Koozies, the ubiquitous cloth covers that keep canned or bottled drinks cool, are a must-have for warm-weather entertainment.
Invented by Texas native Bob Autry in the early 1980s, koozies are popular promotional items and gifts.
However, spills and stains require regular cleaning of this summertime must-have. Here are three easy ways to clean your koozie: in the washing machine, in the dishwasher, or by hand.
It’s best to wash your koozie after every use. In addition to spills and drips that create odors, your hands are constantly touching the koozie, which can harbor germs and viruses that can cause illness.
Machine washing your koozie is the easiest and most effective way to keep your koozie clean and germ-free.
When washing your koozie in a washing machine, use the gentle cycle and cold water. Wash your koozie with other lightweight items and avoid washing it with anything heavy, bulky, or with zippers, snaps, or other decorative items that could snag or scratch the koozie.
Ideally, it’s best to wash your koozie with paper towels, potholders, aprons, and other items used for food preparation to prevent cross-contamination.
After washing your koozie, lay it flat on a clean, dry towel or mesh drying rack to dry. Do not use a washing machine to dry your koozie.
How to Wash Koozies in a Dishwasher
Koozies can also be washed on the top rack of a dishwasher. However, the steam may cause the logo and other design elements to melt or peel off.
To reduce the possibility of damage, when washing your koozie in a dishwasher, use the air dry setting and avoid using the sanitize cycle and other high-heat settings, or consider alternative cleaning methods.
How to Hand Wash Koozies
In a sense, a koozie is a drinkware, and like other types of drinkware, a koozie can be hand washed with hot, soapy water, just like dishes. To hand wash a koozie, fill a bowl or sink with hot water and add some dish soap.
Place the koozie in the solution and swirl it around to allow the water and soap to penetrate the material. Then, let it soak for five minutes before removing it from the solution and rinsing it thoroughly under warm water.
After rinsing, gently squeeze out any excess water, being careful not to twist or wring the koozie, which can damage the material and cause the logo and other design elements to crack or break. Lay it flat to dry.
How to Get Rid of Odors from Koozies
Regular cleaning can prevent odors from your drink sleeves. However, if your sleeves have been neglected or have suffered an unpleasant experience, and have developed a hard-to-remove odor, try these deep cleaning methods.
Hand or machine wash your koozie with Dr. Brown’s Pure Castile Soap. Dr. Brown’s soap removes stubborn odors and is gentle on fabrics and machines.
Machine wash your sleeves with laundry detergent and distilled white vinegar. White vinegar is a strong deodorizer that is especially effective at removing mold. If your sleeves smell sour, you may have mold growth.
Adding one cup of white vinegar to your regular laundry detergent during the wash cycle is the best way to remove mold.
Dry your freshly washed koozie outdoors. Sunlight is a natural deodorizer, and drying outdoors can help eliminate lingering odors without the need for special products.
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