How to Properly Clean Your Travel Mug Lid Without Damage
I’ve accumulated quite a collection of travel mugs—those trusty, on-the-go containers for keeping drinks hot at events, as gifts, or simply as replacements when mine get too smelly or no longer function properly.
Most travel mug lids feature a rubber seal made of polypropylene, a durable, heat-resistant plastic that's safe for food use and can withstand the heat of the top dishwasher rack. Many brands recommend top-rack washing as the safest way to clean their lids. However, not all lids are made from the same materials, and some may be less heat-resistant.
If you’ve been using a travel mug for a while, you may have noticed the rubber seal deteriorating or losing its shape. As a result, your drink doesn’t stay as hot, and leaks may become more likely. You might also detect an unpleasant odor, caused by old coffee or bacteria hiding in the crevices—sometimes even more bacteria than you'd find in a dog bowl. Mold can even start to form.
While travel mugs are eco-friendly, they might not be as healthy as we think. To keep your lid and gasket in good condition, follow these simple steps:
How to Effectively Clean Your Travel Mug
- Always give your mug and lid a quick rinse with warm water after each use. Open and close the components under running water to ensure a thorough clean. However, if you forget your mug in the car for an entire day (or longer), keep reading for some deeper cleaning tips.
- Disassemble the lid as much as you can, and let the pieces soak in warm soapy water for about 10 minutes. This will help loosen any residue stuck on the lid. If your lid has a mechanism to open and close, set it to 'open.' Avoid harsh cleaners or chlorine-based products, but if your lid has a stubborn odor, try soaking it in a baking soda-water solution for a couple of hours.
- Rinse everything thoroughly with warm water, making sure to open and close the seal to remove all soap. For more intricate lids, use a bottle brush, toothbrush, cotton swab, or even a pipe cleaner to get into those hard-to-reach spots.
- For a deep clean, add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and ½ cup of distilled white vinegar into the mug. (This also makes for a fun science experiment with kids!) Once the bubbles settle, cap the mug with the drinking spout covered by your thumb, and give it a good shake. Be careful, as the bubbles can get pretty agitated! Pour out the mixture, then repeat steps 1-3.
- Allow the lid to dry completely before reattaching it to the mug.
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