When it comes to my insulated coffee tumblers and water bottles, I’m adamant about using what I have and never giving into new hydration trends. In fact, I’ve had my favorite insulated water bottle for more than 10 years! In all that time, my tumblers have inevitably built up stains from hot and iced coffee, as well as hot and iced tea.
Although I’ve been diligent about cleaning my tumblers and bottles after every use with warm water and dish soap, the stains have remained on the stainless steel. I’ve tried a few tricks over the years, like using baking soda, lemon juice, and even a Magic Eraser, but nothing was effective enough to get all of the stains out. I ended up stumbling upon a solution that not only works but requires nearly zero effort. Enter: Sudstainables water bottle cleaning tablets.
When I first saw these, I was surprised I hadn’t thought to look into cleaning tablets for my tumblers and bottles before. I was instantly sold at how easy they appeared to be to use (plus, the reviews were glowing!). Each tablet is small with an effervescent cleaning power thanks to baking soda, citric acid, peppermint oil, and a few other naturally occurring compounds. All I had to do was add warm water, shake the tumbler, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
I used one tablet on each of my three drinking vessels: my 8-ounce tumbler, which had a few coffee stains; a 12-ounce tumbler, which had several iced tea stains; and my 17-ounce bottle, which didn’t have any stains since I only use it for water, but definitely needed a refresh and cleanse. After filling each bottle with tap water and plopping the tablet inside, I could see it bubbling and working immediately. It also gave a pleasant, subtle peppermint scent. I shook each one and let them sit.
As I opened each lid, I raised my eyebrows in surprise, impressed with how well the tablet was able to clean. My water bottle smelled so fresh and had a nice shine, while my 8-ounce tumbler looked like new again. My 12-ounce tumbler was about 80% clean, but I figured with one more tablet (and maybe an extra 15 minutes of sit time), it could be returned to its former glory once and for all. The brand also claims to help prevent residue buildup after using, which means I don’t have to use them for a deep clean quite as often.
Since I was satisfied with the effectiveness of these tablets, I decided to try one on my dog’s ceramic food bowl (which I also wash daily, but it was still stained). Although I couldn’t shake it the same way I did with my bottle and tumblers, I used a fork to create a whisking motion and make sure the powder from the tablet got every inch of the bowl’s interior. After rinsing and washing it, I noticed that the food ring stain that went around the bowl was nearly gone, and it was cleaner than I’d ever seen it. It was miraculous!
The Sudstainables tablets are $9.99 for a 36-pack, and at just 28 cents per tablet, they’re an incredible value, considering the cleaning power and versatility on surfaces, including stainless steel, glass, plastic, and ceramic. Use them on mugs, vacuum flasks, hydration reservoirs and bladders, coolers, and other hard-to-clean containers. The best part? They’re all-natural and eco-friendly (with minimal packaging), so you can use them camping or on-the-go without worrying about tossing the post-tablet water outside.
Now I’ll be able to enjoy my morning coffee, afternoon iced tea, and post-workout water knowing my bottles are squeaky clean — even my pup gets to enjoy the results!
Buy: Sudstainables Water Bottle Cleaning Tablets, 36 pack for $9.99