How to Wash Water Bottles in Dishwasher

Can You Put Water Bottles in the Dishwasher?

Many water bottles are dishwasher safe — but not all. The material, construction, and any insulation inside the bottle determines whether it can go in the dishwasher safely. Loading the wrong bottle in the dishwasher can damage the seal, warp the body, or destroy the vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold.

Which Water Bottles Are Dishwasher Safe

• Single-wall stainless steel bottles: Usually dishwasher safe — check the label
• BPA-free plastic bottles: Usually dishwasher safe on the top rack — check the label
• Glass water bottles: Generally dishwasher safe
• Silicone bottles: Dishwasher safe

Which Water Bottles Should Not Go in the Dishwasher

• Double-wall vacuum insulated bottles (Hydro Flask, Stanley, Yeti, etc.): Most manufacturers recommend hand washing. The high heat can damage the vacuum seal between the walls, permanently reducing insulation performance.
• Bottles with painted or printed exteriors: The decoration fades and peels in the dishwasher
• Bottles with electronic components: Never dishwasher safe

Always check the manufacturer’s label or website before putting any insulated bottle in the dishwasher.

How to Wash Water Bottles in the Dishwasher

1. Disassemble Completely

• Remove the lid, straw, straw cap, gasket, and any other removable parts
• Mold and bacteria hide in gaskets and straws — they must be washed separately

2. Top Rack Only

• Place the bottle body upside down on the top rack
• The bottom rack is too close to the heating element and can warp plastic bottles

3. Use the Dishwasher Basket for Small Parts

• Lids, straws, gaskets, and small caps go in a dishwasher basket to prevent them falling through the rack
• A bottle cleaning rack on the top rack helps keep bottles stable and upside down for proper drainage

4. Use a Normal or Hot Cycle

• A normal or hot wash cycle cleans water bottles effectively
• Avoid the sanitize cycle for plastic bottles — the extreme heat can warp them

5. Air Dry Completely

• Do not reassemble the bottle until every part is completely dry
• Moisture trapped inside the bottle or lid encourages mold growth
• Stand parts upright on a drying rack to air dry fully

The OXO Good Grips Bottle Drying Rack is a practical option for drying water bottle parts after the dishwasher — it holds bottles upright and allows air to circulate inside.

Keeping Water Bottles Clean Between Washes

• Rinse the bottle with clean water after every use
• Never leave liquid sitting in a closed bottle for extended periods
• Wash at least every one to two days if used daily

Final Tips

• Check the label before putting any insulated bottle in the dishwasher
• Disassemble completely — gaskets and straws must be washed separately
• Top rack only for plastic bottles
• Air dry all parts completely before reassembling