Are ThermoFlask Bottles Dishwasher Safe?

ThermoFlask bottles are double-walled, vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottles, perfect for maintaining the temperature of your beverage, either hot or cold, throughout the day. 

If you're anything like me you might get lazy and want to throw your ThermoFlask bottle in the dishwasher along with your other bottles and dishes.

But are ThermoFlask bottles dishwasher safe or will it ruin the bottles?

ThermoFlask bottles are top-rack dishwasher safe and can be washed in the dishwasher. However, handwashing is recommended since the excessive heat and detergent used in dishwashers might shorten the lifespan of your insulation and cause the powder coat paint to fade.

ThermoFlask lids (both the Chug lids and straw lids) are top rack dishwasher safe and can be placed in the dishwasher regularly without issue.

Even though it is safe to put my ThermoFlask bottle in a dishwasher, I still had some concerns as follows:

• Will the dishwasher clean all the stains and odors of my ThermoFlask bottle?
• Can the dishwasher damage my ThermoFlask bottle's seals or other components?
• Will the dishwasher destroy my ThermoFlask bottle's outside look or surface finish?

What Happens If You Put a ThermoFlask In The Dishwasher?

If you place your ThermoFlask bottle on the top rack of the dishwasher, it will be OK and come out clean (as expected).

However, putting your ThermoFlask bottle on the dishwasher's bottom rack might damage the seal, causing your ThermoFlask bottle to no longer insulate correctly.

Dishwasher heating elements are located at the bottom, and the higher heat could rupture the vacuum seal of the ThermoFlask bottle.

However, this is highly unlikely to happen as dishwashers these days just don't get that excessively hot. I personally have a small dishwasher that doesn't have a bottom rack and I place all my water bottles in it without issue.

There have been instances of other people cleaning the ThermoFlask bottle on the dishwasher's bottom rack with no difficulties.

The ThermoFlask bottle came out clean, as you'd expect from a dishwasher, and the insulation remained damaged. Find out more about how often you should clean an insulated bottle.

The Dishwasher May Cause The External Paint To Fade

Something that is common with powder coated bottles like the ThermoFlask is that multiple cycles through the dishwasher can speed up the fading and deterioration of the external paint.

It's unlikely to chip off the paint or scratch it and it's also unlikely to fade with one trip to the dishwasher but over time it can begin to fade.

Dishwashers shoot high pressure hot water constantly at your dishes and water bottles and over time this can fade your bottle faster than it otherwise would.

How Should You Clean Your ThermoFlask Bottle in the Dishwasher?

When cleaning a ThermoFlask bottle in the dishwasher, some precautions must be taken to guarantee the bottle lasts and functions well…plus is cleaned properly.

Here's what you need to do.

Remove the ThermoFlask Bottle's Lid

Remove the ThermoFlask bottle's lid, otherwise no water will be able to get into your bottle to clean it.

Place the lid on the top shelf of the dishwasher, place the straw in the cutlery section and place the bottle in the dishwasher upside down.

Use a Gentle Cycle

Avoid using high-temperature settings or intense cleaning processes that could subject the ThermoFlask bottle to too much heat or strong water jets.

I tend to avoid using the pots and pans cycle or a deep cleaning cycle when I'm putting water bottles in my dishwasher.

Avoid Harsh Detergents 

Choose moderate, environmentally friendly dishwashing detergents suitable for the ThermoFlask bottle.

Harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning may cause damage to the insulation or the bottle's exterior.

Skip the Dry Cycle with Heat

The drying cycle is where the most heat is experienced and you have the greater risk of damaging the vacuum seal of your ThermoFlask bottle.

Again this is unlikely to happen, but if you're really worried you can run the dishwasher cycle without the heat/drying cycle.

It is recommended to avoid the heated dry cycle once the dishwasher cycle is complete.

Remove the bottle immediately and allow it to dry naturally in the air.

Is ThermoFlask Bottle Warranty Covered for Dishwasher Damage? 

ThermoFlask bottles have limited lifetime warranty. This protects you in the event that their vacuum seal fails due to a manufacturing problem.

If you lose your vacuum seal and the bottle is no longer keeping drinks hot or cold, they should replace it for free.

ThermoFlask will repair or replace, at our discretion, the part or product found to be defective within the scope of normal and appropriate use. Normal wear and tear such as dents, scratches, and the deterioration of color vibrancy and materials over an extended use and time are not warranted.

ThermoFlask Warranty

However, the guarantee does not cover normal wear and tear, and in order to maintain your warranty, you must follow the product's maintenance recommendations. 

So, if there are any problems, as long as you keep it on the top rack of the dishwasher, it should be covered under warranty.

If you place it on the bottom rack, however, it is unlikely to be covered under warranty. However, it's unlikely the company will be able to determine whether or not you have actually done this.