How to Clean and Store a Stainless Steel Tumbler

By ZOKU | Live Creatively | Published: 2026-10-30

Category: Tips & Care

Keep your stainless steel tumbler fresh and long-lasting with simple daily rinses, weekly deep cleans, and proper dry storage. Avoid common mistakes like using bleach or leaving it sealed when damp.

Quick answer

Rinse your tumbler after every use, deep clean with baking soda and warm water weekly, and always store it with the lid off to prevent trapped moisture and odors.

Why proper storage matters as much as cleaning

Even a perfectly cleaned tumbler can develop mildew or stale smells if stored with the lid locked on. The 3-in-1 press-fit lid on ZOKU tumblers creates a tight seal—great for carrying hot coffee or iced tea without spills, but a problem if moisture gets trapped inside. Always store your tumbler with the lid off or loosely placed on top so air circulates and the interior dries completely.

What to avoid when cleaning stainless steel

Bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, and abrasive scouring pads can damage the powder-coated finish and compromise the stainless steel surface. Stick to mild dish soap, baking soda, or white vinegar. For stubborn coffee or tea stains inside the 20oz or 12oz tumbler, a paste of baking soda and warm water works without scratching.

Step-by-step tumbler care routine

1. Rinse immediately after use: Empty any leftover drink, then rinse the tumbler with warm water. For milk or sweet beverages, add a drop of dish soap and swish before rinsing. Leaving coffee or tea to dry inside makes later cleaning harder and can leave a permanent stain.
2. Deep clean once a week: Fill the tumbler with warm water and one tablespoon of baking soda. Let it soak for 15 minutes, then scrub with a soft bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly and wash the lid separately in warm soapy water. Avoid using the dishwasher for the powder-coated exterior—hand washing preserves the finish longer.
3. Dry completely before storing: After washing, invert the tumbler on a drying rack and leave the lid off. Do not snap the lid shut until the tumbler is 100% dry inside and out. A common mistake is storing the tumbler with the lid closed while still damp, which leads to mildew and stale odors.
4. Store with the lid off or loose: Place the tumbler in a clean, dry cabinet with the lid resting loosely on top or stored separately. This allows airflow and prevents trapped moisture. If you store the tumbler in a bag or lunchbox, keep the lid off until you're ready to use it again.

Products mentioned in this guide

20oz Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Tumbler - White: The 20oz Stainless Steel Powder Coated 3-in-1 Tumbler has a press-fit lid that lets you sip, drink, or seal with splash-resistant sipping and straw compatibility. The lid's tight seal is excellent for daily use but requires careful drying after cleaning to avoid trapped moisture and odors.
20oz Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Tumbler - White
12oz Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Tumbler - Ash: The 12oz Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Tumbler has a cupholder-friendly base and the same press-fit lid design for versatile sipping. Its smaller size makes it ideal for coffee or tea, but the narrow opening needs extra attention when scrubbing the bottom during deep cleaning.
12oz Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Tumbler - Ash