For everyday cleaning, soap and water is ideal. For tougher stains and odors, use a mixture of water and bleach (6:1 ratio) and scrub with a brush. A high-pressure sprayer can clean even the most stubborn stains. Another effective cleaning solution is one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and a quarter to half cup of baking soda with warm water for both the inside and outside of the cooler.

A worn or damaged gasket (the rubber seal around the lid) can significantly reduce ice retention. Replacing the gasket can restore your cooler's performance, with many users reporting dramatic improvements in ice retention after replacement. If your cooler isn't keeping ice as long as it did before, the gasket seal may need replacement, which is often much more economical than buying a new cooler.

Common replaceable parts include latches (which provide an airtight, secure closure), drain plugs (used to drain melted ice or water), gaskets (rubber seals that maintain a tight seal on the cooler's lid), and handles (which can become damaged over time). Check with your cooler's manufacturer or a reputable dealer for specific replacement parts for your model.

To achieve maximum performance, pre-chill the cooler and its contents before use. Use plenty of ice (preferably cubed ice), and remember that cold air travels down, so load beverages first, then cover with ice. Using a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio and minimizing air space can dramatically extend cooling time.

Avoid storing coolers in hot locations like garages or car trunks. If this is unavoidable, bring the cooler inside at least 24 hours before use. When storing your cooler, make sure it is clean and dry to prevent the growth of mold or mildew and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, as this can degrade the cooler's insulation and exterior.

Odors can easily get trapped in hard-to-reach areas such as around the gasket and drain plug, so be sure to thoroughly scrub those areas. For very foul odors, a high-pressure soap spray found at a local do-it-yourself car wash can be effective. Some users have experimented with lining their cooler with coffee grounds, lemon, or lavender to help eradicate persistent smells.

When replacing a gasket, don't cut the new gasket until you've triple-checked the fit. Some users recommend simply laying the new gasket in the channel, cutting the end to fit, and then closing the cooler for 24 hours to allow it to seat properly. Consider watching online tutorial videos for your specific cooler model.

Do not place the cooler directly on a hot surface as this will melt the bottom of the cooler. Place a towel beneath the cooler if placing it on a hot surface like the back of a pick-up truck, on the top of a car, or on the floor of your boat.

Set the base temperature by putting ice blocks in the freezer 48 hours before your trip. Fill your cooler with water and a sacrificial bucket of ice, close it up, and leave it for a couple of hours to bring down the base temperature. Empty out the water and ice using the drain plug, line the base with ice blocks, pack your items, and cover with ice at a 2:1 ratio.

Popular accessories include tie-down kits to secure your cooler in a boat or truck bed, seat cushions for comfort when using the cooler as a seat, and slip-resistant grip pads for when using the cooler as a standing/casting platform. Dividers are useful for separating and organizing items in your cooler and can double as a handy chopping board.