FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Most questions received at Klean Kanteen are answered below. In order to avoid delays and speed up your answer, please review them to see if your question is answered here. If your issue is not addressed, visit our Care and Use page for more info, or our Warranty page to submit a request.
Do I have rust stains in my bottle?
All Klean Kanteen products are made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel, which is safe, durable and BPA-free. The food-grade stainless steel in a Klean Kanteen is highly rust-resistant. If your bottle appears to have rusted, it's probably just a mark left behind from the electropolishing process, which smooths the surface of the metal and makes it shiny. Sometimes electrolytes left on the surface turn a rust colour, but it's harmless.
To remove residue, either use Bottle Bright as per the instructions or soak your Kanteen overnight with hot water and baking soda or white vinegar. Follow the soak with a good scrub using a bottle brush or a scouring pad, combined with a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil for leverage. Please give this suggestion a shot and let us know how the cleaning goes. Remember, scrubbing is key. For more information, visit our Care & Use page.
My Sport Cap 2.0 makes a whistling or chirping sound. How do I make it stop?
Sports caps are typically designed and used with squeezable plastic drinking bottles. Because stainless steel isn't pliable or squeezable, we design our Sport Cap so air can get back into the bottle as you drink. The small transparent dot on the top of the Sport Cap 2.0 is a leak-resistant silicone valve, which allows air back into the bottle so water can flow out. The noise that you hear is air moving through the valve.
Older Klean sport caps do make a whistling noise when used. While the Sport Cap 2.0 is significantly quieter than the old sport caps, it still makes a little bit of noise as air passes through the valve into the bottle. But if your Sport Cap 2.0 is making a loud chirping or whistling noise, the silicone valve may be in the wrong position or may be dirty or clogged.
As a first step, we recommend thoroughly cleaning the inside of the cap with a bottle brush and warm, soapy water and also pushing the little silicone nub on the top of the cap to the side and cleaning around it. You can also rotate the valve to make sure it's positioned correctly. You can also remove the valve and clean it. For instructions, check out our Care & Use page.
Another trick is to loosen the cap just a tiny bit, just make sure it's still tight enough to keep the bottle from leaking. The silicone vent will work better if the cap is not over-tightened.
Try to keep the air vent facing up toward your nose. This way, it keeps the vent facing upward so it is backed by air, not by the liquid, which creates the gurgling/chirping when air bubbles enter it.
Try repositioning or spinning the small silicone air vent.
Why is my insulated bottle rattling?
If you hear a rattle in your Kanteen, it can be one of two things: either the weld (or a piece of it) that retains the integrity of the vacuum space has become dislodged and is now rattling in the space between the double wall insulation, or a small piece of metal called the "getter" has broken free and is now moving about freely at the base of your Kanteen. You can continue to use your bottle normally; it is still completely safe.
Both of these components have their respective functions within the internal walls of the Kanteen. A loose getter will not affect the insulation properties of the bottle, whereas a broken weld or piece of it can potentially render the insulation useless because the vacuum seal can be compromised. Please follow the instructions on our returns page.
Is Klean Kanteen stainless steel safe?
Stainless steel is an iron-containing alloy made from some of the basic elements found on earth: iron ore, chromium, silicon, nickel, carbon, nitrogen and manganese. The properties of the final metal change depending on varying amounts of these elements. There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which 15 are most commonly used. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel)
Klean Kanteen products are constructed from high-quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel. The numbers stand for the percentages of chromium and nickel in the steel, 18% and 8%, respectively. Chromium increases the metal's hardness and nickel gives it strength. Together, they also make stainless steel highly resistant to stain or rust.
Stainless steel is easy to clean, durable, inert and sanitary. That's why it's the material of choice among the food processing, dairy and brewing industries.
The production of Klean Kanteen stainless steel products is safe. Klean Kanteen has a full-time staff in China including our Quality Control inspection team made up of experienced professionals who visit our factories regularly to confirm the quality standard of every batch of goods. Our China Operations Manager works directly with each of our suppliers to ensure all Klean Kanteen products are produced with respect for the environment and that factory workers are safe, protected and paid a living wage. In addition, a rotating group of owners, department leaders, and assigned employees visit the factory 7-8 times a year. Klean performs regular product performance and material safety testing through third-party, accredited laboratories to meet food contact regulatory requirements from around the world and assure our own high standards for product safety have been met.
Does Klean Kanteen use Lead in insulated drink bottles?
There is no lead in Klean Kanteen products or through the manufacturing process. We conduct annual testing through accredited laboratories according to the CPSIA standards. We stand behind our products and testing standards.
Klean has been using lead-free solder in all insulated products since 2017. Klean Kanteen uses a lead-free solder in the vacuum sealing process. The plug/pellet/bead is set on top of the vacuum hole, then placed in a high-heat oven. The heat sucks the air out of the void between the stainless walls as the solder melts to seal the hole, creating a vacuum
insulated vessel. Klean uses a full coverage stainless steel base cap on all insulated products. This approach is more durable than other manufacturing methods and makes contact with the plug highly improbable.
What do you consider normal wear and tear for the paint on painted Klean Kanteens?
With normal wear and tear and daily use, paint can chip as a result of abrasion, scratching and impact (i.e. bottles falling out of a bag, etc.) The paint Klean uses is an acrylic-based paint that is lead-free, BPA-free and free from toxic chemicals. We rely on an extensive restricted substances list (RSL) and 3rd party lab testing to evaluate whether to consider specific colours, and will not offer those colours if they involve a chemical of concern
If paint is flaking or peeling off, please submit a warranty claim, and we'll issue a replacement. Check out our Returns and Exchanges page.
To reduce wear and tear and prolong the life of your Klean Kanteen, we recommend hand washing painted bottles with mild, biodegradable detergent. The high water pressure and temperature in dishwashers can cause painted bottles to chip over time.
I have a split weld in my Kanteen. What should I do?
We're sorry to hear that there is a challenge with your Klean Kanteen. It sounds like your Kanteen had a weld that was not properly fused, and we will certainly replace it for you.
Please follow the instructions on our Returns and Exchanges page.
I have a pinhole leak in my Kanteen. What should I do?
We take quality seriously, and all of our products carry our Strong as Steel™ guarantee. With that said, sometimes during the manufacturing process small air bubbles can become trapped in the steel, resulting in a pinhole leak. Check out our Returns and Exchanges page and follow the instructions for a replacement:
Tell me more about what "Insulated" means.
To make a lead-free Insulated Klean Kanteen, we first construct an inner and outer bottle, which are sealed together and welded shut to be completely air-tight. Then the bottle is connected to a high-power vacuum pump, which removes all the air from the gap between the inner and outer bottles. Since there's nothing to conduct heat across the gap, vacuum insulation is more effective than foam or other common insulating materials like Styrofoam, a derivative of plastic. Vacuum insulation works so well that it is the technology of choice for cryogenic storage tanks and other high-performance insulating vessels. Our vacuum-insulated bottle can keep your beverages hot or cold for hours and hours. Click here for more information on our vacuum-insulated products.
My Klean Kanteen bottle or cup has a metallic taste. Is that normal?
Klean Kanteen products are made from durable 18/8 stainless steel. The stainless steel that we use to manufacture our products is the same grade that is used most commonly in the food, beer and wine industries because it is easy to clean, durable, and does not impart flavours or leach chemicals into the beverage contents.
If you have a metal allergy or sensitive palate, you may detect a metallic taste. Please let us know what product and cap you're using – sometimes swapping out the cap to a Sport or Café Cap is a great solution, since those caps are Polypropylene and create a barrier between your mouth and the Kanteen itself.
We also recommend soaking your Kanteen overnight with hot water and baking soda. Follow the soak with a good scrub using a bottle brush or the abrasive side of a dish scouring pad aided by a wooden spoon or other kitchen utensil for leverage. This usually works to remove any lingering tastes/ residues. Need more help? Check out our Care & Use page for more information on how to clean your Kanteen.
Why do your Insulated Food Canisters have plastic inside the lid?
We recently updated our Insulated Food Canister Caps to support better insulation and heat retention. In order to meet the rigorous performance product standards we set forth, we made a decision to move to a BPA-free Polypropylene #5 inner to the cap instead of an all stainless cap. To create sustainable insulation (rather than using Styrofoam), we chose a corrugated, recycled cardboard in the lid, along with durable double-wall construction in the canister wall. Our Insulated Canisters keep contents hot from 5-8 hours, depending on the size, and cold 5-8 hours.
Klean Kanteen 237 ml insulated canisters will keep food hot up to 5 hours, and cold up to 5 hours. For maximum thermal efficiency, we recommend preheating or pre-chilling your canister prior to use. Fill with hot/cold water, attach the lid, let stand 5 to 10 minutes and empty. And of course, hot foods like soup that lack density are generally prone to losing heat faster than foods like lasagna or oatmeal that are viscous and retain heat.
My Kanteen froze; now the bottom is bulging out. Is there any way to fix it?
Freezing your Klean Kanteen voids Klean's Strong as Steel™ guarantee because the expansion of the water can put so much force on the steel that it causes it to bulge or even split at the weld. Sometimes nothing at all happens. It depends on whether the cap was on and how much liquid was in the Kanteen.
You're not the first person to accidentally freeze liquid in your bottle. It's still safe to drink from it, and freezing the bottle does not alter the safety or composition of the food-grade stainless steel in any way.
If the bottom of your bottle has become deformed due to freezing, it's usually pretty easy to pop it back into place. Believe it or not, the bulge can be fixed for functionality by using a simple, old-fashioned technique: grab a rubber mallet and find a sturdy work surface. A firm tap or two from a mallet can quickly right the shaping of the bottom and restore the bottle's standing abilities. The bottle is still viable and safe to transport water.
The safest way to go about repairing a bulge in a Kanteen is to place the bottle on a firm, flat surface, bottom side down. If you try pounding the bottom back into place from the other direction, you may risk adding new dents.
- First place something over the rim of the Kanteen. A small piece of finished wood works, or even a medium sized hard-back book would work (the book will likely end up with a ring shape dented into it from the mouth of the bottle, so choose a book that you don't care too much about!). This will protect the integrity of the mouthpiece and rim while you are tapping with the mallet by dispersing that pressure more evenly.
- Get an extra pair of hands for help. You'll need one person to hold the bottle steady (especially because it probably won't stand up on its own), and one person to hold the book and swing the mallet. Take it easy - remember to swing the mallet softly.
- It doesn't take much force to pop the bulge out - the key is applying the pressure in the right place evenly.
Can I put my Klean Kanteen in the freezer?
No. The force of liquids expanding as they freeze can cause your Klean Kanteen to become deformed and can also break the weld that holds the bottle together, so we strongly advise against it. Freezing any Klean Kanteen (Classic, Wide or Insulated) will void the Strong as Steel™ guarantee against manufacturer defects.
I dropped my Klean Kanteen and dented it. Is there any way to get the dents out?
Klean Kanteen products are made of durable 18/8 stainless steel. Unfortunately, they can dent when dropped. Our Strong as Steel™ guarantee covers manufacturer's defects only, not damage caused by using or dropping your bottle.
If you dropped your bottle and dented it, odds are the dent is inward. In some cases, you can put a wooden dowel or a wooden kitchen spoon inside the bottle and tap on the other end with a hammer to push the dent out. DO NOT use a metal object to bang the dent outward as the metal can get inside your Kanteen. You can also further damage or even puncture your bottle.
Even if you've dented your bottle, it's still totally safe to continue to use. With no plastic liner on the inside, a dent, no matter how large, will not change the composition of the metal nor make it unsafe.
There are so many reusable bottles to choose from. Why should I buy a Klean Kanteen?
Since 2004, Klean Kanteen has been helping people move away from single-use plastic by creating stainless steel bottles that are made to last.
Klean Kanteen provides attractive reusable bottles and food storage solutions for Kiwis who want a safe, durable alternative to single-use plastic. Made from high-quality stainless steel and food safe silicone, Klean Kanteen bottles are proudly lead-free and BPA-free, long-lasting, and built for everyday use, wherever the adventure takes you.
As a certified B Corporation, Klean Kanteen is committed to reducing waste and making products with purpose. Bottles are tested to strict global safety standards and backed by the Strong as Steel™ guarantee.
Which is better, stainless or aluminium?
We work hard to design functional, safe, versatile products that last a lifetime. All of our products are made from food-safe, BPA-free, 18/8 stainless steel, which is non-toxic and doesn't impart or retain flavours. We also design all Klean products with rounded corners that are easy to clean and won't trap gunk or particles. Aluminium bottles require an inner liner to protect the metal from leaching into the contents. If aluminium comes in direct contact with food or beverages, it would make the contents unsafe to consume. The most common materials used to line aluminium bottles include plastic resins or baked-on epoxy, both of which have been known to leach BPA and other harmful chemicals or can get scratched, exposing the aluminium underneath. Ceramic is another material used to line aluminium bottles, but it's more rigid and can crack. These liners can also retain flavors, which can impart funky tastes, residual and off-flavours. We believe that stainless steel is the most healthy, safe and durable material for our products, and versatile for a lifetime of adventures.
Do Klean Kanteens have BPA?
No. Klean Kanteen was created in 2004 as a safe and healthy solution to plastic water bottles, and all Klean products are BPA-free. Klean is rooted in health and wellness, and has been from the beginning.
We chose 18/8, food-grade stainless steel instead of aluminium or plastic because stainless steel is inherently safe and toxin-free.
All our caps are BPA-free polypropylene (PP#5), and we offer stainless steel cap options like our Stainless Steel Loop Cap for those that prefer a plastic-free product.
Do Klean Kanteens have a liner?
No. All Klean Kanteen products are made from high quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel is naturally free of BPA and other harmful substances.
Stainless steel is inherently safe for food and beverage contact; plastic or epoxy linings are not necessary. This is one of the main differences between a stainless steel Klean Kanteen and aluminium bottles. All aluminium bottles must have a liner to maintain the integrity of the contents inside the bottle; otherwise, the aluminium leaches into the contents, which is unsafe.
Why do Klean Kanteen caps have plastic at all?
Our goal is to make reusable products at prices that are solutions at an accessible price point, so we offer caps made from safe, BPA-free polypropylene (PP#5) that are completely recyclable at the end of life. These caps are lightweight and meet our high standards for quality, durability and design. The Wide Loop and Flip D-Ring caps are PP#5 on the outside, but have an all-stainless interior, so drink contents never touch plastic.
Are the polypropylene (pp#5) caps safe?
Klean Kanteen uses polypropylene (PP#5) because it contains no Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that leaches from some kinds of plastic and has been linked to various diseases, including cancer. Polypropylene has no known leaching characteristics and is softer than other types of plastic. BPA exhibits hormone-like properties that raise concern about its suitability in some consumer products and food containers. Since 2008, several governments have investigated its safety, which prompted some retailers to withdraw polycarbonate products. The FDA has ended its authorisation of the use of BPA in baby bottles and infant formula packaging, based on market abandonment, not safety. The European Union and Canada have banned BPA use in baby bottles. *Source For NZ-specific BPA guidelines, please refer to this fact sheet provided by NZ Food Safety Authority
What is 18/8 stainless steel?
Klean Kanteen products are constructed from high-quality, 18/8, food-grade stainless steel, meaning 18% chromium and 8% nickel. They make stainless steel strong and highly resistant to stain or rust. Because stainless steel is easy to clean, durable, inert, and sanitary, it is the material of choice in the food and beverage industry.
What about recycled steel?
At Klean Kanteen, we value the safety of our products, and we can assure you that they are tested and certified. Our 90% post-consumer 18/8 stainless steel meets the same stringent food content regulatory requirements as the previously used steel in all of our products. We are certified by Intertek, a third party recycled content verification entity.
Where are Klean Kanteens made?
Klean Kanteen products are designed in Chico, California, and responsibly made in China. Currently, there aren't qualified stainless steel water bottle manufacturers in the US – most brands are made in either China or India. We are proud to have a long relationship with these facilities and their staff and consider them part of our Klean Kanteen family.
What testing do you do?
Our materials and products are tested before, during, and after the manufacturing process to ensure the quality that we require. This is a link to our third-party certification: Klean Kanteen Sustainability Certification
Do Klean Kanteens have BPA, lead, phthalates or heavy metals?
No way! Klean Kanteen is rooted in health and wellness and has been from the beginning. Our products are designed to be a reusable solution to single-use plastic. All Klean products are free of these elements and meet strict standards for compliance all over the globe. All Klean Kanteen products are lead-free. Instead of using lead-based products, Klean Kanteen opts to use silica/glass plugs to create its vacuum-insulated vessels—a material that is six to seven times more expensive than the lead-based alternatives but aligns more closely with our values to protect people and the planet.
What is nickel, and how can it affect my health?
Nickel is a naturally abundant element found in the earth's crust, soil and ocean floor. It is generally resistant to corrosion and is therefore used to make metal alloys such as stainless steel. Approximately 10-15% of the population is sensitive to nickel, but the health effects of nickel are highly dependent on the manner and degree of exposure. The stainless steel used to make Klean Kanteens has a low nickel content and is the preferred material used by the food, beer and wine industries.
Do Klean Kanteens have hexavalent chromium, and could I be exposed to it by drinking from a Klean Kanteen?
Access to safe, clean drinking water is one of the most important issues for Klean. We believe that water should be free and accessible to all, period. Because of that, we are actively working with our non-profit partners like the Environmental Working Group in America on education, awareness and advocacy around this important issue.
Klean Kanteen products are made from 18/8 stainless steel, and stainless steel does not contain hexavalent chromium. Hexavalent chromium has been found in tap water in some American municipalities. We recommend that you check with your local water provider and get a copy of their most recent water quality reports.
My child chewed on a Klean Kanteen and might have eaten some paint. Should I be concerned?
The paint on Klean Kanteen bottles is a nontoxic acrylic that is free of BPA, lead and toxic chemicals. We recommend the Brushed Stainless finish for small children who like to chew on things.
How much does a Kanteen weigh?
It depends on the product. We've tested various wall thicknesses and struck a confident balance between durability and weight. The stainless steel walls in our bottles are significantly thicker than those of other bottles on the market. They don't dent or bend easily, and Klean products are still lightweight and easy to carry. Please check out our product pages for weights and dimensions, and more detailed information.
Can I fill a Klean Kanteen with acidic beverages such as apple juice or orange juice?
Yes. Acidic beverages will not corrode or damage the high-quality stainless steel.
Can I use a Klean Kanteen for milk, breast milk or formula?
Absolutely. Your Klean Kanteen is food-grade stainless steel, which is safe and will not retain or impart flavours. Klean also offers a stainless steel Baby Bottle designed for relaxed feedings, please visit our Kid Kanteen® collection here
Can I use a Klean Kanteen for carrying alcohol?
Yes. Our 27 oz/800 ml Classic is capable of holding a bottle of wine. Many of our friends and family use a Classic to carry spirits and the 1900 ml Growler to transport a half gallon of beer. All our products are made of 18/8 food-grade stainless steel.
Do Klean Kanteens sweat?
Our Insulated bottles are made using durable, double-wall construction and vacuum insulation, which is both long-lasting and sustainable. Because they're insulated, these bottles will NOT show condensation build-up on the exterior of the bottle, regardless of what's inside them or the temperature outside.
Klean Classic and Wide lines are single (rather than double) wall. If the contents of the drink are colder than the temperature outside, condensation will build up on the exterior of the bottle. The best solution to naturally occurring condensation on Classic and Wide bottles is to put your Klean Kanteen in an insulated sleeve.
Can I put hot liquids in my Klean Kanteen or use it like a thermos?
If you have a vacuum-insulated Kanteen, absolutely! Our high-performance, double-wall, vacuum-insulated bottles are designed to function as a thermos, a to-go mug and food storage container. They will keep contents hot for up to 30 hours, or iced up to 120 hours, depending on the bottle size. With that said, we prefer and recommend short-term usage, i.e. no more than 24 hours whenever possible to preserve the integrity of the liquid or food stored.
We do not recommend using single-wall Klean Kanteen Classic or Wide Single Wall bottles for hot beverages because the exterior of the bottle conducts heat and could be hot to the touch. Warm beverages can be used at your own personal comfort level. They're fine for cold beverages, but unlike an Insulated Kanteen, condensation will form on the outside.
When does Klean not recommend hot beverages in their Kanteens?
- With the use of the Steel Loop Cap and Bamboo Cap. The steel cap can conduct the heat from the hot liquids and can be hot to the touch.
- With the use of the Sport Cap, Kid Sippy Cap and Straw. These drink accessories may not be safe to use with hot liquids.
- With the use of the Insulated Kid Kanteen. Kids may not be able to gauge the temperature of the liquid inside the bottle.
- With the use of any single-wall (non-insulated) product. These products may be hot to the touch if used for hot liquids. This scenario is not recommended for kids or adults.
Can I put my Klean Kanteen on a stove?
In a pinch, single-wall Classic and single-wall Wide bottles (with the Brushed Stainless finish) can be placed on a fire or a stove as long as you take the cap off. Do not do this with a painted bottle; it will damage the paint.
Heating an Insulated Kanteen is not advised, as it will damage the bottle and void the warranty. To identify what kind of Kanteen you have, look at the bottom of the bottle. All Klean Insulated Kanteens have a separate, extra shiny "bottom cap" piece on the bottom and also have the word "insulated" below the logo.
How do I clean my Klean Kanteen and my caps?
Classic and Wide bottles (in Brushed Stainless finish) are dishwasher safe. We recommend handwashing all painted Kanteens and all Insulated styles.
For daily cleaning, rinse your Kanteen with warm, soapy water and let it drain and dry in your dish rack with the mouth downward so water can drain out.
For thorough cleaning, you can use warm, soapy water and a bottle brush. We also recommend an old-fashioned cleaning solution: diluted vinegar or water and baking soda.
Classic Loop Caps and Wide caps are dishwasher safe. The Café Cap 2.0 is also dishwasher safe and the group of rotating pieces pop out for thorough cleaning.
The Stainless Bamboo Cap is not dishwasher safe. Visit our Care & Use page for more information.
I can't get the smell/taste of coffee (or something else) out of my Kanteen. Help!
Your Klean Kanteen is made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel that will not retain flavours or odours. If you've already given it a good scrub with a bottle brush and warm soap water, try mixing a quarter cup of vinegar and 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda in warm water and let it soak in your Kanteen overnight.
Sometimes the gasket needs cleaning. The gasket is located inside the cap. If it's a Café Cap 2.0, follow our easy instructions to disassemble and clean the cap. You can also soak any cap overnight (except the Stainless Unibody Bamboo Cap) in the same mixture of vinegar and baking soda you use for soaking the bottle.
My Kanteen has tea stains inside that I can't get out.
No problem! Stainless steel is easy to clean. The easiest option is to grab some Bottle Bright and follow the instructions. Alternatively, start by making a paste using a little bit of vinegar and baking soda, and give it a good scrub. The baking soda is an all-natural abrasive that will help get the stains out. You can also soak it overnight in a mixture of about a quarter cup of vinegar and 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda. Visit our Care & Use page for more information.
Are your caps interchangeable?
The mission behind all of our accessories is simple: to help Klean products perform at their best and have long, versatile lives. Our interchangeable lids easily transition from morning coffee to afternoon smoothies, water or beer on draught. Versatility in design means that you can buy fewer bottles, which is better for your wallet and the planet.
- All Classic bottles come with a BPA-free PP#5 loop cap and are compatible with Stainless Steel loop caps and Sport Cap 2.0, recommended for brushed stainless bottles (only).
- Wide Insulated bottles come with a Leakproof Café Cap 2.0, with a Wide Loop cap available as an additional accessory
- Kids' products are easily transitioned from a Sippy configuration to Sport Cap and Loop for a Leakproof solution
My Sport Cap broke. Will you replace it?
Absolutely, if it is a faulty product, all Klean Kanteens, caps and lids carry our Strong As Steel™ guarantee, which covers manufacturing defects. Please return the product to us, along with your return address and we'll replace it free of charge. If you have questions or comments, email us.
How do I fix a leaky Sippy?
The silicone valves in Kid Kanteen Sippy caps can loosen with time, which allows liquid to escape. To fix this, pull the valve out, clean it with warm, soapy water, then pop it back into the mounting position. You might also need to replace the silicone ring on the outside of your cap. If you still have issues or questions, please feel free to contact us.