Can Sublimation Tumblers Go in the Dishwasher?
Sublimation tumblers are great for keeping your drinks hot or cold. They’re also a great way to personalize and customize your drinking experience. But can sublimation tumblers go in the dishwasher?
Sublimation tumblers can be put in the dishwasher with certain precautions. You need to be cautious with the washing time and the water’s heat level. Also, it should be noted that the sublimated images may fade over time due to dishwasher washing.
In this blog post, I will discuss whether sublimation tumblers can be put in the dishwasher and guide you on how to clean them.
Can Sublimation Tumblers Go in the Dishwasher?
Sublimation tumblers are usually made out of stainless steel or aluminum. These materials can generally handle the heat and pressure of a dishwasher, making them an ideal material for being put in one.
Other kinds of drinking containers that can be sublimated and that can be cleaned in a dishwasher are:
- sublimation mugs
- stainless steel tumblers
- skinny tumbler
- sublimation cup
- ceramic mugs
- coffee mugs that have a sublimated coating
- tapered tumblers with sublimation printing
- epoxy tumblers
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During the sublimation process, heat presses are used to infuse special ink to the mug. An easy way to do this is to use a Cricut mug press and their infusible ink.
Even though this chemical process is terrific to get a high quality, long-lasting design on a DIY tumbler, there are still some things you need to keep in mind when putting your tumbler in the dishwasher.
Must Know Dishwasher Tips
Dishwasher Section
The first thing to do is to place your tumbler on the top rack of the dishwasher. This gives it more room to be thoroughly washed without coming into contact with the heavy pots, pans, or cutlery that could scratch the sublimation design.
Water Temperature
You should ensure that your dishwasher’s water temperature is set to a warm or cool setting rather than hot. The right temperatures for washing sublimation tumblers range between 120°F and 140°F (48°C to 60°C).
Wash Cycle
Sublimation tumblers should be washed on the regular cycle and not the heavy-duty cycle. The shorter wash time and cooler water temperature of the regular cycle will help prevent fading or damage to the sublimation prints.
Soap and Detergent
When washing your tumbler, use a mild dishwashing soap or detergent. Harsh chemicals can cause fading, discoloration, and damage to the sublimated design over time.
Drying Cycle
Finally, you should turn off your dishwasher’s drying cycle and allow the tumbler to air dry after washing. This will help prevent any possible fading or damage to the sublimated images caused by harsh heat sources.
How Do You Clean a Sublimation Tumbler in a Dishwasher?
Follow these easy steps to clean a sublimation tumbler in the dishwasher.
Materials
- sublimation tumbler
- mild detergent
Tools
- dishwasher
Instructions
- Place the tumbler in the top rack of the dishwasher.
- Choose the right water temperature.
- Add a mild detergent to the dispenser.
- Select an appropriate wash cycle. Avoid using a heavy-duty cycle.
- Start the wash cycle.
- Turn off the drying cycle.
- Remove the tumbler from the dishwasher.
- Allow the tumbler to air dry
Notes
Don't forget to turn off the drying cycle if your dishwasher doesn't have a gentle drying option.
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Other Ways to Clean a Sublimation Tumbler?
If you don’t want to put your sublimation tumbler in the dishwasher, there are other ways to clean it.
One option is to hand wash the tumbler with mild soap and warm water. Make sure to scrub off any dirt or residue with a soft cloth or brush. Once you’ve finished washing, rinse the tumbler with warm water and let it air dry completely.
Another option is to use an ultrasonic cleaner. These machines use ultrasonic waves to clean items such as jewelry, watches, and sublimation tumblers. The process is simple and fast; fill the device with a cleaning solution, place your tumbler in the chamber, and turn it on.
Why can’t tumblers go in the dishwasher?
Not all tumblers are dishwasher proof. It’s not recommended to clean tumblers with extra insulation in the dishwasher. Tossing it in there once or twice won’t hurt but if you use this method for a long time, you’ll find that it will start to lose insulation capacity. Meaning that your drinks won’t stay as warm or as cold as they did before. The best way to clean insulated tumblers is to wash them by hand with mild soap and cold water.
Are Sublimation Tumblers Durable?
Sublimation tumblers are very durable and can handle the wear and tear of everyday use. They are made of 304-grade stainless steel or aluminum and are coated with a powder coating for extra protection making them almost heat resistant.
They can handle hot and cold beverages and the heating element in a normal cycle of a dishwasher.
Final Thoughts
Sublimation tumblers can generally be put in the dishwasher with certain precautions. For the best results, make sure to place the tumbler on the top rack, use a mild dishwashing soap or detergent, set your water temperature to warm or cool rather than hot, and turn off your dishwasher’s drying cycle.
Hopefully, these care instructions have been helpful in understanding the proper way to clean your custom tumblers.
As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of time and now you know how to handle your first wash.
Need more easy crafting ideas? Check out my post on tips to sublimate a tumbler in an oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How should I clean my sublimation tumbler if I can’t use a dishwasher?
A: To clean your sublimation tumbler, hand washing is recommended. Use mild soap and warm water, and avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. Gently rinse and pat dry to maintain the tumbler’s appearance.
Q2: Can I put the lid and straw in the dishwasher while keeping the tumbler out?
A: It’s usually safe to wash the lid and straw of your sublimation tumbler in the dishwasher as long as they are dishwasher-safe. However, it’s still a good practice to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the lid and straw to be sure.
Q3: Will sublimation designs fade if I use the dishwasher?
A: Yes, sublimation designs on a tumbler are likely to fade or deteriorate when exposed to the heat and moisture of a dishwasher. To maintain the design’s longevity, hand washing is recommended.
