### Is Owala Dishwasher Safe? What You Should Know About This Brand
Owala has quickly become a fan-favorite in the reusable water bottle market, celebrated for its innovative designs, vibrant colors, and practical features like the patented FreeSip spout. But as with any beloved product, one question keeps popping up: *Is Owala dishwasher safe?* The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it depends on the specific model and materials. In this article, we’ll dive deep into Owala’s dishwasher compatibility, explore the brand’s background, and offer practical tips to keep your bottle in top shape. Along the way, we’ll pull from official sources, expert reviews, and real user experiences to give you a clear, comprehensive picture.
#### Understanding Owala: A Quick Brand Overview
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, let’s take a moment to appreciate what makes Owala special. Launched in March 2020 by Trove Brands—a company based in Lehi, Utah, known for hits like BlenderBottle—Owala entered the scene with a mission to make hydration fun, functional, and eco-friendly. Their bottles are designed for active lifestyles, featuring double-wall insulation, BPA-free materials, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. Whether you’re hiking, commuting, or just sipping at your desk, Owala aims to be your go-to hydration companion.
The brand’s flagship product, the FreeSip bottle, stands out with its 2-in-1 spout, letting you sip through a straw or swig from a wide-mouth opening. It’s this kind of innovation that’s earned Owala a loyal following—and a viral moment on TikTok, where it’s racked up millions of views. But with great popularity comes great responsibility, and proper care is key to keeping these bottles performing at their best.
#### Are Owala Bottles Dishwasher Safe? The Official Word
So, let’s cut to the chase: Can you toss your Owala in the dishwasher? The answer hinges on the material and the part of the bottle you’re cleaning. Owala produces two main types of bottles—stainless steel and Eastman Tritan™ plastic—and the cleaning guidelines differ for each.
– **Stainless Steel Bottles**: According to Owala’s official FAQ page, the lids are top-rack dishwasher safe, and the straws can go in the silverware bin. However, the stainless steel cup itself? That’s a different story. The brand strongly recommends hand-washing it to preserve its beautiful powder-coated finish. They note, “The cups are also technically dishwasher safe as well, but we strongly recommend you hand-wash them to maintain that beautiful finish” ([Owala Official FAQ](https://owala.gorgias.help/en-US/are-owala-bottle-dishwasher-safe-)). Translation: You *can* put it in the dishwasher, but you might risk fading colors or damaging the insulation over time.
– **Eastman Tritan™ Plastic Bottles**: Good news for plastic fans—all parts (lid, straw, and base) are top-rack dishwasher safe. The brand confirms, “Eastman Tritan™ Plastic: All parts are top-rack dishwasher safe” ([Owala Official FAQ](https://owala.gorgias.help/en-US/are-owala-bottle-dishwasher-safe-)). This makes the plastic version a low-maintenance option if dishwasher convenience is a priority.
Why the difference? Stainless steel bottles often have vacuum insulation and exterior coatings that can degrade under the high heat and harsh detergents of a dishwasher. Plastic, on the other hand, is more resilient to these conditions, though hand-washing is still a solid choice for longevity.
#### What Experts and Users Say
Beyond the official guidelines, real-world experiences shed light on how Owala holds up in the dishwasher. A review from *Good Housekeeping* tester, who admitted to ignoring the hand-wash advice, said, “Owala recommends you hand wash the FreeSip, but I will say that I put mine in the dishwasher and you’d never know the difference” ([Good Housekeeping Review](https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/appliances/a42867046/owala-freesip-water-bottle-review/)). This suggests that occasional dishwasher use might not spell instant doom—though consistency could be another matter.
On Reddit’s r/Owala community, users have mixed takes. One user shared, “The paint/coloring on the outside of mine has faded probably due to the heat drying. If you’re washing in the dishwasher I’d turn off the heat dry option” ([Reddit r/Owala](https://www.reddit.com/r/Owala/comments/11s8x8r/is_the_stainless_steel_really_unsafe_for/)). Another chimed in, “I wash them daily using the bottle jets in my dishwasher,” with no reported issues ([Reddit r/Owala](https://www.reddit.com/r/Owala/comments/1bpt8x8/hi_im_new_to_the_owala_bandwagon_can_we_dishwash/)). These anecdotes highlight a key point: while the stainless steel base *can* survive the dishwasher, the finish might take a hit over time.
Experts at *FeedingFuel.com* add nuance: “Dishwashing the stainless-steel base can degrade its insulation or damage the exterior design,” recommending hand-washing for long-term care ([FeedingFuel](https://feedingfuel.com/is-your-owala-dishwasher-safe-what-you-need-to-know-about-cleaning-bottles-and-straws/)). The consensus? Stick to the brand’s advice unless you’re willing to gamble with aesthetics.
#### How to Clean Your Owala the Right Way
Whether you’re team dishwasher or team hand-wash, proper cleaning keeps your Owala hygienic and functional. Here’s how to do it based on Owala’s recommendations and expert tips:
– **Hand-Washing (Recommended for Stainless Steel)**:
1. Disassemble the bottle—remove the lid, straw, and gasket (that little rubber seal under the lid).
2. Use warm, soapy water and a bottle brush to scrub the base, paying attention to crevices.
3. Clean the straw with a straw brush (a must if you’ve used anything besides water).
4. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry all parts upside down to prevent moisture buildup.
– **Dishwasher Method (For Lids, Straws, and Tritan Plastic)**:
1. Place the lid and straw on the top rack; tuck small parts like the gasket into the silverware basket.
2. For Tritan plastic bottles, the base can join the top rack too.
3. Avoid high-heat settings to minimize wear, especially if you sneak a stainless steel base in there.
– **Deep Cleaning Tip**: For stubborn odors or stains, soak all parts in a mix of warm water and distilled white vinegar overnight. Rinse well afterward. This trick comes straight from Owala’s care instructions ([Owala Life NZ](https://www.owalalife.co.nz/pages/frequently-asked-questions)).
#### Why Dishwasher Safety Matters
You might wonder why this question gets so much attention. It’s about more than convenience—dishwasher safety ties into durability, hygiene, and even environmental impact. A bottle that can’t handle the dishwasher might deter busy folks from using it regularly, pushing them toward single-use plastics instead. Owala’s reusable design already cuts down on waste, and knowing how to clean it properly ensures it lasts for years, maximizing its eco-friendly cred.
Plus, there’s the practical side. Dishwashers use hot water and strong jets to zap bacteria—great for peace of mind if you’re sipping daily. But if the heat warps a seal or fades that gorgeous colorway you picked, you’re left with a less-than-perfect bottle. Balancing convenience and care is the name of the game.
#### Beyond Cleaning: What Else to Know About Owala
Owala’s appeal goes beyond dishwasher