October 9, 2026
How to Clean a Stainless Steel Tumbler and Straw (and Remove Smells)
A tumbler you use every day needs a simple cleaning routine, especially if it carries coffee, lemon water, smoothies or electrolytes. The good news: stainless steel is easy to keep fresh once you know the steps.
Quick takeaways
- Rinse daily, deep clean weekly, and clean the same day after milk, coffee or smoothies.
- Don’t forget the lid seal and the straw. That’s where residue hides.
- Baking soda and white vinegar handle most stains and smells.
- Always dry with the lid off before storing.
Daily rinse (2 minutes)
- Empty the tumbler and rinse with warm water.
- Add a drop of dish soap, swirl, and scrub with a bottle brush.
- Run warm soapy water through the straw.
- Rinse and leave to air-dry with the lid off.
The Miora Ember is dishwasher safe, so on busy days you can simply load it.
Weekly deep clean
- Take the lid apart as far as it’s designed to come apart, and remove the straw.
- Scrub the body with warm water, dish soap and a long bottle brush.
- Brush the straw with a thin straw brush.
- Clean the lid seal and any grooves with a small brush or an old toothbrush.
- Rinse well and air-dry completely before reassembling.
Removing coffee stains and smells
| Problem | What to do |
|---|---|
| Coffee or tea stains | Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, scrub with a brush, then rinse |
| Lingering smell | Fill with warm water plus a few spoons of white vinegar or baking soda, leave 15–30 minutes, then rinse |
| Milky or smoothie residue | Wash the same day. Don’t leave dairy sitting for hours |
| Musty smell after storage | Store with the lid off so moisture can escape |
What to avoid
- Bleach and harsh chlorine cleaners can damage stainless steel.
- Steel wool can scratch the finish.
- Storing it closed while wet traps moisture and smells.
- Carbonated drinks with a sealed lid can build pressure. Insulated tumblers are best for still drinks.
How often to replace the straw
A stainless straw lasts a long time with regular brushing. Replace it if it’s damaged or you can’t get it fully clean.
Using your tumbler for the gym? See why steel beats plastic for smells.
Easy to keep fresh
Dishwasher safe, stainless steel body, reusable straw included.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Miora tumbler dishwasher safe?
Yes. The Ember tumbler is listed as dishwasher safe.
How do I get the smell out of my tumbler?
Fill it with warm water and a few spoons of baking soda or white vinegar, leave it for 15–30 minutes, scrub, rinse, and dry with the lid off.
How do I clean a tumbler straw?
Run warm soapy water through it and scrub inside with a thin straw brush, then rinse and air-dry.
Can I use bleach to clean a stainless steel tumbler?
It’s best to avoid bleach and harsh chlorine cleaners. Use dish soap, baking soda or diluted white vinegar instead.
Keep reading
- Stainless Steel vs Plastic Gym Bottle: Which Is Better?
- Tumbler vs Water Bottle: Which Should You Buy?
- Best Tumbler for Gym in India: 7 Things to Check Before You Buy
Gifting for a team? Miora curates personalised corporate gift boxes for teams and clients. Explore corporate gifting or read our guide to choosing corporate gifts.
[…] Electrolytes, lemon water and sweaty hands all leave residue. A dishwasher-safe tumbler with a removable straw is far easier to keep fresh. See our step-by-step tumbler cleaning guide. […]
[…] Tip: if you add lemon or honey, rinse the tumbler the same day. See our cleaning guide. […]
[…] It’s dishwasher safe, but in a hostel a bottle brush works. See our cleaning guide. […]