that Stanley Cup It went from blue-collar classic to viral hydration sensation in a matter of months. There are many reasons to love this travel mug, including a built-in straw to reduce water dripping down your chin and an airtight cap to prevent spills. All of these features mean the Stanley has a few nooks and crannies to clean. Without regular deep cleaning, grime and mold can build up. These are two things you never want to put in water.
To find out the best way to clean your Stanley travel mug, we consulted experts on the matter.
“Cleaning your Stanley cup regularly is essential to keeping it clean and safe,” says Sabrina Tretyakova. potadorCertified cleaning technician International Sanitary Products Association. “Factors that contribute to bacterial and mold growth in Stanley cups include moisture, the presence of nutrients in the beverage itself, and lack of regular cleaning,” she says.
The kids are hydrating. Stanley’s extra large travel water mugs have been a huge hit.
Parts of the Stanley Cup that need cleaning
There is more to the various parts of your Stanley cup or insulated mug than meets the eye, and even if you clean the inside of the cup and the drinking device regularly, it’s not enough. Some problem areas identified by Tretyakova include:
The first step is to completely disassemble the Stanley cup and clean all parts.
Under spout protector
Depending on what kind of glass you’re drinking from, it’s easy to miss because it’s not directly in contact with your mouth. However, due to frequent contact with the mouth, bacteria and mold often accumulate.
straw and lid
“These areas are prime locations for bacterial growth because they are in direct contact with the mouth and beverages,” says Tretyakova. “Bacteria can be an oral flora that hides in the mouth and is transferred to the cup.” (If the words “oral flora” don’t send you straight to the kitchen sink for an immediate thorough cleaning, I don’t know what will.)
rubber seal
Some models come with a rubber seal to keep the lid closed tightly, but this is another area of concern Tretyakova identified when it comes to hygiene. “The area underneath the seal is susceptible to mold contamination if not properly cleaned,” she says. “Usually this area is full of black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum.” (Choose your own adventure: Which is scarier: oral flora or black mold?)
How to Clean a Stanley Cup or Insulated Mug
Here are the best practices Tretyakova recommends for cleaning and maintaining your insulated mug:
An old toothbrush is perfect for cleaning those pesky nooks and crannies.
1. Regular rinsing
“Rinse your mug and lid with hot water immediately after drinking,” says Tretyakova. “It helps remove residue that could potentially harbor bacteria.” This isn’t a replacement for actually cleaning your mug, but it’s good practice, especially if you’re at work or in a public environment and can’t pay attention right away.
2. Thorough cleaning
First, completely dismantle your Stanley cup or other insulated mug to ensure there are no hidden spaces that can trap moisture and promote bacterial growth. Tretyakova recommends soaking the removable part of the cup in mild dishwashing detergent and warm water for 15 minutes. (It’s also a good idea to throw a cup in there.)
Scrub the parts with a clean toothbrush or bottle brush, then finish by rinsing with warm water. You can hand-dry areas that are easily reached with a clean towel, but other areas, such as straws, should be air-dried.
We’ll explain in detail how to best clean your new Stanley Cup.
3. Avoid using the dishwasher
Stanley cups and some insulated mugs are safe to wash in the dishwasher, but using them in the dishwasher is not necessarily recommended for best cleaning. “The dishwasher may not be able to reach every nook and cranny of the mug lid,” says Tretyakova, who advises washing your hands regularly for best results.
4. Periodic deep cleaning
Tretyakova recommends periodic deep cleaning in addition to daily cleaning using distilled white vinegar and baking soda.
read more: This pantry staple will dissolve unsightly cookware stains in minutes
Steam cleaning for greater peace of mind
A $50 compact steam cleaner from Clorox can give your mug an even deeper clean.
For those of you who want to give up using insulated mugs forever, keep this in mind: There is more you can do to keep your cup clean and sanitary. Similar to baby bottle cleaners sold as baby products, vapor sanitizers can be used in a variety of households, with insulated mugs being a prime candidate.
“The rubber seal ring and slide opening on the lid can trap moisture even after washing, and straws are tricky due to their length and shape,” says Nicole Backus, product manager. Clorox Appliances. If moisture is a problem, moisture in vapor form may also be the solution.
“Disinfecting with steam is especially helpful because steam can penetrate cracks and crevices that scrub brushes, soap and water can’t reach,” says Backus. “Disinfecting even clean areas of your insulated mug prevents bacteria from growing on the cup surface, inside and outside, top to bottom.”
Disinfection should be done after washing, not as a substitute for it. For your own peace of mind, you can purchase the following household disinfectants: Clorox 2-Layer Steam Disinfectant About 50 dollars. (You already spent money on Stanley, so think of it as insurance.)
