How to Clean Reusable Coffee Cup Lids—and Why You Should Never Skip This Step

While a reusable coffee cup itself is fairly easy to clean, the lid can be a different story. Skip this crucial step and you may notice lingering odors, old coffee stains, or even mold growth. For a safer sip, be sure that you're not overlooking that lid.

We chatted with two cleaning experts who shared how your coffee cup’s lid can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, their go-to cleaning routine to keep buildup at bay.

Why Reusable Lids Require Special Attention

“Reusable coffee cup lids are harder to clean because they are usually much more technical and compartmentalized than the cup itself,” explains cleaning expert Caroline Dadat. “While the cup is often a simple, smooth, accessible surface, the lid typically includes narrow channels, sliding parts, vents, valves, seals, and removable components that trap residue much more easily.” 

A simple rinse—or even the dishwasher—won't do much to reach all those smaller pieces and nooks and crannies. "The area underneath the removable rubber gasket or O-ring is the hardest part to clean since it creates a moist, dark space allowing mold and bacteria to grow for weeks at a time," says Elena Navarro, cleaning professional. "Moving parts, such as the valve that allows you to drink from the lid, and drink spout valves, are also areas that get overlooked due to the fact that the residue that is left behind dries and becomes hardened as time goes on," she adds.

How (and When) to Clean Reusable Coffee Cup Lids

It’s best to clean your reusable coffee cup lid after every use to keep it clean, safe, and free of mold and bacteria. Follow these easy steps and keep the right tools on hand to make the process quick and effective.

Materials Needed:

• Warm water
• Bowl
• Mild dish soap
• Soft-bristled cleaning brush
• Toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths

Instructions:

1. Disassemble the lid. This includes the rubber gasket, valves, and sliding pieces. This will fully help you reach those pesky, hidden parts, Dadat explains.
2. Fill a bowl with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap. Add all the pieces of your lid and allow the components to soak for at least 10 minutes.
3. Next, clean each piece individually. Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush for larger areas, and an old toothbrush for the hard-to-reach gasket channel and interior sliding track, recommends Navarro.
4. Rinse each component under warm water to remove soap and debris. Navarro says to keep any sliding component open during this process so the water flows through properly.
5. Lay the pieces out separately to dry on a clean cloth. They should be fully dry before reassembly.
6. Reassemble the lid. Ensure everything is clean and dry before putting it away in your cabinet. "When you put a wet gasket back on a wet lid, that is how mold begins," Navarro warns.