You love your Owala, but do you actually clean it every day? If you want every sip to be fresh and free from unwanted bacteria, daily cleaning is a must.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple, no-fuss methods I use to keep my Owala looking and smelling fresh. No complicated steps or tools, just easy cleaning that actually works.
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Are Owala Water Bottles Easy to Clean?
Owala isn’t the easiest water bottle to clean. If you’ve checked out my reviews, you’ve probably noticed that I rate Owala bottles 3 out of 5 in the “ease of cleaning” category. And there’s a reason for that.
For starters, even though Owala says the bottle is dishwasher safe, I wouldn’t risk it. The heat and detergent can wear down the coating, and before you know it, that vibrant color you loved starts looking a little… sad.
But the real challenge is the lid. If you’ve ever cleaned an Owala, you know what I mean. It’s one of the most intricate lids out there, packed with crevices, threads, and hidden spots where bacteria love to settle in.
Now that we know what we’re up against, let’s get to cleaning.
Step #1: Gather Supplies
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your Owala bottle clean. Just grab a few basic supplies:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- A bottle brush for scrubbing the inside
- A straw brush
If you don’t have the right brushes, Owala sells a set for $13, and you can find it on Amazon. It’s a small purchase that makes a big difference, not just for your Owala but for any reusable bottle you own.
Step #2: Clean the Bottle
Start by separating the bottle from the lid since they each need their own cleaning.
Fill a bowl or your sink with warm water and dish soap. If you have fragrance-free soap, it’s best to use that to avoid any soapy aftertaste.
Once everything is set, scrub your Owala well with the brush, paying extra attention to the bottom where residue tends to build up.
It’s always satisfying to see your bottle looking fresh and clean again, isn’t it?
Step #3: Take Care of the Lid & Straw
Let’s tackle the lid now. The good news is that the Owala lid is dishwasher-safe. But if you’re going that route, just remember to dismantle it first. Take out the rubber piece, the gasket, and the straw, which is removable too.
And don’t forget to flip open the spout before putting it on the top rack.
If you prefer cleaning by hand, you’ll need to take the lid apart as well. Wash it the same way you did the bottle: with warm, soapy water. A small cleaning brush is perfect for getting inside the spout and the straw. If your straw is in particularly bad condition, see my guide on how to clean a straw.
Once everything’s scrubbed clean, rinse it all under warm running water to make sure no soap lingers. Leftover soap can seriously mess with the taste of your water, so give it a good rinse!
Step #4: Let Everything Dry Completely
Shake off excess water and let the lid air dry completely before putting it back together. If you’re in a hurry, use a clean towel to dry it, but make sure there’s no moisture trapped inside.
Step #5: Deep Clean for Extra Freshness (Optional but Recommended)
The daily cleaning routine works well, but if you’ve let your Owala go for a while, or if you’re dealing with odors, stains, or buildup, it might be time for a deep clean.
One of my favorite methods is using white vinegar.
Just fill your bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water, then let it sit for about 30 minutes or a few hours if it’s really bad. Don’t forget to do the same with the lid and straw in a separate bowl.
The vinegar helps kill bacteria and clears out any lingering smells.
How to Clean Mold out of Owala Water Bottle?
Mold in your Owala water bottle? Don’t worry, it happens, especially if you’ve left your drinks sitting in it too long or forgot to clean it regularly.
The good news is, you can completely get rid of mold and prevent it from coming back with a few simple steps.
Firstly, try the method using white vinegar I described above. This time, let it sit for a good few hours or even overnight if it’s particularly bad.
If this method doesn’t help, then it’s time to bring out the big guns: Hydrogen peroxide. It’s stronger than vinegar and kills mold on contact.
How to remove mold using hydrogen peroxide:
- Pour a little hydrogen peroxide directly onto moldy spots and let it fizz.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly several times with warm water to make sure there’s no leftover.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing to take away from this guide, it’s that cleaning your Owala daily with just water and dish soap will save you a lot of hassle in the long run. No need for fancy methods—keep it simple!
Now, let’s get your Owala sparkling clean!
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
