Last week, I was absently rinsing my dog's water bowl when I noticed something that made my stomach turn—a slimy film at the bottom that wasn't coming off with just water. That's when I realised I'd been slacking on proper bowl cleaning. After a deep dive into research (and some pretty shocking discoveries), I've completely changed how I clean my pet's dishes. Here's what I learnt, and trust me, you'll want to know this too.
The Truth About Your Dog's Bowls
Remember how our moms would say "jootha" when we shared food? Well, it turns out our dogs' bowls are way beyond just "jootha." They're secret breeding grounds for bacteria that could make our pets sick. That shiny film I found? It's called biofilm—a layer of bacteria that builds up over time, even if you're rinsing the bowls daily.
Think about it: your dog uses their tongue to eat and drink, then goes around licking various things (including parts we'd rather not mention) and comes back to the same bowl. Without proper cleaning, those bowls become petri dishes of germs.
Why Regular Dish Soap Isn't Enough
I used to think a quick wash with my regular dish soap would do the trick. The truth is, most regular cleaning products leave harmful residues that your pet might ingest. They don't fully eliminate bacteria specific to pet dishes, and worse, they can cause stomach upsets if not rinsed properly. Many contain chemicals that are toxic to pets, even in small amounts.
That's why I switched to Unleash Wellness's pet-safe dish cleaning liquid. The difference has been remarkable, both in cleanliness and my peace of mind.
The Right Way to Clean Pet Bowls
Daily Cleaning
Empty the bowls completely and rinse with warm water. Use your pet-safe dish cleaner and scrub all surfaces, paying special attention to the corners where gunk loves to hide. Rinse thoroughly—and I mean thoroughly. Finally, dry the bowl completely before refilling. This whole process takes about two minutes, but it makes a world of difference.
Deep Clean (Twice Weekly)
Twice a week, give those bowls some extra TLC. Soak them in hot water with your pet-safe cleaner. Use a dedicated brush (not your kitchen sponge!) to scrub every nook and cranny. If your bowl has any texture or patterns, spend extra time on those areas—they're bacterial hotspots. Rinse until the water runs completely clear, then let them air dry in sunlight if possible.
Signs Your Dog's Bowl Needs Better Cleaning
Watch your pet's behaviour around their bowls - they'll tell you when something's off. If they're hesitating before drinking or suddenly prefer the toilet to their water bowl, that's a red flag. Visible slime or discolouration is obvious, but also watch for water becoming cloudy quickly or any lingering smells even after rinsing.
Common Bowl Cleaning Mistakes
The biggest mistake I used to make was using my kitchen sponge to clean pet bowls. Cross-contamination isn't just a fancy word—it's a real problem. Keep a separate scrubber just for pet dishes.
Skipping the daily clean is another common error. Even if the bowl looks clean, it needs daily washing. Think about it: would you eat from the same plate for a week without washing it?
And don't forget about water bowls! They need just as much attention as food bowls. In fact, bacteria love moisture, so water bowls can actually get grimier faster.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Products
When I shop for pet bowl cleaners now, I look for products that are specifically certified as pet-safe. They should have natural ingredients but still be tough enough to cut through grease. The formula should rinse easily; any residue left behind could end up in your pet's system.
The Impact of Bowl Material
Different bowls need different care. Stainless steel is my top choice; it's the most hygienic and dishwasher safe. Plus, it resists scratches that can harbour bacteria. Ceramic bowls are good too, but check regularly for chips and clean thoroughly in any crevices. If you're using plastic, you'll need to replace it every few months since scratches can harbour bacteria.
Creating a Safe Feeding Station
Clean bowls are just the start. Place them away from walls where bacteria can splash back. I learnt this the hard way after finding some pretty gross stuff behind my dog's feeding area. Clean the floor around the bowls daily, and consider using a washable mat underneath.
Beyond Bowl Cleaning
While you're at it, don't forget about other feeding items. Food storage containers need regular cleaning too. So do feeding mats, food scoops, and treat jars. If you use a water fountain, that needs special attention to prevent buildup in the pump and filters.
The Bottom Line
Since switching to proper cleaning with pet-safe products, the difference has been clear—literally. No more slimy residue, the water stays fresher longer, and my dog seems more enthusiastic about meal times. Most importantly, I have peace of mind knowing I'm not exposing my pet to harmful chemicals.
Ready to upgrade your pet bowl cleaning routine? Check out Unleash Wellness's pet-safe cleaning collection for everything you need to keep your pet's dishes safely clean.
Written by a pet parent who now takes bowl cleaning as seriously as their own plate cleaning (maybe even more so!).
