3 Ways to Prevent Your Tumbler from Retaining Odors

March 2, 2025

A great tumbler should keep your drinks fresh, but over time, lingering odors from coffee, tea, smoothies, or flavored water can make sipping less enjoyable. If you've ever noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your tumbler, it's time to take action.

With the right cleaning techniques and storage habits, you can ensure your tumbler stays odor-free and fresh for every use. Here are three simple yet highly effective methods to prevent and eliminate odors.

1. Deep Clean Using Natural Deodorizers

A quick rinse isn’t enough to remove tough odors from stainless steel or plastic tumblers. To tackle lingering smells, natural deodorizers like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon work wonders.

Baking Soda & Vinegar Solution

How to do it

Add 1 tablespoon of baking soda to your tumbler.
Fill it with warm water and let it sit for 30 minutes to overnight.
Rinse thoroughly and scrub with a soft bottle brush.
For stubborn odors, add a splash of white vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, and rinse again.

Lemon & Hot Water Rinse

How to do it

Squeeze half a lemon into your tumbler.
Fill with hot water and let it sit for at least an hour.
Scrub gently, rinse well, and let it air dry.

Pro Tip: If your tumbler lid or straw retains odors, soak them in baking soda and water separately.

2. Proper Drying & Storage to Prevent Odors

Moisture buildup inside your tumbler can create the perfect environment for bacteria and odors. Here’s how to prevent it:

Always Air Dry Completely: Leave your tumbler and lid open and upside down to prevent trapped moisture.
Store with the Lid off. Sealing a damp tumbler leads to musty smells. Store it with the lid slightly open.
Use a Paper Towel or Charcoal Pack: Placing a dry paper towel or activated charcoal pack inside before storage absorbs any remaining odors.

With BriteLune’s leakproof and easy-to-clean design, following these storage tips ensures your tumbler stays fresh between uses.

3. Stick to a Regular Cleaning Routine

Even if your tumbler looks clean, residual oils, flavors, and bacteria can build up over time. Sticking to a consistent cleaning schedule prevents odors before they start.

Daily Cleaning

Rinse immediately after coffee, tea, smoothies, or flavored water.
Use warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush for a quick clean.

Weekly Deep Clean

Soak with baking soda, vinegar, or lemon water to remove deep-set odors.
Scrub the straw, lid, and seals separately to eliminate hidden bacteria.

Dishwasher-Safe Convenience

The BriteLune Tumbler is top-rack dishwasher safe, making regular cleaning fast and effortless.

Why the BriteLune Tumbler Stays Fresher Longer

Unlike plastic cups that trap odors and stain easily, the BriteLune Tumbler is made from 18/8 stainless steel, which resists odor buildup. Plus, its wide-mouth opening makes deep cleaning quick and easy, so your drinks always taste fresh and pure.

Upgrade your tumbler experience today!
Get 20% off your first order! Use code BRITE20 at checkout.

Shop the BriteLune Tumbler Now