If you’ve ever stood in front of your dishwasher holding an Owala bottle, wondering whether to hit “start” or grab a sponge, you’re not alone. This question pops up constantly among Owala fans—and for good reason: no one wants to ruin a favorite bottle with a careless wash. Let’s cut through the confusion with clear, practical answers, based on material science and real-world use.
It Depends on the Material: Tritan vs. Stainless Steel
Owala bottles primarily come in two materials, and that’s where the dishwasher rules split:
1. Tritan Plastic Owala Bottles: Fully Dishwasher Safe
Most Owala plastic bottles (like the FreeSip or Flip models) are made with Tritan™, a BPA-free plastic known for durability and heat resistance. Here’s the good news:
- Entire bottle (cup + lid) can go in the dishwasher—no need to hand wash.
- Pro tip for the cup: Place the plastic bottle in the silverware bin (or a secure, upright position on the top rack) to avoid it tipping over and knocking against other items (which can scratch the surface).
- Lids: No special treatment needed. They’re designed to withstand dishwasher heat and water pressure, so toss them in with your dishes—just make sure the lid’s seal is removed (if detachable) to let water circulate and prevent mildew.
Wholesale FreeSip Water Bottles Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Unit price: USD2.69
40 oz Stainless Steel Tumbler Silicone Sip Metal Straw Unique Design Patented Unit price: USD 3.98
2. Stainless Steel Owala Bottles: Lid Only—Cup Needs Hand Washing
Stainless steel Owala bottles (like the Insulated Stainless Steel FreeSip) are trickier because of their double-walled insulation and finish:
- Lid: Safe for the dishwasher (same as plastic lids—top rack is fine, but not required). The lid’s plastic and silicone parts are built to handle the heat.
- Cup body: Do NOT put in the dishwasher. Why?
- High heat and harsh detergents can damage the outer coating (matte or glossy finishes), causing discoloration or peeling.
- The insulation layer (which keeps drinks cold/hot) can be compromised if water seeps into tiny gaps from aggressive dishwasher spray—this reduces performance over time.
- Stainless steel can also scratch easily if jostled against other metal items in the dishwasher, ruining that sleek look.
You might have thrown away the instruction manual and the packaging together after opening the package. So we have prepared a pdf for you. There are some precautions including cleaning instructions in it. Click here to view and download Owala’s PRODUCT USAGE AND INSTRUCTIONS.
Why the Confusion?
You might’ve seen conflicting advice online because:
- Some generic “dishwasher safe” labels don’t specify which parts—so people assume the entire bottle is okay.
- Stainless steel itself is technically dishwasher-safe, but Owala’s insulated design and coatings make the cup body sensitive to high heat and friction.
Our Take As a Supplier of Comparable Quality Bottles
As a leading wholesale water bottle manufacturer, we mirror Owala’s standards when producing similar Tritan and stainless steel bottles. For Tritan models, we test them through 100+ dishwasher cycles to ensure the plastic doesn’t warp or leach. For stainless steel, we reinforce lids to handle dishwashers but keep cup bodies hand-wash-only to preserve insulation and finish—because durability shouldn’t mean sacrificing longevity.
Quick Cheat Sheet
| Material | Cup Body | Lid |
| Tritan Plastic | Dishwasher safe (silverware bin recommended) | Dishwasher safe (any rack) |
| Stainless Steel | Hand wash only | Dishwasher safe |
Final Tip: Keep Your Bottle Lasting Longer
- For Tritan: Avoid using abrasive sponges (even if hand washing) to prevent scuffs.
- For Stainless Steel: Wash with mild soap and a soft cloth; dry immediately to prevent water spots.
- All lids: Rinse the seal groove weekly to remove trapped crumbs or liquid—this keeps them fresh and leak-proof.
No more guesswork: With Owala (and quality alternatives), sticking to these rules means your bottle stays functional, looking good, and ready for daily use. Whether you’re team plastic or stainless steel, a little care goes a long way.
As manufacturers, our bottles meet that same standard: our Tritan options pass 100+ dishwasher tests, and our stainless steel designs keep insulation intact with hand-wash-only bodies (just like Owala). But we go further:
Need bulk orders? We offer wholesale BPA-free water bottles with flexible quantities—all meeting safety standards. Want custom designs? We handle full ODM/OEM: tweak materials (Tritan, stainless steel, eco-blends), add logos, colors, or unique lids.
Ready to create trusted, easy-to-clean bottles? Reach out to discuss your needs (our email: sales@waterbottle.tech)—we’ll turn your vision into durable, functional products.
