Is an Owala dishwasher safe?

Partly. Owala says all its lids are top-rack dishwasher safe and the straw can go in the silverware basket, but stainless steel bottle bodies are best washed by hand to protect the finish. Bottles made of Tritan plastic can go on the top rack. Carolina Arey, last reviewed September 30, 2026.

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Table showing which Owala parts are dishwasher safe and where each one goes
Owala’s guidance, part by part

Dishwasher guide by part

PartDishwasher?Where
Lid (all Owala lids)YesTop rack
StrawYesSilverware basket
Spout gasketTake it out firstWash separately; Owala’s kids’ guide puts it in the utensil basket
Stainless steel bottle bodyHand-wash recommendedTechnically safe, but Owala strongly recommends hand-washing
Tritan plastic cupYesTop rack

These rules come from Owala’s care instructions and FAQ. Because Owala says best practices can vary by part and model, check the care guide for your exact bottle.

Why the stainless steel body should be hand-washed

Owala recommends hand-washing the stainless steel cup with warm soapy water to protect the outer finish. Owala’s FAQ says the stainless steel cups are technically dishwasher safe, but it strongly recommends hand-washing them to keep the finish looking good.

How to put an Owala lid in the dishwasher

  1. Take the lid apart: straw out, gasket out with its pull tab.
  2. Place the lid on the top rack, facing down so water can drain from the spout.
  3. Put the straw in the silverware basket.
  4. Hand-wash the gasket, or put it in the utensil basket where it cannot slip out.
  5. Let all parts dry, then reassemble and check the gasket is seated.

Do not put the assembled lid in the dishwasher. The gasket seals water out, so a fully assembled lid will not get clean inside.

Does the dishwasher wear out the gasket?

Many owners report that repeated dishwasher cycles stiffen the gasket’s pull tab and can stop it from sitting flat, which then causes leaks. This is owner feedback, not an Owala statement, so treat it as a reason to check the gasket now and then, not a rule. If your lid starts to leak, see Why is my Owala leaking?

What not to do

  • Do not microwave an Owala. Owala warns that heating a sealed bottle can build pressure and blow the lid open.
  • Do not use bleach or abrasive cleaners.
  • Do not rely on the dishwasher for a stainless steel body if you care about the finish, even though it is technically dishwasher safe.

FAQ

Can I put my Owala FreeSip in the dishwasher?

The lid and straw, yes. The stainless steel body, wash by hand. A plastic Tritan FreeSip can go on the top rack.

Are Owala Tumblers and SmoothSip lids dishwasher safe?

Owala says all its lids are top-rack safe. Check your model’s care guide for the body.

Can I put the straw in the dishwasher?

Yes, in the silverware basket.

Will the dishwasher damage the insulation?

Owala’s guidance about the finish is the reason to hand-wash. Wash the body by hand to be safe.

Related guides: How to clean an Owala, How to clean an Owala lid and gasket, Owala mold and smell

Sources: Owala FAQ, Owala: how to clean the Kids’ FreeSip, Owala FreeSip usage and care instructions (manual copy), KENAS dishwasher guide