The One Nasty Part of Your Stanley Tumbler That Can Get You Sick
Shoppers just can’t seem to get enough of the Stanley Quencher Tumbler. The 40-ounce reusable steel cup is insulated, keeping your drink of choice cold for hours, and has become somewhat of a statement piece with its abundance of colors, designs, and limited-edition drops. Some brands are even trying to mimic the tumbler’s success by crafting their own dupes of the viral product. While I can’t try to explain the trend, I’m here for an environmentally-friendly product that encourages people to drink more water!
But as with all reusable water bottles, it’s crucial to keep them clean — which is apparently harder than it sounds. Some TikTok creators (like @skysayingthings and @jenn_rupp) have taken to the app to share videos of the mold and mildew that has been collecting and hiding in their tumbler, despite cleaning out the bottle frequently. There was even a viral story of a young girl who caught a months-long “mystery illness” from mold growing in a similar-style water bottle. So, what gives? And why do these water bottles get so nasty?
I spoke with Becky Rapinchuk, cleaning expert, author, and founder of Clean Mama, and Melissa Maker, cleaning expert and founder of Clean My Space, to learn the best way to clean the cup, how often, and which household items will serve you best when cleaning.
“The best way to clean a Stanley is to clean it after each use,” explains Rapinchuk. “Make sure it’s not sitting under a car seat, in a bag, or backpack. If you’re washing it after each use, it’s not as likely to grow mildew.” The cleaning pros recommend following these steps when cleaning out your Stanley tumbler to avoid any bacteria build-up or chance of illness:
How to Clean a Stanley Tumbler
If you follow all of these steps every time you clean your Stanley tumbler (which should be at least once a week), odds are good you’ll avoid mildew, black mold, and any illness associated with what’s growing inside the lid components. You can’t beat the pure convenience of having a tumbler as exceptional as a Stanley, but while it’s important to stay hydrated, it’s just as crucial to keep your cup clean — for your own safety.
