A 40oz insulated tumbler is a daily workhorse — which means it picks up coffee oils, protein-shake residue and, if you're not careful, a musty smell around the lid. A quick rinse doesn't reach the places that matter. Here's how to actually clean one, kill odors, and get the full 24-hour cold performance it's rated for.
Daily clean (30 seconds)
Rinse with warm water and a drop of dish soap after each use, paying attention to the straw and the lid. The biggest mistake is leaving milk, sugar or protein sitting overnight — that's what starts the smell.
Deep clean (weekly)
- Fully disassemble: body, lid, straw, and the silicone gasket (the ring inside the lid). Odor hides under that ring.
- Fill the body with warm water, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and let it soak 15–20 minutes.
- Scrub the inside with a long bottle brush; use a thin straw brush for the straw.
- For stubborn film, add a splash of white vinegar, swirl, and rinse well.
- Air-dry every part separately, upside down, before reassembling.
How to get rid of the smell
A musty odor is almost always trapped moisture under the lid gasket. Remove the gasket every wash, dry it fully, and never store the tumbler sealed while damp. For a reset, soak the lid and gasket in a baking-soda solution, then rinse.
Is it dishwasher safe?
Many stainless tumblers are top-rack dishwasher safe, but heat and harsh detergent can dull the exterior finish over time. When in doubt, hand-wash the body and only machine-wash the lid and straw. Never run a vacuum-insulated tumbler through a heated sanitize cycle.
Keeping drinks cold for the full 24 hours
- Pre-chill the empty tumbler with cold water or a few ice cubes for a couple of minutes before filling.
- Fill it all the way — more cold mass holds temperature longer than a half-empty cup.
- Use bigger ice cubes; they melt slower than small ones.
- Keep the lid closed and the tumbler out of direct sun.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my tumbler smell even after washing?
You're likely skipping the gasket. Pull the silicone ring out of the lid every wash and dry it completely.
Can I put hot coffee in it?
Yes — a quality vacuum tumbler keeps hot drinks warm for hours. Just avoid sealing a fully boiling liquid and shaking it.
How often should I deep clean?
Once a week for daily users, or right away after any milk- or protein-based drink.
Shop the tumbler
Our 40oz Insulated Tumbler comes in dozens of colours with a spill-proof lid and straw — see the full range in the Tumbler collection.