The fastest way to clean an Owala lid is to pull the straw out, remove the spout gasket with its pull tab, wash each part in warm soapy water, and let them dry before putting them back. The gasket is the part most people skip, and it is where mold and slime build up. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.
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The parts of an Owala lid
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Lid body | Holds the spout and the push button |
| Straw | Runs from the spout into the bottle; pulls out for cleaning |
| Spout gasket | Rubber ring under the spout cover; seals it so the lid does not leak |
| Carry loop or lock | Folds over the button to keep the lid shut |
The FreeSip Sway, FreeSip Tumbler, FreeSip Twist and SmoothSip Slider each add small differences, such as a key on the Twist or a slider on the SmoothSip, but all have a removable gasket.
How to remove the Owala gasket
- Unscrew the lid from the bottle.
- Pull the straw straight out from the underside of the lid.
- Flip up the spout cover so the small tab under it is exposed.
- Grip the pull tab and pull the gasket out. It comes away with light, steady pressure; do not use a knife or other sharp tool, which can nick the rubber.
How to clean each part
- Gasket. Wash it separately with warm soapy water and rub it between your fingers to clear any film.
- Lid. Scrub the underside of the spout, the channel where the gasket sits, and the edges around the button with a sponge or straw brush. Work into the small gaps.
- Straw. Brush the inside with a straw brush and rinse.
- Rinse and dry. Rinse everything with warm water and leave the parts apart until fully dry.
For stubborn buildup, soak the lid parts in distilled white vinegar for a few minutes before scrubbing, which Owala suggests for spots that are hard to reach. Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners.
How to put the gasket back
- Line the gasket up with its seat under the spout.
- Press it in all the way around until it sits flat; the tab should sit in its notch.
- Insert the straw, close the spout cover and screw the lid on.
- Fill the bottle with water, close the lid and lock it, then turn it upside down over a sink to check for drips.
If the lid drips afterward, remove the gasket and reseat it. More fixes are in Why is my Owala leaking?
Can the lid go in the dishwasher?
Yes. Owala says all its lids are top-rack dishwasher safe and the straw can go in the silverware basket. Take the gasket out first and wash it separately, and see Is an Owala dishwasher safe? for the full breakdown.
FAQ
How often should I take the gasket out?
Every full clean, which is weekly for water and daily to every few days for anything sweet or flavored.
My gasket looks stretched or cracked. Can I replace it?
Yes, replace it if it no longer sits flat or the lid leaks. See Owala replacement parts once that page is live.
Is the gasket safe to put in the dishwasher?
Owala’s Kids’ FreeSip guide says to put it in the utensil basket. Many owners prefer to hand-wash it to keep the tab from stiffening.
Do all Owala lids have the same gasket?
No. Gaskets differ between models, so check your model’s care guide before ordering a replacement.
Related guides: How to clean an Owala, Owala mold and smell, Why is my Owala leaking?
Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala: how to clean the Kids’ FreeSip, Swab-its lid and gasket guide