Okay, picture this: You’ve just finished your iced coffee—or maybe your third cup of water because you’re being responsible today—and now you’re staring at your beloved Tervis tumbler wondering, Can I just toss this in the dishwasher? Or is this going to be one of those “hand wash only” heartbreaks?
We’ve all been there. You love your drinkware, but you don’t love babying it. So let’s cut to the chase…
Yes, They Are Dishwasher Safe… Mostly
Here’s the good news: Tervis tumblers—especially the newer ones—are made to be top-rack dishwasher safe. That’s right, no tedious handwashing unless you really want to feel like you’re in a 1950s kitchen commercial.
But before you sprint to your kitchen and start loading them up, let’s pause for a sec. There are a few little “buts” and caveats to keep in mind. Not to be a buzzkill, but those cute, colorful designs on your tumbler? They need some care. So while the tumbler might survive the dishwasher just fine, the artwork might not be so lucky over time—especially if you’re using super hot water or high-heat drying cycles.
Also, it depends on the type of Tervis you’ve got. Is it one of the classic double-walled plastic ones? Or is it stainless steel? That’s a whole different story, and yep—we’re gonna talk about that too.
Quick tip: Always check the bottom of your tumbler. If it says “dishwasher safe,” you’re golden—but still aim for the top rack, where the heat’s a little gentler. You wouldn’t put your sunglasses under a heat lamp, right? Same vibe.
Not All Tervis Are the Same: Which Ones Can Handle the Heat?
So, you’ve got a Tervis tumbler. But… which kind? Because believe it or not, there’s more than one type—and how they handle a dishwasher depends on what they’re made of. Let’s break it down like we’re chatting over coffee (in our tumblers, naturally).
1. Classic Plastic Tervis Tumblers
Ah, the OG. These are the double-walled, clear plastic ones with fun designs—college logos, beachy vibes, maybe even a cheeky saying like “But first, coffee.” These are totally safe for the top rack of your dishwasher. Tervis even brags about that on their website.
But a quick heads-up: over time, high heat and harsh detergents can make the outer layer look a little cloudy, and those bright printed designs might fade a bit faster. It’s not the end of the world—just the price of convenience. If you want to keep them looking showroom fresh, handwashing now and then isn’t the worst idea.
2. Stainless Steel Tervis Tumblers
These are the sleek, modern ones—usually with a stainless exterior and maybe a colorful lid. Here’s the deal: these are not dishwasher safe. I know, major bummer.
Why? The high heat and moisture in a dishwasher can mess with the vacuum insulation and even cause rusting or damage to the finish. Plus, the lids? They can get gross if you don’t wash them right—dishwashers don’t always get inside those little crevices. So yeah, handwashing is the way to go here.
Pro tip: Use a bottle brush and warm, soapy water. Yeah, it’s old-school, but it works—and your tumbler will thank you.
3. Tervis Water Bottles and Mugs
These can be kind of in-between. Some are classic plastic, which means yay, top rack safe. Others might have more complex parts like straws, handles, or inner linings—those can be a little pickier.
Again, the label on the bottom is your friend. If it says “dishwasher safe,” you’re good to go (top rack only!). But if it looks more like a mini science experiment with a million parts? Might be safer to just handwash.
Keeping Your Tervis Tumbler Looking Like New
Let’s be honest—nobody wants their favorite tumbler to turn into a cloudy, smelly science experiment. So whether you’re team “toss it in the top rack” or more of a careful cleaner, there are some easy tricks to keep your Tervis looking—and smelling—fresh.
1. Top Rack Isn’t Just a Suggestion
If your Tervis says it’s dishwasher safe, cool. But that little “top rack only” bit? It’s not just a friendly hint. The bottom rack is way hotter, and that heat can warp the plastic or mess with the vacuum seal (especially on bottles or mugs). So, yeah—don’t get wild with placement.
Also, don’t overcrowd. You want those jets to actually reach the inside of the cup. Otherwise, all you’re doing is giving it a warm bath.
2. Got a Funky Smell? Try This.
Sometimes tumblers—especially if you’ve left smoothie remnants in there for, let’s say, “a while”—start to develop a bit of an odor. Not ideal.
Here’s a quick fix:
- Fill it with warm water, a tablespoon of baking soda, and a splash of white vinegar.
- Let it sit for an hour (or overnight if it’s bad).
- Rinse well and let it air dry upside down.
Boom. Fresh start.
3. For the Love of Lids… Clean Them Right
The lids are sneaky. They look clean, but they’re basically a playground for grime, especially if they have rubber seals, sliders, or straw openings.
So here’s the move:
- Take them apart, if possible.
- Use a toothbrush or straw brush to get into those weird corners.
- Wash with warm, soapy water or throw them on the top rack.
- Make sure they’re 100% dry before putting them back together—moisture = mold.
4. Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
- Microwaving your Tervis? Big nope—unless it’s marked microwave-safe. Many aren’t.
- Freezing it? Also a no. The expanding water can warp the plastic or break the seal.
- Scrubbing with steel wool? Unless you like the “I wrestled a raccoon” aesthetic, skip that.
Tervis Tumbler Myths: Busted (Or Confirmed!)
Alright, time to clear the air. If you’ve ever heard something about Tervis tumblers that made you go, “Wait, is that true?”—this is your moment. Let’s play mythbusters, tumbler edition.
Myth #1: Tervis Tumblers Keep Drinks Cold All Day
Kinda true.
Here’s the thing: the classic Tervis plastic tumblers do have that signature double-wall insulation. It’s designed to reduce condensation and help keep drinks cold longer than your average plastic cup. But are we talking ice all day? Not quite.
If you’re sipping iced tea on the porch for a couple hours? You’re good. But if you’re expecting a plastic Tervis to perform like a $50 stainless steel vacuum-sealed bottle… yeah, probably not.
Now, the stainless steel Tervis tumblers? Those can keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 8+, depending on the model. But remember: dishwasher + stainless steel = no-go.
Myth #2: You’ll Never See Condensation With a Tervis
Mostly true.
The double-wall design is legit. It keeps your hands dry and your coaster-free lifestyle intact. But if your drink is super cold and the air is super humid? You might get the tiniest bit of condensation around the lid or rim.
It’s not a fail—it’s physics.
Myth #3: All Tervis Tumblers Are Microwave Safe
False.
Only some of the classic plastic Tervis tumblers are microwave safe—and even then, it has to be completely plain. If it has metallic-looking logos or decorations sealed inside, heating it up could spark a tiny fireworks show in your microwave. Not recommended.
Always check the bottom of the cup. If it says microwave safe, you’re good. If it doesn’t say it? Don’t risk it.
Myth #4: The Lifetime Warranty Covers Everything
Ehh… not exactly.
Tervis does have a lifetime guarantee on their classic plastic tumblers (which is awesome), but it doesn’t cover wear and tear like fading designs, scratches, or if you accidentally drove over your tumbler in a parking lot (true story, probably).
They’re cool about replacing defective products, but don’t expect a full refund if you’ve just had it for 10 years and it looks… well-loved.
Final Thoughts + A Quick Buying Guide for Tervis Newbies (or Collectors in Denial)
Okay, let’s be real: we all have that one friend who owns, like, six Tervis tumblers and somehow justifies every single one. If you are that friend—no judgment. This is a safe space. And honestly, there’s a reason people love these things.
So now that you know which tumblers are dishwasher safe, how to clean them, and which myths are just marketing fluff, let’s wrap with a few tips in case you’re thinking about buying (or gifting) one.