How to Clean a Yeti Mug: Step-by-Step Guide

What You’ll Need

Warm water
Dish soap (mild, non-abrasive)
Soft sponge or cloth
Bottle brush or long-handled scrub brush (for deep cleaning)
Baking soda (optional, for stubborn stains or odors)
White vinegar (optional, for descaling or deodorizing)
Clean towel or drying rack

Step-by-Step

Disassemble the mug. Remove the lid and the rubber gasket (if your lid has one). Check the lid’s underside—many Yeti lids have a small silicone ring that slides off. Also, if your mug has a slider or straw, remove those parts if possible.
Rinse with warm water. Hold the mug under warm running water to remove loose debris. Do the same for the lid and gasket. This prevents food particles from scratching the surface during washing.
Wash with soapy water. Fill the mug with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. Use a soft sponge or cloth to scrub the inside and outside. For the lid, use the sponge to clean all crevices, including the slider and the vent hole.
Scrub the interior with a bottle brush. If your mug is tall or has a narrow opening, use a bottle brush to reach the bottom. Scrub in a circular motion, paying extra attention to the bottom and the sides where coffee or tea residue can build up.
Clean the gasket and lid thoroughly. The gasket is the most common place for mold and odor. Wash it with soapy water, using your fingers to stretch it slightly and clean the groove. Rinse well to remove all soap.
Rinse everything thoroughly. Rinse the mug, lid, and gasket under warm running water until no soap bubbles remain. Leftover soap can affect the taste of your next drink.
Dry completely before reassembling. Shake off excess water, then place all parts on a clean towel or drying rack. Let them air-dry completely—especially the gasket—before putting the lid back on. This prevents moisture from getting trapped and causing mold.

Common Mistakes

Using abrasive scrubbers. Steel wool or harsh scouring pads can scratch the powder-coated finish on the outside of your Yeti mug. Stick to soft sponges or cloths.
Putting the lid in the dishwasher. While the mug body is dishwasher-safe (top rack), the lid and gasket can warp or lose their seal in the dishwasher’s heat. Hand-washing the lid is safer.
Forgetting the gasket. The rubber gasket is a magnet for mold and smells. If you don’t remove and clean it regularly, you’ll end up with a musty mug.
Leaving coffee or tea to sit. Letting a mug sit with coffee or tea for hours makes stains and odors harder to remove. Rinse it soon after use.
Using bleach or harsh chemicals. These can damage the mug’s finish and leave a chemical taste. Stick to mild dish soap and baking soda.

Tips

Remove stains with baking soda. For stubborn coffee or tea stains, make a paste with baking soda and a little water. Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge.
Deodorize with vinegar. If your mug smells, fill it with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. This also helps remove mineral buildup from hard water.
Clean the lid vent. The small hole in the lid can get clogged with residue. Use a toothpick or a small brush (like a straw cleaner) to gently clear it.
Wash after every use. A quick hand-wash after each use prevents buildup and keeps the mug fresh. If you use it for plain water, a rinse may be enough, but soap is still recommended periodically.
Dry upside down. Place the mug upside down on a drying rack to let water drain out. This helps prevent water spots and keeps the interior dry.

Troubleshooting

Mug still smells after cleaning. If a musty smell persists, the gasket or lid may have hidden mold. Soak the lid and gasket in a solution of warm water and baking soda (or vinegar) for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse. If the smell remains, replace the gasket (they are available from Yeti).
Stains won’t come off. For stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water and let it sit on the stain for 15–20 minutes before scrubbing. You can also try a denture tablet: fill the mug with warm water, drop in a tablet, and let it fizz for 30 minutes, then rinse.
Lid leaks after cleaning. If your lid leaks, make sure the gasket is seated properly. Check that it’s not twisted or stretched. Also, ensure the lid is snapped on correctly. If the gasket is damaged, it may need replacement.
Mug has a metallic taste. This can happen if soap residue remains. Rinse the mug several times with hot water. If the taste persists, wipe the inside with a mixture of lemon juice and water, then rinse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put my Yeti mug in the dishwasher?

Yes, the mug body is dishwasher-safe, but it’s best to place it on the top rack. However, the lid and gasket should be hand-washed to prevent warping and loss of seal.

How often should I clean my Yeti mug?

Ideally, wash it after every use. If you only use it for water, a daily rinse is fine, but a soap wash a few times a week is recommended.

Can I use bleach to clean my Yeti mug?

No. Bleach can damage the finish and leave a chemical taste. Use mild dish soap, baking soda, or vinegar instead.

Why does my Yeti mug smell even after washing?

Usually it’s the gasket or lid that holds onto odors. Remove the gasket and clean it separately. If the smell persists, soak all parts in a baking soda solution.

Can I clean the outside with a magic eraser?

Magic erasers are abrasive and can dull the powder-coated finish. Stick to a soft sponge with soapy water.

How do I remove coffee stains from the inside?

Use a baking soda paste or a denture tablet. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes, then scrub gently and rinse.

Sources: YETI. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.