How to Clean and Care for Your Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker

Quick answer

Rinse your Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker with warm water immediately after every use, then wash the steel body and lid by hand with mild dish soap and a soft bottle brush. Avoid abrasive scrubbers and never leave protein residue to dry inside, as that is what causes odor and mold. Once a week, deep-clean the lid threads and gasket to keep the shaker leak-proof and fresh.

Why stainless steel shakers need a different cleaning approach

The Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker (900ml) has a food-grade stainless steel body with a powder-coated finish, so it resists odors better than plastic but can still trap residue in the lid and gasket. Unlike clear plastic shakers, you cannot see buildup through the walls, so you need to rely on a consistent routine rather than a visual check. The powder coating also means you should skip harsh scouring pads that can scratch the surface and dull the finish.

Because the steel body is durable, you might be tempted to leave it in a gym bag for hours. But protein, pre-workout, and BCAA drinks are ideal food for bacteria once they sit at room temperature. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove the smell from the lid and threads. A quick rinse within 15 minutes of finishing your drink solves most odor problems before they start.

Daily cleaning: the 5-minute routine that prevents most problems

After each use, fill the shaker halfway with warm water, add a drop of mild dish soap, and shake for 10 seconds. Then disassemble the lid, remove the gasket if it is removable, and scrub all parts with a soft bottle brush. Pay attention to the threads on the steel body and the inside of the lid, where residue collects. Rinse everything thoroughly under warm running water and air-dry upside down on a drying rack.

If you used a thick shake like Serious Mass, which contains 1,250 calories and over 250 grams of carbohydrates per serving, the residue will be stickier than a standard protein shake. In that case, let the parts soak in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Never use a metal scouring pad or abrasive cleaner on the powder-coated steel, as it will scratch the finish and create places for bacteria to hide.

Weekly deep clean: focus on the lid, gasket, and threads

Once a week, give your shaker a deeper clean to remove invisible buildup. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two cups of warm water and let the disassembled parts soak for 30 minutes. Baking soda is mildly abrasive and deodorizing without damaging stainless steel or plastic. Use a small brush or a soft toothbrush to scrub the gasket groove and the threads on both the lid and the body.

For stubborn odors, replace baking soda with white vinegar. Soak the lid and gasket in undiluted white vinegar for 15 minutes, then rinse well. Do not soak the entire steel body in vinegar for long periods, as acid can eventually affect the powder coating. After soaking, wash everything with dish soap and warm water, then air-dry completely before reassembling. If your shaker still smells after this, the gasket may need to be replaced or the lid may have hidden cracks.

Drying and storage: the step most people skip

Never store your shaker with the lid screwed on while it is still damp. Trapped moisture between the lid and the steel body is the number one cause of musty smells and mold. After washing, shake off excess water, place all parts on a drying rack, and let them air-dry completely. If you are in a hurry, dry the inside with a clean paper towel or a dedicated microfiber cloth.

Once dry, store the shaker with the lid off or loosely placed on top. This allows air to circulate and keeps the gasket from compressing over time. If you use your shaker daily, consider having a second one so you can alternate and always have a fully dry shaker ready. The Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker comes in multiple colors, so you can designate one for the gym and one for home.

Step-by-step cleaning routine for your Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker

1. Rinse immediately after every use: As soon as you finish your drink, fill the shaker halfway with warm water, shake for 10 seconds, and pour it out. This removes most residue before it dries. Checkpoint: If you cannot rinse right away, at least fill the shaker with water and leave it until you can wash it properly.
2. Disassemble and wash by hand: Unscrew the lid, remove the gasket if possible, and wash all parts with warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft bottle brush. Scrub the threads on the steel body and the inside of the lid. Common mistake: Using a dishwasher or abrasive scrubber. The powder-coated steel and plastic lid can be damaged by high heat and harsh detergents.
3. Deep clean the lid and gasket weekly: Soak the lid and gasket in a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per two cups warm water for 30 minutes. For odors, use white vinegar instead. Scrub the gasket groove with a small brush. Checkpoint: If odor persists after soaking, replace the gasket or contact support—the lid may have hidden cracks.
4. Rinse and air-dry completely: After washing, rinse all parts thoroughly under warm running water. Shake off excess water and place on a drying rack. Do not reassemble until every part is completely dry. Common mistake: Storing the shaker with the lid on while damp. This traps moisture and causes mold and musty smells.
5. Store with the lid off: Once dry, store the shaker with the lid off or loosely on top to allow air circulation. Keep it in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Next step: If you use your shaker daily, consider a second one so you always have a dry, ready-to-use option.

Product facts that affect cleaning and care

• Optimum Nutrition Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker - 900ml: The Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker (900ml) is designed in collaboration with SMARTSHAKE to provide a rugged, 100% leak-proof solution for mixing supplements, built to withstand any situation. The leak-proof design means the lid and gasket are critical sealing components. Cleaning them regularly keeps the seal effective and prevents leaks in your gym bag.
• Optimum Nutrition Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker - 900ml: It has a food-grade stainless steel body that is durable and powder-coated. The powder coating resists scratches and odors better than bare metal or plastic, but it can be damaged by abrasive cleaners. Use only soft brushes and mild soap.
• Optimum Nutrition Smartshake Reforce Steel Shaker - 900ml: It offers 900ml capacity, ideal for protein shakes, BCAAs, and pre-workouts. The large capacity means more surface area to clean, especially if you mix thick shakes. A bottle brush that reaches the bottom is essential.
• Serious Mass Weight Gainer Protein Powder: Serious Mass is a high-calorie weight gain formula with 1,250 calories, 50 grams of protein, over 250 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of added creatine per serving. This thick, sticky shake leaves more residue than a standard protein shake, so it needs immediate rinsing and sometimes a pre-soak to prevent hardened buildup.