Let’s be real for a sec…
You just finished your iced coffee. Or maybe it was one of those fancy fruit-infused waters that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. Either way, you’re now staring at your SLM cup thinking, “Wait… can I toss this in the dishwasher or am I about to ruin it forever?”
Totally valid question.
Because let’s be honest—nobody is out here hoping to hand-wash another cup after a long day. But before we go tossing SLM cups onto the top rack with reckless abandon, let’s break this down together, yeah?
So… what exactly is an SLM cup?
Alright, in case you just picked one up recently (or got gifted one and didn’t read the packaging because who does?), SLM cups are those sleek, often stainless steel or insulated drinkware pieces designed to keep your drinks cold for hours. Super aesthetic. Very “Instagram picnic” energy.
They’re often made with double-wall insulation and a vacuum-sealed design. Translation? Great for your drink. But maybe… not always great for the dishwasher.
Okay, but are they dishwasher safe or not?
Here’s the tricky part:
It depends on the model. 😬
Some SLM cups are labeled dishwasher safe—especially newer ones with a durable powder coating. If yours came in a box or has a care label somewhere (even printed under the cup), check that first. That little icon with a plate and water drops? That’s your green light.
But here’s the deal:
Even when brands say technically dishwasher-safe, many still recommend hand washing. Why? Because dishwashers can mess with:
- The insulation performance (nobody wants lukewarm coffee all day).
- The exterior finish (goodbye pretty color).
- And even the seal around the lid (which = potential leaks over time).
Lids and straws—different story?
Yup. The lids on most SLM cups have silicone seals, flip mechanisms, or straws. These parts often trap water, soap, or just weird gunk if they’re not rinsed well. So while they can survive a dishwasher cycle, they might come out needing a manual scrub anyway. Go figure.
Best practice?
Take the lid apart if you can. Wash those little nooks and crannies by hand. It’s annoying, but trust me—it’s better than sipping leftover soap bubbles.
“But I’m lazy… will it explode if I just dishwasher it anyway?”
Nope. Not explode. But you might end up with:
- Peeling paint or fading logos
- A cup that doesn’t keep your drink cold as long
- Or worst of all… a leaky, squeaky lid situation 😬
So if your cup says hand wash only and you send it through the heat-drenched rinse cycle of doom every night… don’t be surprised if it starts acting weird.
What’s the move then?
Here’s the bottom line:
✅ If your SLM cup says dishwasher safe:
- Top rack only
- Avoid high-heat settings if possible
- Skip heavy-duty cycles
❌ If it says hand wash only:
- Do the responsible thing and… ugh, hand wash it
- Use warm water, gentle soap, soft sponge—easy stuff
Quick test (because we all ignore labels sometimes)
Not sure what yours is? Try this:
- Fill it with ice water.
- Check how cold it stays after 4–6 hours.
- If it’s not doing its job anymore, and you’ve been dishwashing it regularly—well, now you know.
Some SLM cups can go in the dishwasher. But should they? Not always. If you want your cup looking cute and working right for the long haul, hand washing is the safer bet.
Still… no judgment if you toss it in once in a while. We’ve all been there.
Got an SLM cup story? Or a cleaning hack that saved yours? Drop it below—because honestly, we’re all just trying to keep our stuff clean without doing the absolute most. 💬