How to Care for & Clean Your Can Coolers (So They Last)

You invested in custom can coolers for your wedding, company event, or personal collection — and you want them to look great for years, not just one afternoon. The good news is that can coolers are low-maintenance. With a little care, they'll stay fresh, colorful, and functional for a long time.

Here's everything you need to know about washing, drying, and storing your can coolers, broken down by material.

Cleaning Foam Can Coolers

Foam coolers are the easiest to clean.

For light dirt or spills: Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge. A small amount of mild dish soap works well for sticky spots. Rinse with clean water and let it air dry.

For a deeper clean: Hand wash in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent. Gently squeeze the foam to work the soap through — don't twist or wring it aggressively, as this can stress the material over time. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.

Can you machine wash foam coolers? We don't recommend it. The agitation in a washing machine can compress the foam and reduce its insulating ability. Stick to hand washing.

Drying: Lay flat or stand upright in a well-ventilated area. Foam dries relatively quickly — usually within a few hours. Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV can cause colors to fade over time. Never put foam coolers in the dryer.

Cleaning Neoprene Can Coolers

Neoprene is naturally water-resistant, which makes it easy to clean but requires a bit more attention to drying.

For light dirt or spills: Wipe down with a damp cloth. Neoprene's smooth surface makes it easy to clean off most spills quickly.

For a deeper clean: Hand wash in cool to lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Avoid hot water — neoprene can warp or lose elasticity at high temperatures. Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly.

Can you machine wash neoprene coolers? It's possible on a gentle/delicate cycle with cold water, but hand washing is always safer. If you do use a machine, place the coolers in a mesh laundry bag to protect them.

Drying: Air dry only. Lay flat or hang in a ventilated space away from direct heat. Neoprene takes a bit longer to dry than foam because of its denser structure — expect 6–12 hours depending on humidity. Never use a dryer, iron, or any direct heat source, as neoprene can deform.

Special note: Neoprene can develop an odor if stored while still damp. Make sure it's completely dry before putting it away.

Cleaning Scuba Knit (Polyester) Can Coolers

Scuba knit coolers are the most forgiving when it comes to cleaning.

For light dirt or spills: Wipe with a damp cloth. The polyester surface resists staining, so most spills come off easily if addressed quickly.

For a deeper clean: Hand wash in cool to lukewarm water with mild detergent. The polyester fabric is durable and handles gentle scrubbing well.

Can you machine wash scuba knit coolers? Yes — scuba knit handles machine washing better than foam or neoprene. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. A mesh laundry bag is still a good idea to prevent snagging.

Drying: Air dry flat or on a drying rack. Scuba knit dries quickly thanks to the polyester fabric. Avoid high heat in a dryer, as it can affect the foam core inside.

Stain Removal Tips

No matter the material, here are some common stain situations and how to handle them:

Beer or soda spills: Rinse with cool water as soon as possible, then wash with mild soap. Sugar-based stains get sticky if they dry, so don't wait.

Dirt or mud: Let it dry first, then brush off the dried dirt. Follow up with a damp cloth or hand wash.

Ink or marker: Dab (don't rub) with rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball, then wash normally. Test on a small hidden area first to make sure it doesn't affect the print.

Sunscreen or grease: Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the spot, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wash. Dish soap cuts through grease better than regular detergent.

Storage Tips

How you store your coolers matters just as much as how you clean them.

Keep them dry. Always make sure coolers are completely dry before storing. Damp coolers can develop mildew or odor, especially neoprene.

Store flat or stacked. Collapsible coolers are designed to fold flat. Stack them neatly in a drawer, box, or bin. Avoid crumpling or balling them up — consistent flat storage keeps them in shape.

Avoid extreme heat. Don't store can coolers in a hot car, garage, or near a heat source for extended periods. Heat can affect the foam core and reduce insulation over time.

Keep out of prolonged direct sunlight. UV exposure fades printed colors over time. If you're storing coolers long-term, keep them in a cool, shaded place.

Quick Care Reference

The Bottom Line

Can coolers are built to be used — at barbecues, on boats, at weddings, at the office. They're going to get dirty. The good news is that a quick hand wash and air dry is all it takes to keep them looking and performing like new.

Take care of them, and they'll take care of your drinks for years to come.

Questions about caring for your QualityPerfection coolers? Get in touch — we're always happy to help.