You fill the water bowl every day, food goes in twice a day, and the favourite toy is scattered all over the flat anyway. What often gets forgotten: all of it needs cleaning too. Our Vico licks his bowl spotless every evening, but that does not make it clean. Here you will find out how often bowls, water fountains and toys should be cleaned, what actually gets them clean and which products are better left on the shelf.
Why clean bowls matter
Every used bowl holds on to saliva, fat and fine food residues. Within a short time this builds up into a slimy film where bacteria thrive. You know it from the water bowl: if the bottom feels slippery, that is not limescale but a biofilm. With wet food and in a warm, heated home it happens even faster. Vets therefore recommend cleaning food and water bowls just as routinely as your own dishes.
Food bowl: after every meal
Ideally, rinse the food bowl briefly after every meal and wash it thoroughly once a day with hot water and a little washing-up liquid. Important: rinse the washing-up liquid off well so no residue remains. Bowls with structure need a bit more attention because food residues cling to corners and grooves. On the SlowFeed slow feeder bowl the surfaces are deliberately smooth, so warm water and a small brush for the gaps between the ridges are all it takes. While drying, take a quick look at its condition: dirt settles into deep scratches, and then it is time for a replacement. You will find more feeding accessories in our Food & water accessories collection.
Water bowl and fountain
The water bowl gets fresh water every day. When refilling, wipe out the slippery film on the bottom straight away, otherwise the fresh water soon tastes stale again. A fountain like the AquaVico stainless steel water fountain keeps the water moving, but in return wants to be taken apart and cleaned once a week: rinse the tank and top with hot water, open the pump and remove hairs, and change the filter as the manufacturer recommends. Stainless steel is particularly easy to care for: it is taste-neutral, does not absorb odours and can be washed out hot.
Toys, lick mats and food toys
Treat everything that comes into contact with food like a bowl: rinse lick mats and food toys with hot water after every use and briefly soak dried-on residues. Rubber toys and balls get washed regularly with warm water and a little washing-up liquid and rinsed well. Rope toys and plush toys can usually go into the washing machine in a laundry net, without fabric softener, and must dry completely afterwards. Check their condition while you are at it: torn seams, loose strings or chewed-off parts can be swallowed, so it is better to retire toys like that.
What to clean with and what to avoid
Hot water, mild washing-up liquid and a brush are all you need day to day. Harsh cleaners and disinfectants have no place on dog accessories because residues end up in the bowl or on the toy, where your dog licks them off. Stubborn limescale on the fountain comes off with diluted household vinegar; rinse especially thoroughly afterwards, as many dogs dislike the smell. A separate brush or sponge just for dog accessories is practical and keeps things neatly separated in the kitchen. Think of the spot under the bowl too: a wipeable mat or a damp cloth once a day stops food residues and water marks from collecting there.
Textiles are part of the routine too
Blankets, beds and coats collect hair, dander and odours just as bowls collect food residues. How to wash and care for them properly is covered in our guide Washing dog blankets and coats.
When to see the vet
Hygiene does not solve everything. If your dog keeps having digestive trouble despite clean bowls, scratches at his muzzle noticeably often or shows reddened patches and pimples on the chin, have it checked at the veterinary practice. Irritations like these can have many causes, from an allergy to an intolerance of a material, and that cannot be reliably judged at home.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I clean the dog bowl?
Rinse the food bowl after every meal and wash it once a day with hot water and washing-up liquid. The water bowl is refilled with fresh water daily and given a quick wash at the same time.
Can dog bowls go in the dishwasher?
Many bowls made of stainless steel or sturdy plastic are dishwasher-safe; the manufacturer's information is what counts. If you are unsure, it is better to wash the bowl by hand with hot water.
How do I clean a water fountain properly?
Take it apart once a week, rinse all parts with hot water, open the pump and remove hairs, and change the filter as the manufacturer recommends. In between, top up with fresh water daily.
