To clean an Owala, take the lid apart, wash every part separately, and let everything dry fully before you put it back together. It takes about 5 minutes, and doing it weekly (daily if you drink anything but water) keeps mold and smells away. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.
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Quick answer
- Unscrew the lid and pull out the straw.
- Pop out the spout gasket with its pull tab.
- Wash all parts in warm, soapy water with a soft brush.
- Air-dry every part before you reassemble.
What you need
- Warm water and dish soap
- A soft sponge or a straw brush for the small gaps
- Distilled white vinegar for buildup (optional)
- A clean rack or towel for drying
Owala’s care guidance also says to avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach and abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the finish and the lid parts.
Step-by-step: how to clean an Owala
- Take it apart. Unscrew the lid and pull the straw straight out. Lift the spout cover and pull the small tab to remove the gasket, the rubber ring under the spout. This is where slime and mold collect.
- Wash the body. Fill the bottle with warm, soapy water and scrub with a soft bottle brush. For a stainless steel bottle, hand-wash it: Owala recommends this to protect the outer finish.
- Wash the lid, straw and gasket. Scrub the lid with a sponge or straw brush, including the channel where the gasket sits and around the push button. Rinse the straw with warm water and a brush.
- Dry completely. Leave every part apart on a rack until it is dry. Closing a damp bottle traps moisture, which is what causes odor.
- Reassemble. Push the gasket firmly back into its seat, insert the straw, and screw on the lid. A gasket that is not seated is the most common cause of leaks (see why your Owala is leaking).
How often should you clean an Owala?
| Situation | How often |
|---|---|
| Water only | Rinse daily, full teardown weekly |
| Juice, sports drinks, tea, coffee or smoothies | Full teardown after each day of use |
| Bottle stored damp or left in a hot car | Clean the same day |
| Kids’ bottles | Full teardown every day or two |
Owala itself recommends cleaning its bottles daily to keep them free of buildup.
Deep clean for stains and buildup
Soak the lid, straw and gasket in distilled white vinegar for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse with warm water; Owala’s care instructions suggest vinegar for buildup in spots a brush cannot reach. Cleaning tablets made for bottles are another option that Owala mentions for FreeSip bottles. For the mold and smell problem, see Owala mold and smell.
What to wash where
| Part | Hand wash | Dishwasher |
|---|---|---|
| Lid | Yes | Top rack |
| Straw | Yes | Silverware basket |
| Spout gasket | Yes | Take it out first; wash separately |
| Stainless steel body | Recommended | Technically safe; hand-wash strongly recommended |
| Tritan plastic cup | Yes | Top rack |
For details and the risks of dishwashers, read Is an Owala dishwasher safe?
FAQ
Can I use bleach in my Owala?
No. Owala’s guidance says to avoid bleach and abrasive cleaners; use warm soapy water, and vinegar for buildup.
How do I clean the straw?
Pull it out of the lid and scrub it with a straw brush and warm soapy water, or put it in the dishwasher’s silverware basket.
What is the small rubber ring under the spout?
It is the spout gasket. It seals the spout so the lid stays leak-proof, and it needs to come out for cleaning.
Do Owala Twist, Tumbler and SmoothSip bottles clean the same way?
The idea is the same: take the lid, straw, slider or key and gasket apart and wash each one. Check the care guide for your exact model.
Related guides: How to clean an Owala lid and gasket, Owala mold and smell, Is an Owala dishwasher safe?, Why is my Owala leaking?
Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala: how to clean a stainless steel FreeSip