How to Clean Ello Can Coolers and Keep Drinks Cold
By Ello® | Water Bottles, Food Storage, Travel Mugs & More | Published: 2026-10-13
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to clean can coolers and insulated can sleeves so they stay odor-free and keep drinks cold. Simple hand-wash steps and drying tips for Ello barware care.
Quick answer
Hand-wash your can cooler with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge, then air-dry it fully before storing. Skip the dishwasher and never soak it overnight, because heat and prolonged moisture can break down the insulation and trap odors. A quick wash after each use keeps drinks cold and the sleeve ready for the next round.
Why can cooler cleaning is different from washing a tumbler
Can coolers and insulated can sleeves are usually made with a foam or gel layer wrapped in fabric or a coated shell. That construction means they can't take the same heat, soaking, or abrasive scrubbing you might use on stainless steel drinkware. The goal is to remove sticky residue and odors without forcing water into the insulating layer or roughing up the outer surface. If your cooler has a silicone sleeve or grip, treat it as a soft surface rather than a hard plastic one. When in doubt, choose the gentlest method that still removes the mess.
What you need before you start
Gather warm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, a soft sponge or bottle brush, and a clean towel or drying rack. Avoid bleach, harsh citrus solvents, and scouring pads, which can degrade coatings or leave behind a scent that transfers to your drink. If the cooler has a removable silicone sleeve or lid piece, check whether it separates from the body before washing so you can clean both parts thoroughly. For stainless barware that also sees outdoor use, like the Cru Stemless Wine Glass Set with Silicone Protection, the same gentle approach protects the silicone sleeves and keeps them grippy.
How to dry and store a can cooler so it stays fresh
Drying is where most can cooler care goes wrong. After washing, shake off excess water and let the cooler air-dry completely with the opening facing up or on a rack that allows airflow through the inside. Never store it damp in a drawer or cabinet, because trapped moisture is the fastest route to mildew and a sour smell. Once dry, keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun, which can fade fabric and weaken insulation over time. If you rotate between several coolers, store them loosely rather than stacked tight so air can move around each one.
Step-by-step can cooler cleaning
- Empty and rinse immediately: As soon as the can is finished, tip out any liquid and rinse the cooler inside and out with warm water. This stops sticky residue from drying into the fabric or coating. Mistake to avoid: leaving a half-full cooler overnight, which lets sugar and moisture settle deeper into the material.
- Wash by hand with mild soap: Add a drop of mild dish soap to warm water and wipe the inside and outside with a soft sponge or bottle brush. Work around any silicone grip or sleeve gently so you don't stretch or tear it. Checkpoint: if the water turns cloudy or smells sour, repeat the wash before drying.
- Rinse thoroughly and check for residue: Rinse with clean warm water until no soap bubbles remain. Soap left behind can leave a film that affects taste and attracts dust. Mistake to avoid: skipping the rinse because the cooler looks clean; invisible soap residue is a common cause of odd smells.
- Air-dry completely: Shake off excess water and place the cooler upside down or on a rack with good airflow. Let it dry fully before putting it away, even if the outside feels dry to the touch. Checkpoint: the inside should feel completely dry, not cool or clammy, before storage.
- Store loosely and rotate: Keep coolers in a dry cabinet or bin with a little breathing room. If you own several, rotate them so each one gets fully dry between uses. Next step: if a smell lingers after a full wash and dry, try a baking soda and water paste on the interior, then rinse and dry again.
Ello barware that pairs well with cooler care
- Cru Stemless Wine Glass Set with Silicone Protection: Cru Stemless Wine Glass Set with Silicone Protection includes multicolored silicone sleeves that protect and provide a no-slip grip, with a 17-ounce capacity for outdoor entertaining. The silicone sleeves need the same gentle hand-washing as can cooler grips, and the large capacity means fewer refills when you're hosting.
