How to Clean Dog Bowls?
Why cleaning dog bowls is Neccessary?
In one study, the pet bowls as the fourth most germ-contaminated object in the house (after kitchen sponges, sinks, and toothbrush holders). A dog’s saliva can mix with small bits of leftover food — wet or dry — to breed bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and E. coli. These germs grow rapidly without proper cleaning and disinfecting. Touching the dog bowls or getting a kiss from your pooch can easily spread the bacteria to your household members. Algae and mold may also lurk in or under your dog’s bowls if they aren’t washed regularly. And no one likes the smell of a stinky food bowl! So, it’s important to both clean and disinfect, How to Clean Bowls?
Before knowing how to clean dog bowls, let’s quickly clear up the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing:
- Cleaning removes germs and dirt using soap and water, but doesn’t kill the germs.
- Disinfecting kills germs using chemicals, but doesn’t necessarily clean surfaces.
- Sanitizing lowers the number of germs to an acceptable level, either by cleaning or disinfecting.
we are clear up the the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing, now, the other question.
How often should I wash my dog bowls?
The best is to wash your dog bowls (especially food bowls) after every use. At least one week wash water bowls one time.
How to clean your dog bowls?
First Step: Soaking dog bowls soften food scraps
Fill your sink with hot water and dog-friendly dish soap and let the bowls sit for 5-10 minutes to loosen everything up. If stubborn spots won’t come off, try a grit-busting vinegar and baking soda mixture.
Second Step: Hand Wash dog bowls or Use the Dishwasher
You can either hand wash or load your dog’s dishes or cat bowls into the dishwasher(Recommended for dedicated use).
If you’re handwashing, grab your dedicated sponge, use hot soapy water to wash it. Please keep your dog’s dish ware separate from any human dish ware or utensils.
If you’re opting for the dishwasher, first check whether your dog’s bowls and platters are dishwasher safe. If yes, please use dog-friendly dish detergent and start a separate load for your dog’s dishware. Choose the “sanitize” or “disinfect” cycle if you have one.
Third Step: Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
Wash soapy dishes with more hot water and dry with a clean towel that’s reserved for your dog’s bowls.
The choice of wet or dry food
Your dog should eat from clean dishes each meal, If you feed them dry food instead of wet food, Clean once every 2 days or more, no more than a week. If you feed them wet food, clean pet dishes morning and night at a minimum.
Disinfect Weekly (or More Often)
Maintain health and safety for your entire household is to disinfect your dog’s dishes (and any other feeding-related items like food mats) at least once per week.
When Should I Buy New Pet Dishware?
Bacteria and other icky things that are invisible to the eye. Please inspect your dog’s dishes regularly. If you see scratches, grooves, bumps, or deep bite marks, it’s time to buy new.
