Are Bamboo Coffee Cups Dishwasher Safe?

When investing in a reusable coffee cup you will most likely have a few questions before you actually buy. I was exactly the same when I bought my first bamboo coffee cup and one of the main questions I researched was “can you put bamboo cups in the dishwasher?”

As a general rule, bamboo coffee cups can now be washed in the dishwasher. There are of course exceptions to this rule for example when parts of the bamboo cup are made from other materials such as cork. It’s always advisable to check the manufacturer’s instructions before washing in the dishwasher.

Let’s start to explore this a little further.

We are lucky to live in a time when human beings are finally starting to realize the impact trash has on our environment.

Because of this, companies are promoting eco-friendly products.

This means things are being designed with less chemical use, to be reusable and even biodegradable!

Such great news for our planet, as we seem to be moving in the right direction.

Bamboo cups are a prime example of this.

They are made to be a reusable alternative to plastic and cardboard cups that wind up in waste bins in copious amounts.

Since the concept of these cups is still relatively new to lots of people, you may have some questions about them.

You know they are safe and natural, but how about cleaning?

Let’s talk about it!

What Is a Bamboo Coffee Cup Anyway?

Bamboo cups are made of all organic, simplistic materials.

They are made from broken-down bamboo fibres mixed with corn starch.

Once this is made into a paste, the resin is added to give it the firmness necessary to be a long-lasting cup!

They are designed to be reusable.

They can last for years with proper care.

The best part is, once their lifespan is up, they will be able to safely decompose as nature intended!

Most, if not all bamboo cups are not able to be microwaved.

This is because the highly intense heat can damage the cup.

It can warp them and decrease their lifespan by hastily breaking down the materials.

We don’t want that!

Proper Cleaning of Bamboo Cups

Because of the high-heat sensitivity, it poses questions about washing practices.

When it comes to bamboo coffee cups you may want to avoid dishwashers altogether.

Are they a good method for a clean cup?

Of course, handwashing is always an option on the table for your cups.

But let’s face it, you’re busy!

Having a cup that is dishwasher safe is almost a must these days.

Since these cups are still a bit foreign, can bamboo coffee cups go in the dishwasher?

Are bamboo coffee cups dishwasher safe?

The good news is, in most cases, the answer to this is a big yes! They can.

However, how can you know for sure that you can wash reusable coffee cups in dishwasher environments?

Most cups will state on the bottom whether they are dishwasher safe

This is a great thing, as you can just tip them over to see if it gives you the green light.

If it states the product is dishwasher safe, you can rest easy knowing they designed it to sustain the wash.

Check reviews and product descriptions before purchase

It is likely that the product description of various bamboo cups will state plainly if their bamboo coffee cups are dishwasher friendly.

Read the packaging

Along with the company details and product information, your packing will state proper cleaning and care.

Check for product guarantees

If the brand states it is perfectly safe to clean the bamboo coffee cup dishwasher style, see if they have a product guarantee.

This way, if your cups encounter any physical damage from the wash, it can be replaced.

Impacts of Using Dishwasher for Cleaning

Bamboo is a heavy-duty plant. If you have ever tried to bend it in its growing state, you’ll find out quickly that it is not an easy task.

Bamboo is not a wood although it is still plant-based.

This makes it naturally more flimsy than wooden or steel products.

Because of its potential sensitivity, some recommend not washing bamboo coffee cups in the dishwasher.

Dishwashers have extremely high heat and harsh soaps involved in cleaning that can sometimes be damaging to your product.

This can cause it to warp or break down faster than it would normally.

This is only to preserve the life of your product.

If your bamboo cup is not dishwasher compatible, chances are, it will state that plainly in your instructions. Some simply cannot withstand the heat.

While it is perfectly fine to wash them this way if the product states you can, always be sure to know recommended care to get the most life out of your product.

Conclusion

If, after reading this, you aren’t quite keen on the idea of washing them in your dishwasher, washing by hand is always a safe choice.

Because of the simplistic design of most cups, it should be an easy process to wash and rinse.

When you purchase, it is always a nice thing to know you are getting your money’s worth.

A big part of this comes with knowing how to care for your products so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

The lovely thing about getting these cups as an alternative to takeaway disposables is that you don’t have to use them once and then discard them.

When you make the purchase, you want to be sure you can make it last.

Since these cups can be so long-lasting, it is important to not make a silly mistake that will cause you to have to repurchase prematurely.

Just remember to read, read, read! Not all products are alike.

And most of all, enjoy your bamboo products!