How to Clean Your S'well Food Canisters and Prep Bowls: Stain Removal and Care Tips

Quick Answer

To clean your S'well food canisters and prep bowls, start by disassembling all parts and rinsing with warm water. Use mild dish soap and a soft sponge for regular cleaning, and for stubborn stains, create a paste of baking soda and water or use white vinegar. Always air-dry completely before reassembling.

S'well food canisters and prep bowls are designed to keep your meals fresh and at the right temperature, but over time, they can develop stains and odors. Whether you're dealing with tomato sauce marks or coffee residue, proper cleaning is essential to maintain their appearance and performance.

This guide provides practical, step-by-step instructions for cleaning your S'well food containers, including tips for removing tough stains and keeping them in top condition. We'll also cover what to avoid to prevent damage.

Understanding Your S'well Food Containers

S'well food canisters and prep bowls are built with different materials that require specific care. The S'well Eats line features a triple-layered, vacuum-insulated exterior bowl made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, which is condensation-free, leak-free, and dishwasher-safe. The inner prep bowl is made of durable Tritan, which is BPA/BPS-free and safe for the fridge, freezer, and microwave.

The Glass Prep Bowl Set offers a 4-pack of glass bowls that nest inside your S'well Eats food bowls. Glass is non-porous and resists stains, but it can be fragile and requires gentle handling. Knowing what you're working with helps you choose the right cleaning method.

• Always check the care instructions for your specific product before cleaning.

Daily Cleaning Routine

For everyday cleaning, disassemble all parts of your S'well food container, including the lid, gasket, and any inner bowls. Rinse each piece with warm water to remove food particles.

Use a mild dish soap and a soft sponge or cloth to wash the interior and exterior. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can scratch the surface. For the stainless steel exterior, a gentle wipe is enough to maintain its finish.

• Make it a habit to clean your containers soon after use to prevent stains from setting.

Removing Stubborn Stains

For tough stains like tomato sauce or turmeric, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained areas and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft brush or sponge.

White vinegar is another effective stain remover. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, fill the container, and let it soak for a few hours. Rinse thoroughly with warm water afterward to remove any vinegar smell.

• Test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn't damage the finish.

Deep Cleaning and Odor Removal

To deep clean and remove odors, fill the container with warm water and add a tablespoon of baking soda. Let it soak overnight, then rinse thoroughly. This method works well for both stainless steel and glass.

For the Tritan inner prep bowl, you can also use a mixture of lemon juice and water to freshen it up. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the materials.

• If you have a dishwasher, check if your S'well product is dishwasher-safe. The exterior bowl is dishwasher-safe, but the Tritan inner bowl may not be – always refer to the product instructions.

Drying and Storing

After cleaning, air-dry all parts completely before reassembling. This prevents moisture buildup and mold growth. Place the components on a drying rack or a clean towel.

Store your S'well food containers with the lids off when not in use to allow air circulation and prevent odors.

• Never stack wet containers; ensure they are completely dry to avoid scratches.

What to Avoid

Avoid using steel wool, abrasive pads, or harsh chemical cleaners, as they can scratch the stainless steel and damage the Tritan or glass surfaces.

Do not put the Tritan inner bowl in the microwave if it has any metal parts, and always check the manufacturer's guidelines. For the Glass Prep Bowl Set, avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent cracking.

• Never use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners on any S'well product.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Step 1: Disassemble: Take apart your S'well food canister or prep bowl, removing the lid, gasket, and any inner bowls. This ensures you clean every part thoroughly. Check that all parts are separated and ready for washing.
2. Step 2: Rinse with Warm Water: Rinse each component under warm running water to remove loose food particles. Avoid using hot water on glass to prevent thermal shock. A quick rinse prevents food from drying and sticking.
3. Step 3: Wash with Mild Soap: Use a soft sponge or cloth with mild dish soap to wash all surfaces. For the stainless steel exterior, use gentle circular motions to avoid scratching. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the finish.
4. Step 4: Treat Stains: For stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and water or soak in a vinegar solution. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing gently. Test on a small area first to ensure compatibility.
5. Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts with clean water to remove any soap or cleaning solution residue. Ensure no baking soda or vinegar remains. Residue can affect the taste of your food.
6. Step 6: Air-Dry Completely: Place all components on a drying rack or clean towel and let them air-dry completely before reassembling. This prevents mold and mildew. Never store wet containers; always ensure they are dry.
7. Step 7: Reassemble and Store: Once dry, put the container back together and store with the lid off to allow air circulation. This keeps your S'well containers fresh and ready for use. Proper storage extends the life of your containers.

Product Care Facts

• Blue Granite S'well Eats: S'well EatsTM feature Therma-S’well® Technology with a triple-layered, vacuum-insulated exterior bowl and a durable TritanTM inner prep bowl designed to keep food colder or hotter, longer than all the rest. The exterior bowl is made of 18/8, food-grade stainless steel and is condensation-free, leak-free and dishwasher-safe.* The BPA/BPS-free inner prep bowl is fridge- and freezer-friendly. It is safe for the microwave... Knowing that the exterior bowl is dishwasher-safe saves time, but the Tritan inner bowl may require hand washing to preserve its clarity and integrity.
• Glass Prep Bowl Set | 12oz: Prepare your meals for the day or week with this 4-pack of S’well EatsTM glass prep bowls that pair with (and nest neatly inside of) our S’well EatsTM food bowls. Glass bowls are non-porous and resist stains, but they need careful handling to avoid breakage. They nest inside the S'well Eats bowls for convenient storage.

With these simple steps, you can keep your S'well food canisters and prep bowls looking and smelling fresh. Regular cleaning and proper care will ensure they serve you well for years to come. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific product.