Hydro Flasks have become hugely popular in recent years as people seek out durable, insulated, and eco-friendly options for carrying drinks.
But one common question new Hydro Flask owners have is, Can you put a Hydro Flask in the dishwasher?
The short answer is yes. You can put most Hydro Flasks in the dishwasher. However, there are a few things you need to know first to make sure you don’t damage your bottle in the dishwasher.
In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about putting your Hydro Flask in the dishwasher, including:
- How dishwasher-safe Hydro Flasks are
- Tips for washing a Hydro Flask in the dishwasher
- What happens if you put a non-dishwasher-safe Hydro Flask in the dishwasher?
- How to wash Hydro Flasks by hand
I’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about washing Hydro Flasks in the dishwasher. Let’s get started!
Are Hydro Flasks dishwasher-safe?
Most Hydro Flasks are labeled as dishwasher-safe on the bottom of the bottle. This means the exterior plastic or stainless steel shell of the bottle is durable enough to withstand regular dishwasher cycles.
However, not all Hydro Flasks can go in the dishwasher. Some models, like the Heritage Line or limited edition runs, are hand-wash only. And none of the caps or accessories that come with Hydro Flasks are dishwasher-safe.
So before putting your Hydro Flask in the dishwasher, check the bottom for the dishwasher-safe symbol, which looks like a square with wavy lines inside. If it’s not there, handwashing is your safest option.
Tips for Washing a Hydro Flask in the Dishwasher
If your Hydro Flask is labeled dishwasher-safe, here are some tips to follow:
- Use the top rack only. The high heat and intense spray from the bottom rack could potentially damage your bottle over time. The top rack has a gentler cycle.
- Remove the flex cap. No Hydro Flask caps or accessories can go in the dishwasher. Remove the flex cap and hand wash separately.
- Leave the bottle open. Make sure the lid is off so water can fully circulate inside the flask during the cycle.
- Use a gentle or quick wash cycle. The high heat of heavy-duty or pots and pans cycles is too harsh for insulated bottles. Stick to lighter cycles.
- Let it fully dry. Once the cycle finishes, prop the bottle upside down in the dishwasher rack before removing it to let it completely air dry.
- Inspect regularly for damage. Periodically check your Hydro Flask for cracks, cloudiness, flakes, or peeling along the interior lining. This can signal dishwasher damage.
Following these simple precautions will help keep your dishwasher-safe Hydro Flask looking its best, even after many cycles.
What Happens if You Put a Non-Dishwasher-Safe Hydro Flask in the Dishwasher?
While putting a dishwasher-safe Hydro Flask in the dishwasher poses no problems, putting a hand-wash only Hydro Flask in the dishwasher can ultimately damage your bottle.
Here’s what you can expect if you make this mistake:
- Exterior chipping or peeling The exterior paint or powder coat finishes on some Hydro Flasks can deteriorate from heat, moisture, and harsh dishwasher detergents.
- Cloudiness or flaking. Uncoated stainless steel bottles may become foggy-looking or start flaking on the inside after too many dishwasher cycles.
- Insulation breakdown. The vacuum-sealed insulation inside the flask can weaken or lose effectiveness when subjected to heat. This causes hot or cold drinks to lose their temperature faster.
- Cap and accessory damage. No Hydro Flask caps, handles, or attachments are dishwasher-safe. The heat can warp and melt the materials.
While not always permanent, these types of dishwasher damage impact the look and performance of your Hydro Flask. Stick with hand-washing any bottles not labeled dishwasher-safe to keep them looking their best.
How to Hand Wash Your Hydro Flask
For non-dishwasher-safe Hydro Flasks, hand washing is simple:
- Rinse with warm water to remove any remaining liquid inside the bottle after use. Remove any caps or accessories first.
- Use mild dish soap and a bottle brush. Apply a small amount of natural dish liquid with a soft brush to gently scrub the interior and exterior.
- Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to fully rinse away all soap with clean water.
- Air-dry upside down. After rinsing, place the bottle upside down on a drying rack until fully dry, both inside and out.
- Clean caps and accessories separately. Use warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry fully. Never put lids or accessories in the dishwasher.
Taking just a minute or two to hand wash your Hydro Flask ensures it stays looking great and retains its temperature insulation for years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions About Putting Hydro Flasks in the Dishwasher
Can I put my 32-ounce standard-mouth Hydro Flask in the dishwasher?
Yes, the classic 32-ounce standard-mouth Hydro Flask bottles are dishwasher-safe. Just be sure to use the top rack only and remove any caps or accessories first.
Are older-model Hydro Flasks dishwasher-safe?
It depends on the model. Some of the older Klean Kanteen-branded models before the Hydro Flask name were hand-wash only. Check for the dishwasher-safe symbol on the bottom to be sure yours can go in the dishwasher.
Can I put a powder-coated Hydro Flask in the dishwasher?
If the powder-coated Hydro Flask has the dishwasher-safe symbol on the bottom, then yes. The durable powder-coated exterior finish can withstand dishwasher cycles as long as you use the gentlest setting.
What happens if you put a Hydro Flask in the dishwasher too much?
Frequently, dishwashing a Hydro Flask that’s labeled dishwasher safe can eventually lead to exterior scratches or stains. It may also cause the interior to appear cloudy or flaky over time with regular heat exposure. Limit dishwasher use to preserve its best look.
How do you clean a Hydro Flask that’s not dishwasher-safe?
Use warm water, mild dish soap, and a bottle brush to hand wash both the interior and exterior. Always remove caps and accessories first and wash those separately by hand only. Make sure to fully rinse away the soap, then let it air dry completely before the next use.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully this thorough overview has answered any questions you may have about putting your Hydro Flask in the dishwasher.
While most of their bottles are dishwasher-safe, always check for the dishwashing symbol first and be sure to use the recommended settings and care tips.
For any non-dishwasher-safe models or to maximize the life of your Hydro Flask, opt for regular hand washing instead. With just a mild detergent, warm water, and drying upside down, it’s easy to keep your Hydro Flask clean by hand.
At the end of the day, just be sure to avoid putting any hand-washable Hydro Flasks or accessories in the dishwasher to prevent permanent damage.
With the right washing method for your specific bottle, your Hydro Flask can remain your trusted companion for years of adventures ahead.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.