Organic detergents, although more expensive, likely contain non-toxic ingredients. Harsh detergents and bleach are toxic to dogs. [1] X Research source You can also make your own mild detergent by combining equal parts of baking soda, warm water, and table salt. [2] X Research source
If you choose to use the kitchen sink, you will need to disinfect it after washing your dog’s food or water dish.
Using a circular motion with the dishtowel or sponge,[6] X Research source wash both the inside and outside of the dish. Pay special attention to areas where the food has hardened.
Biofilm’s slimy, gluey texture can make it challenging to remove. [8] X Research source The baking soda in your homemade detergent is abrasive enough to remove the biofilm. To disinfect the dish after scrubbing it, mix one gallon of water with one tablespoon of bleach. Add this mixture to the dish and let it sit for about two minutes before rinsing it out. Disinfect the outside of the bowl, too. [9] X Research source To make your dog’s food or dish extra clean, you can clean and disinfect it, rather than doing one or the other.
If you have disinfected the dish, it is very important to rinse away any bleach residue. [10] X Research source If you choose to dry off the dish with a dishtowel, make sure the dishtowel is used only for your dog’s dishes.
Even with a pair of cleaning gloves, your hands would probably not be able to tolerate water that is as hot as the water in your dishwasher.
If you are not comfortable combining the dishes, run separate dishwasher loads. Whether you have a combined load or separate loads, select the hottest temperature setting on your dishwasher. [14] X Research source
If you feed your dog only dry food, then cleaning the food dish once a day may be sufficient. If you have outdoor dogs, or use one water dish for multiple dogs, clean that dish several times a day. If your dog’s food and water dishes feel particularly slimy, consider cleaning the food dish after each meal and the water dish twice daily. [15] X Research source Food and water dishes can also accumulate saliva, dust, and debris. In addition to possibly making your dog sick, he may not even want to eat or drink out of the dishes if they look too dirty.
Replace any scratched dishes. [17] X Research source Stainless steel and porcelain dishes are very durable and can handle frequent cleaning. Ceramic and plastic dishes are not good choices because they are very porous and can harbor bacteria. In addition, plastic dishes get scratches very easily. [18] X Research source
Wipe down or hand wash the food mat each day to keep it clean and prevent bacterial growth. [21] X Research source
