Can Tervis Tumblers Go In The Dishwasher? (Find Out Now!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

There are few items that are as notoriously unsafe for the dishwasher as a plastic tumbler. Even when you have a tumbler from Tervis, there’s a good chance that you might have concerns about using dishwashers to clean it off. But, Tervis is so durable! It should be able to be washed by a machine, right? Well, we decided to do a little research to find out the truth behind this issue.

The vast majority of Tervis drinkware is designed to be safe for regular dishwasher use. To make sure that you avoid having melts or other issues with your tumbler, make sure to check its bottom for any warnings. Moreover, we suggest that you use the top rack if you want to use the dishwasher.

If you want to make sure your tumblers last for as long as possible, learning how to clean them properly is a must. We did the research to find out the true scoop.

Is It Safe To Put Tervis Tumblers In The Dishwasher?

For the most part, you should be able to put drinkware from Tervis in the dishwasher without any issue. This is because most tumblers are dishwasher-safe as long as they’re made from hard plastic or from stainless steel. Additionally, since Tervis makes a point of making dishwasher-friendly goods, you don’t have to worry about using specialty detergents.

Do You Have To Put The Tervis Tumblers On The Top Rack?

Some items, such as baby bottles or fine drinking cups, might need to be placed on the top rack. This is not the case with Tervis, simply because they are so ruggedly built. Is it a good idea to do? Sure, if you have space. Otherwise, you won’t have to beat yourself up over it. These tumblers can handle the lower shelf without much risk of serious damage.

Are Tervis Tumblers Recyclable?

Let’s say that you end up botching the cleaning process and now you’ve got a busted tumbler. It happens, even with the best of people. The cool thing about Tervis is that they are a company that’s heavily focused on sustainability. This means that the engineers behind the tumbler you own made a point of making them recyclable.

Understanding The Tervis Haze

While Tervis has a great reputation for being dishwasher-friendly, this drinkware line does have another issue that makes it an annoying line of cups to clean: the haze. Known as the “Tervis haze” among enthusiasts, this is a cloudy buildup that tends to occur inside the cup. The end result is a tumbler that looks gross, even when it’s freshly clean.

Why Did My Tumbler Get Cloudy?

Most of the time, Tervis tumblers will get cloudy as a result of built-up moisture or residue that finds its way inside of the tumbler’s material. It seems to be a phenomenon that is more likely to happen as a result of dishwasher use, but the truth is that it can happen with literally any tumbler.

The cloudy haze you see is rarely something to be worried about. It’s not toxic, just an aesthetic eyesore. So if you were concerned about having to throw out your tumbler, don’t be. This is a normal aspect of most tumblers, and the fix for “Tervis haze” is way less scary than you think it is.

How To Get Rid Of Tervis Haze

The Tervis haze might be annoying, but it’s not a permanent issue. Heck, you can even get rid of the residue that pops up after your dishwasher episode. Here’s how to do it for all your tumblers at once, regardless of the extent of the hazing:

  • Grab a large tub, and fill it with a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Add in a squirt or two of dish soap, and stir gently.
  • Drop in all your tumblers. You don’t literally have to throw them in, but you do want to make sure that they are mostly submerged.
  • Leave the tumblers to soak for an hour. This gives you time to do whatever you need to do around the house. I suggest doing a batch of laundry or trying to prep dinner.
  • Once the hour is up, go back to the tub and rinse out each tumbler under cold water. You should see the cloudiness dissolve.

Note: According to the manufacturers at Tervis, there’s an easier way to make sure that your tumblers get rid of the haze. Most tumblers will naturally be done with the haze once they dry completely. As it turns out “perma-haze” is pretty rare. Within 24 hours of a wash, you shouldn’t see any haze left over even if you don’t rinse them off.

Do Other Tumblers Get Cloudy?

While Tervis tends to be a famous brand when it comes to hazy cloudiness, it’s not the only brand to struggle with this issue. Virtually every clear tumbler will have a chance of getting cloudy after a wash. In some cases, you might not even need to wash it to get the haze. So if you see cloudiness on another tumbler, don’t worry, it’s just the haze.

How Long Do Tervis Tumblers Last?

Like many other companies that do sustainable drinkware and cookware, Tervis makes an effort to stand behind their goods. For the most part, the company offers a lifetime guarantee to replace any drinkware they make that breaks or cracks as a result of bad workmanship. Neat, right? Well, there are still some caveats you need to be aware of…

  • If your tumbler broke as a result of improper cleaning, then you won’t get a replacement. This is because you broke the thing, not bad workmanship.
  • Tumblers and other drinkware harmed by serious neglect will not be covered by the guarantee. Once again, this is t be expected. Even the most sturdy of builds won’t be much good when you’re neglecting things.
  • Also if you abuse the tumbler or have natural wear and tear, you won’t be able to get a replacement. So, don’t take a hammer to your tumbler. And, don’t try to trade in your tumbler for a new one after six years. The guys at Tervis won’t like that too much.

The bottom line? Tervis stands behind its products, but they aren’t crazy about it. If you do find your tumbler damaged in the wash, it still might be a good idea to call them to find out if you can get a replacement.


Related Questions

Are Tervis tumblers durable?

If nothing else, Tervis makes a point of making super durable products. While their tumblers might show some signs of wear and tear over the course of their use, they still remain usable for years on end. In fact, it’s not unusual to hear about people using Tervis drinkware for 15 to 20 years before they even consider getting a replacement.According to most consumer guides, Tervis is a brand that you can seriously trust. While they might be a more expensive brand than most, it’s safe to say that you will get your money’s worth with them.


Is it safe to put coffee in a Tervis tumbler?

Unlike most other tumblers on the market, you do not have to worry about your Tervis getting wrecked due to extreme temperatures. They’re built for both super hot and super cold beverages, so that morning cup of coffee won’t harm your tumbler. Moreover, Tervis drinkware also happens to be stain-proof. So, you also don’t have to worry about your favorite cup being a victim of discoloration.


Is it safe to put a Tervis tumbler in the microwave?

Though Tervis makes a good product, it’s not infallible. Most Tervis tumblers will say if they are microwave-safe on the bottom of the cup. With that said, even the microwave-safe options aren’t totally ready for a nuke session. The most they can usually do is 30 seconds in a typical microwave.If you need to heat up your drink, just warm it up in a kettle before you pour it in the tumbler. It’s not safe to try to heat up the tumbler otherwise, and could actually cause your Tervis to melt!

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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