How to Clean Drink Bottles & Travel Mugs
Is Your bottle or mug is dishwasher-safe?
The natural default is to just put your travel mug or drink bottle in the dishwasher. Whilst this might be ok for most dishes and glasses it is not always true about these items. For one this they are usually branded with the logo of the business or organisation that gave them to you in the first place. These can easily come off if placed in a dishwasher. Also the bottle or mug itself might not be dishwasher safe. It is therefore best to check the manufacturers instructions to see if indeed they are ok to put in a dishwasher. Sometimes it might state on the bottom of the container, but if it’s not, check the manufacturer’s website. If your mug or bottle can go through the dishwasher then that is great. If not then a simple hand wash is the better option.
If the bottle or mug is dishwasher safe then you should remove any lids or other small pieces and securing them the dishwasher basket. This should keep them from washing down into the bottom of the tub, where they might get wedged against and cause damage to themselves or the dishwasher. It is important to note that insulated mugs usually aren’t dishwasher-safe. The heat and water pressure inside a dishwasher can damage the container’s vacuum seal. The dishwashers can also scratch or wear away the container’s finish including any custom printed logo, as mentioned earlier..
How to hand-wash your drink bottles or travel mugs
With travel mugs they might require a bit more attention because they are usually use for hot beverages like coffee which leave a stain. Depending on the design of your mug or bottle, you may need a few brushes off different sizes to clean in and around the lid mechanism, the spout, and deep into the vacuum bottle or mug body itself. The opens are usually large so this process should not present you large a challenge. Again some warm water and a bit of elbow grease should do the trick
If your bottle or mug has a linings that you fear can be damaged by bottle brushes or abrasive sponges then caution is recommended. For those items you can use a non-abrasive sponge to clean or some vigour shaking and rinsing. If they are dishwasher safe then that is the easiest solution.