Are Stanley Quencher Tumblers Dishwasher Safe?

After a grueling hike or a long day of work, the last thing you want to do is hand wash your Stanley Cup. We’ve all been there. 

But leaving it to sit, caked in smoothie or coated in coffee residue isn’t such a great idea either. 

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just stick your Stanley Cup in the dishwasher instead?

Well there’s good and bad news. 

According to Stanley, Stanley Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumblers, including the lid and straw, are top rack dishwasher safe — but it’s not quite that simple. 

Many dishwashers don’t have enough vertical clearance for a Stanley Cup to sit upside down and upright on the top rack. And if washed on its side, the interior of your Stanley won’t be cleaned very thoroughly. 

Frequently dishwashing your Stanley Cup may also lead to premature fading, chipping, or discoloration of the powder-coated paint and the harsh detergents commonly used in dishwashers could cause corrosion or damage to the stainless steel over time. Hand washing your Stanley Cup requires more effort, but may help extend the life of your Stanley.

It's generally best to hand wash your Stanley cup when you can. But if I'm in a rush or feeling lazy I'll often throw it in the bottom rack of dishwasher to get it clean. I just try not to make a habit out of it.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the downsides of washing your Stanley Cup in the dishwasher, to help you make the best decision for you when it comes to cleaning your tumbler. 

Stanley Cups Are Top Rack Dishwasher Safe

According to Stanley, Stanley Cups (lid and straw included) are safe to wash on the top rack of your dishwasher. 

Etched into the bottom of the Stanley cup it is clearly stated that it is dishwasher safe. However, you should avoid microwaving it.

Simply remove the lid and straw, place the lid on its side on the rack, the tumbler itself upright and upside down on the rack, and start the cycle.

Dishwashers shouldn't get hot enough to damage your Stanley cup or break the vacuum seal. However, if you notice that your Stanley cup is no longer keep drinks hot or cold after being in the dishwasher then the vacuum seal may have been compromised.

This is rare and unlikely to happen but if it does contact Stanley and get a replacement under warranty. They offer a limited lifetime warranty on their tumblers.

But just because the dishwasher is unlikely to cause any immediate damage to your Stanley, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best way to wash your Stanley Cup.

Stanley Cups Are Too Tall For Many Dishwashers

Unfortunately, many dishwashers don’t have enough vertical clearance for your Stanley Cup to sit upside down and upright on the top rack. 

This means you'd have to put it on the bottom rack. This should be fine but technically isn't recommended by Stanley.

Using the bottom rack puts your Stanley Cup too near your dishwasher’s heating element, which could compromise your Stanley’s vacuum-insulated seal. It's highly unlikely this will happen and I've personally washed mine on the bottom rack without issue – but it is a possibility.

Laying it on its side isn’t a great solution because the spray arms that shoot hot soapy water from the bottom of your dishwasher won’t be able to reach the interior of your tumbler very easily — meaning you’ll need to hand wash it afterward anyway. 

The harsh spray can also wear down the powder coating on the outside of your tumbler causing it to fade more quickly.

The Dishwasher May Prematurely Age Your Stanley Cup 

While dishwashing your Stanley Cup is unlikely to cause any immediate damage, there are a couple of concerns that may develop over time. 

For starters, Stanley Cups use powder-coated paint, which may fade, discolor, or chip and flake after repeated machine washings. 

And second, the harsh detergents often used in dishwashers may eventually lead to corrosion and other damage to the stainless steel. If you’re set on cleaning your Stanley in the dishwasher, consider swapping to a more gentle, natural detergent.  

Hand Wash Your Stanley Cup’s Straw 

Even though your Stanley Cup’s straw is technically dishwasher safe (because washing it on the top rack won’t damage it), it won’t get very clean in the dishwasher. 

It’s similar to the issue with laying your Stanley on its side in the dishwasher, only worse. 

Virtually no soapy water will get into the tiny opening of your straw, meaning the interior of the straw will barely be cleaned at all. 

Do yourself a favor and invest a few bucks in a straw brush and wash it by hand — even when you clean the rest of your Stanley in the dishwasher.