Cleaning a BrüMate Era is basically the same as washing any good stainless-steel tumbler – simple, fast, and, dare I say, a little satisfying.
In this guide, I’ll show you two approaches: the quick daily clean that keeps everything fresh with minimal effort, and the occasional deep clean for those weeks when you’ve been a little “optimistic” about how long flavored drinks can sit in a cup.
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Daily Cleaning
First things first, it might surprise you, but the BrüMate Era is actually top-rack dishwasher safe. That means you can disassemble the rotating cover, pull out the straw, and place everything on the top rack without worrying about warped lids, damaged seals, or a faded finish.
The reason is simple: the top rack sits farther from the dishwasher’s heating element, so the heat and water pressure are gentler.
Of course, sometimes you don’t have half an hour to wait for a dishwasher cycle. You just need your tumbler ready now. For that, the fastest method is still the simplest:
Warm water + mild dish soap + a sponge or brush.
The wide mouth of the Era makes this even easier. Unlike narrow bottles that demand a dedicated brush, you can reach all the way to the bottom with just a sponge, even in the larger 40 oz size.
The metal straw deserves its own mention and it should be cleaned with the same care you give the tumbler itself. Rinsing is fine in emergencies, but a small straw brush is far more effective. These brushes (like this cleaning kit) cost only a few dollars and can be reused endlessly, making them a smart purchase for anyone who owns more than one tumbler.
Keep in mind, the straw can be detached from the lid. By slightly rotating the tab, the mechanism releases the straw, making it super easy to clean. The metal straw Brumate includes with the tumbler is such a big upgrade from cheap plastic straws. I love drinking through it, so I always take extra care of it.
Lastly, the lid. Rotate the tab to the “Align to remove + clean” position, detach the cover, and wash every surface thoroughly. The silicone spout can hold onto residue more than you’d expect, so give it proper attention. And don’t overlook the threading on the lid – it’s one of the easiest places for buildup to hide.
Follow this simple routine daily and your BrüMate Era will stay spotless, hygienic, and free of the dreaded “old smoothie” smell.
Deep Cleaning
Daily rinses keep your Era tumbler looking fine on the surface, but over time small things build up: a faint coffee scent that lingers, a film inside the straw, or residue in the lid threading you didn’t notice at first. That’s where a proper deep clean comes in.
You don’t need to do this every day. Once a week is plenty if you’re using your Era for water or tea. If you’re a daily coffee or flavored drink person, you’ll want to deep clean every few to prevent odors and staining.
Here’s how to do it:
- Disassemble everything. Remove the straw, rotate the tab to the “Align to remove + clean” position, and take out the cover. Set all the pieces aside.
- Soak in a cleaning solution. Fill the tumbler halfway with warm water, add a teaspoon of baking soda, and then pour in a splash of white vinegar. Let it fizz for about 15 minutes. This loosens stains and neutralizes odors. For the lid, cover, and straw, soak them separately in a small bowl with the same solution.
- Scrub thoroughly. Use a sponge or bottle brush for the tumbler’s interior. For the straw, silicone spout, and lid threading, a straw brush or a small detailing brush works best.
- Rinse well. Make sure no vinegar or baking soda residue remains, especially in the straw and silicone parts.
- Air dry completely. Leave all components to dry on a rack. Reassembling while damp can trap moisture and lead to mold.
This process takes a little more time than the daily routine, but it ensures your BrüMate Era stays fresh, odor-free, and safe for long-term use.
How NOT to clean BrüMate Era
Even the most durable tumblers have their limits, and the Era is no exception. To keep it in top shape, avoid these common mistakes:
Don’t boil it. Pouring boiling water inside or dropping the lid into boiling water can damage seals, warp silicone, or shorten the life of the powder coating. Warm, not scalding, water is the sweet spot.
Skip harsh chemicals. Bleach, chlorine-based cleaners, or abrasive powders can corrode the stainless steel and damage the finish. They may also leave behind odors that never really go away.
Avoid metal scouring pads. Yes, they’ll clean fast, but they’ll also scratch the powder coating and stainless steel, making your tumbler more prone to staining and rust spots. Stick to soft sponges or nylon brushes.
Don’t toss it on the bottom rack. The Era is top-rack dishwasher safe. The bottom rack exposes it to hotter temperatures and stronger spray pressure, which can warp lids, loosen seals, or dull the finish faster.
Don’t reassemble while damp. Trapped moisture inside the lid, straw, or spout can lead to mold. Always let the parts dry fully before putting everything back together.
Don’t ignore the small parts. It’s tempting to just rinse the straw or the rotating cover and call it done, but those are the exact spots where residue and bacteria build up first. Skipping them is a shortcut you’ll regret later.
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.
