Quick answer
Use the main brush head for the bottle body and lid crevices, then twist the handle to reveal the hidden straw brush for the inside of your straw. Rinse both brush head and straw brush after every use, and put the removable brush head in the dishwasher when you want a deeper clean. This two-part routine is the simplest way to keep your Owala lid and straw free of residue and odors.
Why the 2-in-1 design matters for lids and straws
Lids and straws are the hardest parts of any insulated bottle to clean because they have narrow channels and moving parts. A standard dish brush can't reach inside a straw, and a sponge often misses the gasket groove on a lid. The Owala 2-in-1 Bottle Brush solves both problems by combining a full-size brush head with a flexible straw brush that hides inside the handle. That means you don't need to buy or store a separate straw cleaner—one tool covers the entire bottle.
How to disassemble your Owala lid for cleaning
Before you start scrubbing, take the lid apart as much as your model allows. Most Owala lids have a removable gasket or seal that can trap liquid and odor if you don't clean underneath it. Check your lid's design—if the gasket lifts out easily, remove it and set it aside. If it doesn't come out, don't force it; just clean around it with the brush. The smoothsip-slider-360088">SmoothSip® Slider lid, for example, has a leakproof slider mechanism that benefits from a gentle brush around the spout and under the slider tab.
Using the main brush head on the bottle and lid
Wet the brush head and add a small drop of dish soap. Scrub the inside of the bottle with a twisting motion, then work the bristles into the lid's threads, the spout, and any crevices around the slider or straw opening. The bristles are designed to fit inside Owala bottles, so you can reach the bottom without scratching the interior. Rinse the lid thoroughly under warm water to flush out soap and loosened residue.
Revealing and using the hidden straw brush
Twist the bottom of the handle to extend the flexible straw brush—this is the Twist-n-Hide feature. Run the straw brush through the inside of your straw under warm running water. For stubborn buildup, add a drop of soap to the brush or straw and push the brush back and forth a few times. The flexible stem bends with the straw, so you can clean curved straws without kinking the brush. Rinse the straw and the brush thoroughly afterward.
Dishwasher-safe care and storage
The brush head is removable and dishwasher safe, so you can place it in the top rack for a deeper clean. The handle with the Twist-n-Hide straw brush should be rinsed by hand—check your specific model's care instructions if you're unsure. After each use, shake out excess water and let the brush air dry with the straw brush extended so moisture doesn't get trapped inside the handle. Store it upright in a clean, dry spot.
Step-by-step: deep clean your Owala lid and straw
- Disassemble the lid: Remove the gasket or seal if your lid allows it. Set small parts aside so they don't go down the drain. Checkpoint: if the gasket doesn't lift out easily, don't force it—clean around it instead.
- Scrub the bottle and lid with the main brush: Add soap, then scrub the bottle interior, lid threads, spout, and slider area with the large brush head. Common mistake: forgetting the lid threads and the underside of the slider, where residue hides.
- Extend the hidden straw brush: Twist the handle to reveal the Twist-n-Hide straw brush. Push it through the straw under warm running water. Checkpoint: the brush should pass through smoothly; if it sticks, rinse and try again with a little soap.
- Rinse everything thoroughly: Flush all parts—bottle, lid, gasket, straw, and both brushes—under warm water until no soap remains. Common mistake: leaving soap residue in the straw, which can affect the taste of your next drink.
- Dishwasher-safe deeper clean: Place the removable brush head in the top rack of the dishwasher. Hand-wash the handle and straw brush. Checkpoint: check your model's care guide if you're unsure whether the handle is dishwasher safe.
- Air dry and store: Shake off excess water and let all parts air dry completely before reassembling. Store the brush upright with the straw brush extended. Next step: reassemble the lid only after every part is fully dry to prevent mold or odors.
Product facts
- 2-in-1 Bottle Brush: The Owala 2-in-1 Bottle Brush has hundreds of germ-fighting bristles and fits perfectly inside Owala bottles. You can scrub the full interior of your bottle without scratching it, and the bristles reach the bottom where residue collects.
- 2-in-1 Bottle Brush: The brush head is removable and dishwasher safe, and the handle contains a flexible, Twist-n-Hide straw brush. You get two cleaning tools in one, and the brush head can be sanitized in the dishwasher for a deeper clean.
