Quick Answer
To clean your Zojirushi Tea Tumbler with Handle, hand wash all parts with warm soapy water and a soft sponge, paying extra attention to the infuser and lid. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and never put the tumbler in the dishwasher.
Why Regular Cleaning Matters
Tea leaves contain tannins that can leave stubborn brown stains on stainless steel and plastic parts if left to sit. Over time, these residues can also trap odors and affect the taste of your next brew. Regular cleaning keeps your tumbler fresh and your tea tasting the way it should.
The SE-KAE48's dual infuser and strainer are designed to brew loose leaf tea, but they also collect fine tea particles that can be hard to see. Thorough cleaning of these components prevents clogging and ensures smooth pouring every time.
What to Avoid
Abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and harsh chemical cleaners can scratch the stainless steel finish and damage the porous texture that gives the tumbler its comfortable feel. They can also degrade the silicone gaskets in the lid, compromising the leak-proof seal.
The tumbler is not dishwasher safe. High heat and strong detergents can warp the plastic parts and reduce the effectiveness of the vacuum insulation over time. Always hand wash with mild dish soap.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
- Disassemble all parts: Remove the lid, infuser, and strainer from the tumbler. If you have any remaining tea, discard it and rinse the interior with warm water to remove loose leaves. Check that the silicone gasket in the lid is still in place and not worn.
- Hand wash with warm soapy water: Fill a sink with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Wash the tumbler body, lid, infuser, and strainer with a soft sponge or cloth. Pay extra attention to the infuser mesh and the lid's crevices where tea particles can hide. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers or steel wool, as they can scratch the finish.
- Rinse thoroughly: Rinse every part under running warm water until no soap suds remain. Soap residue can affect the taste of your next tea, so be especially careful with the infuser and lid. If you notice any soapy smell, rinse again with fresh water.
- Remove stubborn tea stains: For brown tea stains, create a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stained areas with a soft cloth, and gently rub in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Avoid using bleach or chlorine-based cleaners. Test the baking soda paste on a small area first if you're concerned about the finish.
- Dry all parts completely: Shake off excess water and place all parts on a clean dish rack to air dry. Ensure the lid, infuser, and strainer are completely dry before reassembling to prevent mold or mildew. Store the tumbler with the lid off to allow airflow and keep the interior dry.
Product Spotlight
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16 oz. Stainless Tea Tumbler with Handle SE-KAE48: The 16 oz. Stainless Tea Tumbler with Handle comes with a dual infuser & strainer for brewing loose leaf tea or cold-brew tea, and its vacuum insulation keeps drinks hot or cold for hours. Cleaning the infuser and strainer thoroughly prevents tea residue from building up, so your tumbler continues to brew clean-tasting tea and maintains its temperature performance.
16 oz. Stainless Tea Tumbler with Handle SE-KAE48
