How to Clean Your Stanley Food Jar to Prevent Odors

Quick answer

Clean your Stanley food jar immediately after each use with warm soapy water, then deep-clean weekly with baking soda or white vinegar to prevent odors from setting in.

Step-by-step cleaning routine

1. Rinse and disassemble immediately: As soon as you empty the jar, rinse it with warm water. Remove the lid and separate the silicone gasket from the lid if possible. This prevents food from drying onto surfaces and into crevices. Do not let the jar sit unrinsed for more than an hour — dried food is much harder to remove and more likely to cause odors.
2. Hand wash with warm soapy water: Fill the jar with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Use a soft bottle brush to scrub the interior walls, bottom, and threads. Wash the lid and gasket separately with a small brush or sponge. Rinse everything thoroughly with clean water. A bottle brush with a flexible tip reaches the bottom corners where residue hides. Never use a dishwasher — the high heat can damage the vacuum insulation.
3. Deep-clean with baking soda paste for stubborn odors: Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with a little warm water to form a paste. Apply it to the interior of the jar and the lid gasket. Let it sit for 15–20 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse well. For extra odor removal, add a splash of white vinegar after rinsing — the fizzing action helps lift trapped smells. Baking soda neutralizes acidic and protein-based odors without scratching the steel. Vinegar is optional but effective for strong smells like fish or onion.
4. Air-dry completely before storing: After washing, place the jar upside down on a clean dish rack or towel with the lid off. Let it air-dry completely for several hours. Do not put the lid back on until the jar and gasket are fully dry — trapped moisture encourages mold and mildew odors. If you need it dry faster, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the interior and lid, but air-drying is more thorough for the gasket crevices.
5. Weekly maintenance to prevent recurrence: Once a week, do a quick baking soda or vinegar soak even if the jar smells fine. This routine prevents oil and residue buildup that leads to odors over time. If you use the jar for strongly flavored foods (curry, chili, garlic), consider rinsing with lemon juice after the weekly clean. Consistent weekly care is more effective than occasional deep-cleaning. Mark a recurring reminder if you use the jar daily.

Product mentioned in this guide

• Adventure To-Go Food Jar | 18 OZ: The Adventure To-Go Food Jar features double-wall vacuum insulation and an easy-to-close, leakproof lid. The leakproof lid has a gasket that traps food particles and moisture, so it needs regular removal and cleaning to prevent odors.