Quick answer
Rinse your Stanley Stay-Hot Stacking Cups and press-in lids with warm water right after each use, then hand wash with mild dish soap and a soft bottle brush. Deep clean weekly by soaking the lids in a baking soda solution to prevent odors and keep the press-in seal working smoothly.
Why the press-in lid changes your cleaning routine
The Stay-Hot Stacking Cups use a unique press-in lid rather than a screw-on cap, so residue can collect in the lid's inner rim and silicone seal area. If you only rinse the cup and ignore the lid, coffee oils and tea tannins build up and trap odors. Always separate the lid from the cup before washing, and pay attention to the groove where the lid meets the cup rim.
Daily washing steps that protect the finish
Hand washing is the safest way to preserve the double-wall vacuum insulation and the exterior finish. Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge or bottle brush. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, and harsh chemicals, which can scratch the surface or degrade the lid seal over time. After washing, rinse thoroughly and air dry with the lid off so moisture doesn't get trapped inside.
How to deep clean and remove lingering odors
Once a week, or whenever you notice a stale smell, soak the cups and lids in a mixture of warm water and baking soda for 15 to 20 minutes. For stubborn tea or coffee stains, add a splash of white vinegar to the soak. Use a small brush to gently scrub the lid's press-in groove and the silicone gasket if accessible. Rinse well and let everything dry completely before stacking. Never put the cups or lids in the dishwasher unless the product instructions specifically allow it—high heat can warp the lid and break the vacuum seal.
Your step-by-step stacking cup care routine
- Rinse immediately after use: Empty any leftover liquid and rinse both the cup and lid with warm water as soon as you finish drinking. This stops coffee, tea, or cream from drying and bonding to the surface. If you can't wash right away, at least fill the cup with warm water and let it sit until you can clean it properly.
- Disassemble and hand wash: Remove the press-in lid from the cup. Wash both parts with mild dish soap, warm water, and a soft bottle brush or sponge. Focus on the lid's inner rim and the cup's top edge where residue collects. Never use abrasive pads or bleach-based cleaners—they can scratch the finish and damage the lid seal.
- Deep clean the lid weekly: Soak the lid in a warm water and baking soda solution for 15 minutes. Use a small brush to gently scrub the press-in groove and any silicone seal. Rinse thoroughly. If odor persists, repeat the soak with a splash of white vinegar, then rinse again.
- Air dry completely before stacking: Place the cup and lid upside down on a drying rack with space between them. Let them air dry fully—at least a few hours—before stacking the cups together or storing with the lid on. Trapped moisture is the main cause of musty smells; if you smell anything stale, rewash and dry again.
- Store loosely to prevent scratches: Once dry, stack the cups as designed but leave the lids off or resting lightly on top. Avoid cramming them into a tight cabinet where they can rub against other dishes. A small microfiber cloth between stacked cups can further protect the finish.
Product facts
- The Stay-Hot Stacking Cup 2-Piece Set | 10 OZ: The Stay-Hot Stacking Cup 2-Piece Set | 10 OZ features double-wall vacuum insulation and a unique press-in lid. Double-wall insulation means you should hand wash to protect the vacuum layer, and the press-in lid needs extra attention around its seal to prevent leaks and odors.
