Cleaning Your Insulated, No-Spill Travel Mug

Whether headed to the office or hitting the road to run errands, one of the first things you’re likely to grab on the way to the door is your no-spill coffee mug. Insulated travel mugs are very popular these days. Some people use them as a way to be more eco-friendly, while others just want to keep their beverages at the perfect temperature.

But like any drinking vessel, a travel mug needs to be washed regularly to help prevent microorganisms from developing. Take a look at the following tips and learn how to clean your insulated, no-spill coffee mug.
 

How to Clean a Dishwasher-Safe Travel Mug

• Most dishwasher-safe travel mugs should only be placed on the top rack, so make sure you’re following the tried-and-true methods of properly loading a dishwasher.
• If your insulated coffee mug has a design or artwork painted on it, you should wash it by hand or risk ruining the decoration.
• The dishwasher may not reach all the nooks and crannies on the lid of your mug. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pop off the rubber seal (where microorganisms love to set up camp) and any other detachable pieces and give them a good handwashing on occasion.
• Even dishwasher-safe travel mugs will need deep cleaning every now and then.

Cleaning an Insulated Travel Mug on a Regular Basis

• Hot water
• Dishwashing liquid
• A dish scrubbing brush
• A small bowl
• Dishwashing gloves (optional)

1. If you have sensitive skin, put on a pair of dishwashing gloves to avoid damaging your hands.
2. Shortly after you finish your beverage, rinse the no-spill coffee mug and its lid under hot water. Make certain to pop open any sealable parts of the lid so that the water rinses as much as possible.
3. Mix some hot water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid in the small bowl. Let the lid soak in this solution for about 10 minutes. Rinse all soapy water from the lid once this time has passed.
4. In the meantime, clean the reusable mug itself with dish soap, hot water and the scrubbing brush.
5. Rinse the insulated mug well to remove all soapy residue.
6. Let the mug and lid air dry separately before screwing the top back on and using the vessel again.

How to Deep Clean Your No-Spill Coffee Mug

• ½ cup of distilled white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• Dish soap
• Hot water
• A small bowl

1. Over the sink, mix the vinegar and the baking soda in the no-spill coffee mug.
2. Let the mixture foam until it settles down.
3. Replace the lid on the insulated travel cup, making sure it’s sealed tightly.
4. Shake the mixture vigorously.
5. Pour the vinegar and baking soda out and rinse the cup and lid with water.
6. Remove the rubber seal and any detachable parts of the lid.
7. Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with hot water to form a sudsy solution.
8. Soak all components of the lid for about 10 minutes.
9. Rinse the lid to wash off all soapy residue.
10. Let the insulated container and the lid dry overnight.