Why Does My Tumbler Straw Smell? (And How to Fix It)
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If your tumbler straw has started to smell — or worse, taste — you're not doing anything wrong with the tumbler. It's almost always one hidden cause, and it's an easy fix. Here's what's happening and how to sort it in minutes.
The real reason straws smell
The inside of a straw is a narrow tube you never actually clean when you rinse under the tap. Anything that isn't water — coffee, milk, squash, protein shakes — leaves a thin residue on the inner wall. Left to dry, that film builds up and turns into the smell (and taste) you're noticing. The straw looks clean from the outside because the problem is entirely on the inside.
The 15-minute fix
- Soak the straw in warm water with a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda for 15 minutes.
- Push a cleaning brush all the way through, twisting, a few times.
- Rinse thoroughly under warm water.
- If any smell remains, repeat with a splash of white vinegar in the water, then rinse well.
- Stand it upright and let it dry completely before storing.
How to stop it coming back
Prevention takes ten seconds: after any drink that isn't plain water, run the cleaning brush through the straw as you rinse it. And always let the straw dry fully — sealing a damp straw away is what lets odour develop. Do those two things and a straw simply never smells.
When it's time for a fresh straw
If a straw is scratched inside, badly stained, or you've simply lost it, replace it — it's a few pounds, not a whole new tumbler. Our stainless steel replacement straws come with the cleaning brush that prevents all of this, plus a storage pouch, for £7.99 with free UK delivery. They fit Stanley Cup 40oz and every Mato London tumbler.
Related reading
- How to Clean Reusable Metal Straws (So They Never Smell)
- What Size Straw Fits a 40oz Tumbler?
- Stainless Steel vs Silicone vs Plastic Straws: Which Is Best?
- Are Metal Straws Safe and Worth It?
Frequently asked questions
Why does my reusable straw smell bad?
Residue from coffee, milk or squash dries inside the tube where rinsing can't reach. It builds up and causes the smell.
How do I get the smell out of a straw fast?
Soak in warm water with bicarbonate of soda for 15 minutes, brush the inside, rinse, and dry fully upright.
Is a smelly straw unhygienic?
The smell signals residue and possible bacteria buildup. Cleaning the inside with a brush removes it and keeps the straw safe to use.
How do I stop my straw smelling in future?
Brush it through after every non-water drink and let it air-dry completely before storing.