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Let’s be honest, your Stanley Cup is your ride-or-die. You carry it everywhere: to work, the gym, the car, errands, even church on Sunday. But after a few weeks (or months 😅) of daily use, you take a sip and think… “Did something crawl in here and die?”

It’s not just you. Stains and smells creep up quietly, even if you rinse it daily. That’s the catch with reusable cups they look clean, but deep inside? That’s another story.

In this guide, we’re diving into why your Stanley Cup might be smelling a little funky and how to fix it, fast. We’ll walk you through common stains, the worst odors, and easy home hacks to get your cup back to its sparkling, fresh self.

☕ Why Does My Stanley Cup Get So Stained & Smelly?

Stanley Cups are designed to last seriously, they’re built tough. But like any superstar, they still need care. Especially in Kenya, where the heat, humidity, and strong drinks can turn your cup into a science experiment if you’re not careful.

Let’s break it down:

• Coffee & tea leave brown stains on the inside

• Juices and sodas cause sticky residue that builds up

• Milk, smoothies, or protein shakes = sour smells if not rinsed out

• Leaving water in too long can lead to a musty odor (especially when stored with the lid on)

• Warm Kenyan weather accelerates odor buildup faster than you'd expect

🧼 Common Stains & How to Remove Them

1. Coffee & Tea Stains

Symptoms: Brown rings, dull look, faint bitter smell
Fix:

• Mix baking soda + a splash of warm water to make a paste

• Scrub with a bottle brush

• For tough stains, add a little vinegar for that fizzy deep clean

• Rinse thoroughly

2. Juice & Soda Residue

Symptoms: Sticky film, weird aftertaste
Fix:

• Soak the cup in warm water + lemon juice + dish soap

• Shake it up like a cocktail

• Rinse clean and air dry

3. Milk or Protein Shake Gunk

Symptoms: Sour smell, white or greyish residue
Fix:

• Fill the cup with hot water

• Drop in a denture tablet or 2 tbsp of baking soda

• Let it soak overnight

• Rinse well, then let it dry with the lid off

👃 Let’s Talk Odors: What’s That Smell?

Sometimes the cup looks clean, but your nose knows better. Here’s what might be haunting your hydration:

1. Sour Milk Smell

Cause: Milkshake or coffee with milk left inside
Fix: Fill halfway with white vinegar, top with hot water

• Soak overnight

• Rinse with dish soap and warm water

• Air dry

2. Musty or Damp Smell

Cause: Storing the cup with the lid closed
Fix:

• Baking soda + lemon juice scrub

• Let sit for 1 hour before rinsing

• Always store with lid off

3. Coffee Breath Smell

Cause: Coffee oils hanging on
Fix:

• Warm water + dish soap + a few drops of vanilla extract

• Shake, rinse, repeat

• Air dry

4. Weird Funk You Can’t Identify

Fix:

• Do a full deep clean:

  1. Remove lid and silicone parts

  2. Soak all parts in 1:1 vinegar + water

  3. Scrub with bottle brush + straw cleaner

  4. Rinse and air dry separately

🧽 Don’t Forget the Lid & Straw!

Let’s be real, the lid is where the smell lives.
Those tiny crevices? Bacteria hotels.

• Remove the straw and any rubber rings

• Soak all parts in vinegar water for 30 mins

• Use a tiny brush (or pipe cleaner) for the straw

• Let everything air dry completely

💡 Pro Tips to Prevent Future Funk

• Rinse immediately after drinking anything but water

• Avoid leaving drinks overnight (especially in warm and hot weather)

• Deep clean at least once a week

• Store your cup with the lid off

💬 Final Thoughts from Netai Stanley Cups

Let’s face it: A fresh, clean cup just makes drinks taste better. Whether you’re sipping iced coffee in Nairobi or staying hydrated at the Coast, keeping your Stanley Cup clean means you’ll love it longer.

Plus, investing in a Stanley Cup from Netai isn’t just about hydration it’s about owning something that works hard for you. All it asks is a little love (and lemon juice) in return.

So go ahead. Give your Stanley Cup the spa day it deserves 💦✨

Want more Stanley Cup care tips?
Check out our Instagram @netai.ke for cleaning hacks, drink inspo, and behind-the-scenes content!

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