Brenda asked: I have a Contigo coffee travel mug. It seals by a vacuum-like press. How do I clean in the tight places of the lid? I use milk in my coffee and it gets yucky. I almost need a brush the size of a cotton swab, but bendable.
Table of Contents:
Cleaning the deep grooves of travel mug lids is a common problem and reason that many travel mugs end up in the trash. Whether it’s milk or sugar for coffee or tea, when these items get trapped, they lead to mold and growth that no one wants close to their beverages. To clean these grooves we have to think outside the box and re-task our cleaning tools.
You Will Need:
- Dish soap or detergent
- Warm water
- Soft cloths
- Bottle brush (some have nipple brushes as well that are smaller)
- Small brush (such as Wilton tip brush)
Steps to Wash the Mug:
- Fill the sink with warm water.
- Add a small amount of dish soap or dish detergent.
- Agitate the water to mix until suds form.
- Place the entire cup into the water so that it is completely submerged.
- Allow the cup to soak for several minutes to loosen any dried on dirt or drinks.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to wash the surfaces, both inside and out.
- Use the bottle brush to clean the inside of the cup/mug and remove any residue from the beverages on the bottom.
- Use a small brush to clean the grooves and tight areas in the lid. This brush is built on a wire and can be bent to reach difficult areas.
- Rinse all pieces of the cup/mug thoroughly with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth.
- Set it on a drying rack and allow it to air dry completely.
- If any dirt or drink residue could not be removed, place the lid (and mug/cup if metal) into the dishwasher for additional cleaning.
Additional Tips and Advice
- To remove build up, some have found it helpful to fill the mug and add a polident tablet. Allow it to soak for several hours before washing and rinsing thoroughly.
- Always store the mugs and cups with the lids removed. This will prevent moisture from becoming trapped in the cup, and ward off mold and other growth.
- Metal cups can be placed in the dishwasher along with the lids. However, painted and ceramic cups should be hand washed. All lids can be washed in the dishwasher.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Fizzy stuff = Vinegar + baking soda
Instead of Polident, you can use one tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon vinegar + some water.
Clean the lid vigorously with water to get gunk out. Push the button a few times as you run water on it. Rinse the lid.
Over the sink, hold the lid on it’s back.
Put about 2 warm tablespoon water INSIDE the lid.
Put the baking soda in. Shake the lid a bit so the baking soda dilutes in the water.
Now add the tablespoon vinegar. The water will fizz.
When it’s nearly done fizzing, push the button a few times so the mix cleans the “closed” area too.
Rinse the lid under warm water, and clean it. You’ll need to rinse REALLY well because it might smell like vinegar, but the smell will go away.
It takes less than 30 seconds, when you’re used to it.
Steam clean
If you frequent a coffee shop, ask the nice people behind the counter to “Steam your lid”…using the high preasure steam from the Capuchino machine. The people at my coffee shop do this for everyone who brings in their own mugs. It workg great if done regularly, but not sure if it will work for lids or mugs that have been left to biuld up mold.
Easy Breezy
I have had the stainless Contigo travel mug for about a year now. I am from Seattle area and drink coffee, kool aid, and milk out of mine daily. I like it because i have real wood floors in my house and i dont like for people or myself to spill the contents all over the floor. Also, i work outside for a living so it gets dropped by accident a lot. I guess its like a Timex….takes a lickin and keeps on tickin! Anyway, i put my mug in dishwasher and let it do its thing. Every now and then maybe throw some vinegar in there and agitate it, but beyond that….these things are a breeze to clean.
Contigo travel Mug
I swear by these mugs, LOVE THEM! The best way to clean out the top is to use the hottest water and pressure to get in the small areas. I left coffee in mine once and it got a big nasty so I soaked it in hot soapy water for a few hrs then used the high power hot water to get all the small spots then cleaned again. It worked great. I see here they are saying to put the mug in dishwasher. Disregard that. You can put the lid in but not the mug itself because it is vacuum sealed. This may mess up the seal. Always best to clean the mug part by hand.
mold
I have had 3 mugs for over a year. They are wonderful but I cant get the mold out of the top. I hold the button and wash swish around over & over but I keep getting black particles, but I never seem to get it all. I’m afraid of mold because it never has a chance to dry out because of the vacuumed areas. Anyone have any ideas? I’m afraid to use this product anymore but it was one of my favorites.
Is anybody out there from Contigo?
I need useful help on how to air out the lid so it won’t colect mold. Even if you could get it all at will come back since you can’t hold it open until it drys