Your custom acrylic tumbler is built to last, but proper care keeps it looking new and sparkling for years. Here's everything you need to know about cleaning, maintaining, and protecting your custom good.
Why Acrylic Care Matters
Acrylic tumblers are lightweight, shatterproof, and BPA-free, but they need different care than glass or stainless steel. The wrong cleaning method can scratch the surface or damage the double-wall seal. Follow these guidelines to keep your tumbler in pristine condition.
Daily Cleaning: The Right Way
What You Need
- Warm (not hot) water
- Mild dish soap
- Soft sponge or microfiber cloth
- Bottle brush with soft bristles
Step-by-Step Process
1. Rinse immediately after use
Don't let liquids sit in your tumbler for hours. Coffee, tea, and juice can stain if left too long. A quick rinse prevents buildup and makes cleaning easier.
2. Fill with warm water and soap
Add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water. Avoid boiling or extremely hot water—acrylic can warp under high heat.
3. Use a soft sponge inside
Gently scrub the interior with a soft sponge or bottle brush. Never use abrasive scrubbers, steel wool, or rough pads. They scratch the acrylic, create cloudy spots, and damage the decal or cup wrap.
4. Clean the exterior carefully
The glitter design is sealed between the double walls, but the exterior still needs gentle care. Wipe with a soft cloth—no harsh chemicals or rough materials.
5. Rinse thoroughly
Make sure all soap residue is gone. Soap film can build up and create a cloudy appearance over time.
6. Air dry upside down
Place your tumbler upside down on a clean towel or drying rack. This prevents water spots and allows complete drainage.
What NOT to Do
Never Use the Dishwasher
High heat and harsh detergents damage acrylic and cause the decal or cup wrap to warp or peel. The intense water pressure can also compromise the seal between the double walls. Always hand wash.
Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
Skip the bleach, ammonia, and harsh chemical cleaners. They can:
- Cloud the clear acrylic
- Damage the seal
- Create scratches
Don't Use Rough Scrubbers
Steel wool, rough sponges, and abrasive pads scratch acrylic permanently. Once scratched, the surface loses its clarity and shine.
Skip Extreme Temperatures
Don't pour boiling water into your tumbler or freeze it solid. Rapid temperature changes can crack the acrylic or break the seal between walls.
Deep Cleaning for Stubborn Stains
Coffee and tea leave stubborn stains. Here's how to remove them without damage:
Baking Soda Method
- Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to your tumbler
- Fill halfway with warm water
- Let it sit for 30 minutes
- Scrub gently with a soft brush
- Rinse thoroughly
Vinegar Soak (for tough stains)
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water
- Fill your tumbler and let it soak for 1-2 hours
- Scrub gently with a soft sponge
- Rinse completely to remove vinegar smell
Denture Tablet Trick
- Drop one denture cleaning tablet into your tumbler
- Fill with warm water
- Let it fizz and sit for 30 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
Removing Odors
If your tumbler smells like yesterday's coffee:
Quick fix: Fill with warm water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Let it sit overnight, then rinse.
Deep clean: Mix 1 part white vinegar with 3 parts water. Fill the tumbler, let it sit for 2 hours, then wash normally.
Preventing Scratches and Cloudiness
Storage Tips
- Store in a cabinet or drawer away from hard objects
- Don't stack heavy items on top
- Keep away from sharp utensils and tools
Handling
- Hold by the body, not just the lid
- Don't drop or bang against hard surfaces
- Remove the lid carefully to avoid scratching the rim
Regular Maintenance
- Inspect the seal monthly for any gaps or damage
- Check for scratches or cloudy spots
- Clean the lid threads to prevent buildup
Lid and Straw Care
Your tumbler lid needs attention too:
Cleaning the Lid
- Disassemble completely (remove rubber gasket if possible)
- Wash all parts with warm soapy water
- Use a small brush for the drinking spout
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry
- Reassemble when completely dry
Straw Maintenance
- Use a straw cleaning brush after each use
- Soak in warm soapy water weekly
- Replace every 2-3 months or when damaged
How Often to Clean
After every use: Quick rinse with warm water
Daily: Full wash with soap and soft sponge
Weekly: Deep clean if you use it for coffee, tea, or juice
Monthly: Inspect for damage, clean lid components thoroughly
Long-Term Care
Your acrylic tumbler can last for years with proper care:
Annual Check
- Inspect the double-wall seal for any separation
- Check for deep scratches or cracks
- Test the lid seal for leaks
- Replace worn straws or damaged lids
When to Replace
Replace your tumbler if you notice:
- Cracks in the acrylic
- Separation between the double walls
- Deep scratches that can't be buffed out
- Persistent odors that won't go away
- Leaking from the seal
Travel and On-the-Go Care
Packing Your Tumbler
- Empty and rinse before packing
- Store in a padded sleeve or wrap in a soft towel
- Keep upright to prevent leaks
- Don't pack with sharp or heavy items
Quick Cleaning Away from Home
- Rinse with bottled or tap water when possible
- Wipe the exterior with a clean napkin
- Avoid using public restroom soap (often too harsh)
- Deep clean when you get home
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Using hot water from the coffee maker
Boiling water can warp acrylic. Let your coffee cool for 30 seconds before pouring.
Mistake #2: Leaving drinks overnight
Stains set in fast. Rinse your tumbler before bed.
Mistake #3: Scrubbing too hard
Let cleaners do the work. Gentle pressure is enough.
Mistake #4: Storing with the lid on
Trapped moisture creates odors. Always air dry completely before storing.
Mistake #5: Using it for carbonated drinks without venting
Pressure can build up. Open the lid periodically to release gas.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Cloudy Appearance
Cause: Hard water deposits or soap residue
Fix: Soak in equal parts vinegar and water for 1 hour, then rinse
Lingering Smell
Cause: Bacteria or trapped oils
Fix: Deep clean with baking soda overnight
Scratches
Cause: Abrasive cleaning or rough handling
Fix: Minor scratches can't be removed. Prevent new ones with soft cloths only.
Leaking Lid
Cause: Worn gasket or improper assembly
Fix: Check gasket placement. Replace if cracked or stretched.
Comparison: Acrylic vs. Other Materials
Wondering how acrylic care compares to other tumblers?
Acrylic: Hand wash only, avoid extreme heat, gentle cleaners
Glass: Dishwasher safe (usually), handles hot liquids better
Stainless Steel: Dishwasher safe, more durable, but heavier
Each material has trade-offs. Acrylic offers lightweight durability and vibrant glitter designs that glass and steel can't match.
Products We Recommend
Safe for Acrylic
- Mild dish soap (Dawn, Seventh Generation)
- White vinegar (for deep cleaning)
- Baking soda (for stains and odors)
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Bottle brushes with soft silicone bristles
Avoid These Products
- Bleach
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Abrasive powders (Comet, Ajax)
- Magic Erasers (too abrasive)
- Dishwasher detergent
Final Tips for Long-Lasting Tumblers
- Rinse immediately after every use
- Hand wash only with mild soap and soft tools
- Air dry completely before storing
- Avoid extreme temperatures in both directions
- Inspect regularly for wear and damage
- Clean the lid as often as the tumbler
- Store carefully away from hard objects
Keep Your Tumbler Looking New
With the right care, your custom acrylic tumbler will sparkle for years. The glitter won't fade, the colors stay vibrant, and the double-wall insulation keeps working. Treat it gently, clean it properly, and it'll be your favorite drinkware for a long time.
Want to add another tumbler to your collection? Visit our shop to browse current designs and accessories.
Related Resources
- Browse Custom Tumbler Collection - See current glitter designs and colors
- Contact Us - Questions about care or repairs
Have a care question we didn't cover? Reach out and we'll help you keep your tumbler in perfect condition.