mold. While that may sound gross, it’s organic material that’s relatively harmless. Even if there is mold in your cup, it probably won’t make you sick. Just wash it out and you should be good to go.
  2. Because Stanley products are well-insulated and keep food and drink hot or cold for a long time, people sometimes think they can store food past its expiration. This is not the case, however, so always empty your cup or other Stanley products after each use and clean them thoroughly.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I remove oil and grease from my Stanley cup?
    Alessandra Mendes
    Cleaning Specialist
    Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks.
    Alessandra Mendes
    Cleaning Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To effectively remove oil and grease from your Stanley cup, begin by rinsing it with hot water. Then, apply a generous amount of soap directly into the cup and fill it with hot water. Swirl the water around to create a soapy solution, ensuring it reaches all areas inside the cup. For stubborn grease or oil residue, use a bottle brush or a long-headed sponge to scrub the interior thoroughly. Focus on areas where the grease is particularly stubborn, using firm but gentle pressure to lift the residue from the surface. Rinse the cup thoroughly with hot water to remove all soap and loose grease. Inspect the cup to ensure all traces of oil and grease are removed. If needed, repeat the process until the cup is completely clean and free from residue. Once cleaned, dry the cup thoroughly before using it again. This method effectively removes oil and grease, ensuring your Stanley cup is clean and ready for use.
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      Tips

      • Stanleys are safe to use right off the shelf, but the company recommends giving all their products a quick wash before your first use to remove the newly manufactured smell. [10]
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      • These cleaning tips also work with other Stanley products, not just the viral Quencher cup!
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      Warnings

      • Do not clean your Stanley with harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine, as these could degrade the sealing parts on many products.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about cleaning, check out our in-depth interview with Alessandra Mendes .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.bestproducts.com/lifestyle/a46625365/how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup/#how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup
      2. ↑ https://www.bestproducts.com/lifestyle/a46625365/how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup/#how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup
      3. ↑ https://www.bestproducts.com/lifestyle/a46625365/how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup/#how-to-wash-a-stanley-cup
      4. ↑ https://support.stanley1913.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000717809-i-have-a-question-about-stanley-products-
      5. ↑ https://support.stanley1913.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000717809-i-have-a-question-about-stanley-products-
      6. ↑ https://support.stanley1913.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000717809-i-have-a-question-about-stanley-products-
      7. ↑ https://www.simplemost.com/how-to-clean-your-stanley-cup-to-avoid-mold/
      8. ↑ https://www.simplemost.com/how-to-clean-your-stanley-cup-to-avoid-mold/
      9. ↑ https://www.simplemost.com/how-to-clean-your-stanley-cup-to-avoid-mold/
      1. ↑ https://support.stanley1913.com/en/support/solutions/articles/69000717809-i-have-a-question-about-stanley-products-

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