How to clean slimy dog bowls
If you own a dog, then you probably already know that cleaning their food and water bowls is an essential part of keeping your pet healthy. However, if you’re anything like me, you might not always remember to clean them.
I’ve been guilty of forgetting (or just being too plain lazy) to clean my dogs’ slimy bowls after every meal. Gross, I know.
If you’re like me, here are simple and practical tips on how to clean slimy dog bowls.
How to keep dog water bowl from getting slimy
The only way for dog water bowls to remain clean and sanitized is by regular cleaning.
Our dogs need to have access to clean drinking water. But if you replace their drinking water every day without cleaning their water bowl, it will result in a build-up of germs and bacteria which can cause serious illnesses or even death. In addition, your dog may not drink as much because it doesn’t want to ingest dirty water. This could result in weight loss.
So make sure that your dog has fresh water daily but also remember to clean his/her water bowl regularly.
So, how do we do it?
- Use warm soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Use a non-toxic cleaner such as vinegar instead of harsh chemicals when cleaning your dogs’ dishes. Vinegar works great! It cleans well and does not leave behind residue.
- Do not use bleach or ammonia-based cleaners. These products contain toxic ingredients that can harm your pet.
How to clean slimy dog bowls
If you notice that there is an excessive amount of slime buildup around your dog’s bowl, you might want to consider using a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning pet bowls. These cleaners contain enzymes that break down the build-up and allow the bowl to become easier to wash.
Moreover, keep an eye out for signs of mold growth. If there is any sign of mold growing inside your dog’s bowl, then immediately take action and remove all food particles and debris before washing the bowl. You should be able to see this easily through the surface of the dog food bowl.
Budget-friendly and easy-to-clean dog bowls
If you want to give your dog a healthy and nutritious meal, then you should consider buying him a bowl that he can easily clean himself.
There are many different types of dog bowls out there, but not all of them are suitable for dogs who are messy eaters. Some bowls are too small, while others are too big.
Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly and easy-to-clean dog bowls available in my shop.
- Bamboo dog bowl: Looking for an eco-friendly, durable, and long-lasting dog bowl? This one is made up of 80% recycled bamboo, rice husk fibers, and 20% natural enzyme binder which makes it completely non-toxic and biodegradable.
- Beco pet bowl: If you feel that the first dog bowl is too big for your pup, try this one. It uses the same recyclable materials but it can only hold up to 5 cups of dog food.
- Cycle Dog collapsible dog bowl: If you love traveling and you’re looking for a portable dog bowl to bring with you, try this one. This collapsible dog bowl fits any travel bag, is waterproof, easy to clean, and leak-free.
- Silipint silicone dog bowl: What I love about this silicone dog bowl is that it doesn’t chip, break, or scratch. This one from Silipint is foldable and lightweight, not to mention durable, and comes in fun colors.
- Glow-in-the-dark silicone dog bowl: If your dog loves to wander around the house at night, this glow-in-the-dark silicone dog bowl is perfect for you. It’s dishwasher and microwave safe and can hold hot and cold liquids. This silicone bowl is also great for travel because you can fold it up easily and it holds up to 1 liter of food or water.
How to clean silicone dog bowls
Dog bowls are an essential part of every pet owner’s life. They’re used to store food, water, and other items that dogs need to eat or drink. However, these bowls can get dirty quickly if they aren’t cleaned regularly.
Silicone dog bowls are a popular choice among pet owners because they’re easy to clean and last longer than plastic bowls. However, they can also become stained easily if they’re not properly cared for.
So, I’ll share with you how to clean silicone dog bowls effectively.
- Do not use abrasive cleaning tools like steel wool or scrubbing pads. These can easily damage your silicone dog bowls. Instead, remove the food residue by gently rubbing it with your fingers.
- Use mild dish soap. Sometimes, I find that mild dish soaps for babies work best in cleaning silicone dog bowls. These kinds of dish soaps do not contain harsh chemicals and leave dishes free from soap residue.
How to clean stainless steel dog bowls
Stainless steel is another popular material for pet food dishes because it’s durable and easy to clean. However, if you’re looking for a way to keep your dog’s bowl clean without having to buy a new one every week, there are a few ways to get the job done.
- Wash your dog’s bowl as soon as possible after each use. It may be necessary to do this more than once per day depending on how much your dog eats. Keep an eye out for signs of mold growth. If there is any sign of mold growing inside your dog’s bowl, then immediately take action and remove all food particles and debris before washing the bowl.
- Baking soda can be used as an alternative to soap when washing your dog’s food bowl. You might also want to use this method to wash out any leftover treats from previous meals.
- White vinegar has antibacterial properties so it will help prevent bacteria growth inside the bowl. Simply fill the bowl halfway full with hot tap water and add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar. Let sit until cool enough to handle then rinse thoroughly. This should remove most odors and leave behind no residue at all.
Final thoughts
It doesn’t matter if your dog eats kibble or raw meat; they all need their own separate bowls. There are many different types of bowls available online and at local stores. Just remember to choose one made of high-quality materials such as glass, silicone, ceramic, metal, etc. Also, don’t forget about proper storage when storing your dog’s bowls. Store them away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
What do you think? Have you ever had problems with keeping your dog’s bowls clean? How did you solve those issues? Let us know in the comments below!