Some Stanley Tumbler users are finding mold in their cups — here's how to properly clean it
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and lazy is the person who owns a Stanley Cup that needs a deep clean.
The Stanley Tumbler has over 730 million views on TikTok and it seems like practically everyone owns one. However, some social media users have pointed out that owners really need to clean the canteens thoroughly to prevent molding — which can get them sick.
In one recent video, TikTok user Ava Alfaro (@notavaalfaro) revealed that she had been sick for weeks before she realized the true source of her illness: there was mold growing in her Stanley cup.
In the clip, Alfaro says that she suffered from a “clogged throat” and nagging cough that wouldn’t go away before she made the shocking discovery. But it wasn’t because Alfaro never cleaned out her cup — instead, the TikToker says she wasn’t aware she was leaving out a crucial step.
“Reminder to deep clean under the top rubber part,” Alfaro wrote in her post caption, referring to the rubber insert that holds the straw in place on the lid.
Unbeknownst to her, water trapped inside the crevices of the removable piece was leading to mold growth that she couldn’t see, but was ultimately ingesting.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mold thrives in damp, dark places, and long-term exposure can lead to various health effects, ranging from a stuffy nose to fever and shortness of breath. This is why all water bottles — not just Stanleys — need thorough cleaning if they have similar pieces to prevent any spores from spreading. Otherwise, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Alfaro isn’t the only Stanley owner who didn’t know this.
In another recent TikTok, @theoriginalmochababy says they made a similar discovery after checking under their lid.
“i literally was disgusted with my besties lid until i looked at my own & it was WORSE,” the TikToker shares, while showing a video of all the tiny black mold spots they found growing in their cup.
In the comments, people seemed grateful for the PSA.
“Literally running to clean mine,” wrote @katrinabrown1991.
Others said they make this part of their regular cleaning routine.
“I pull all mine completely apart every other week (after each mug gets used and washed twice),” said @l.m.kelley. “Been doing this for a long time.”
Some users even offered up some of their own water bottle cleaning tips.
“The little nail scrubbers are good for the lid I use them to scrub mine!!” shared @sarahcorneliusofficial.
In another recent TikTok, a user named Kait (@kaitrtot) shows exactly how to break apart the Stanley cup’s lid — straw insert and all — so owners can soak each piece in soap and water before scrubbing them clean.
“for all the Stanley Cup girlies who don’t know… now you know,” the TikToker wrote in her video.
Her Stanley cleaning video took off, bringing in over 7.7 million views to date. It has been blowing people’s minds for weeks now who didn’t realize the lid’s design was an issue.
“i took that off and i was shocked with the amount of mold i found,” @urmomshotdogs wrote in the post comments. “i highly recommend doing this with your stanley.”
“I wash mine often but i didnt know the lid could be taken apart like that omg,” @greatdismay.
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