How often should you wash your pet’s bowls (and the mat)?
The official advice is stricter than most of us manage. Here’s what it says, why it matters, and a routine you’ll actually keep up.
Wash your pet's food bowl after every meal if you can, with hot water and soap. That's the US Food and Drug Administration's advice, and we couldn't find an Australian equivalent. Rinse and refill water bowls every day, and wash them regularly too. Wipe the mat underneath whenever it needs it.
Why does it matter?
Pet bowls collect food residue, saliva and bacteria, and that matters for your household as well as your pet. In a 2022 study of 417 dog owners, fewer than 5% knew the FDA's guidance existed. When some owners followed it, their dogs' bowls were less contaminated.
Another study of 96 dog bowls found wet food was linked to more contamination, and that dishwashing beat hand washing.
How often should I wash each thing?
| What | How often | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Wet or raw food bowl | After every meal | Leftovers spoil quickly, particularly in warm weather |
| Dry food bowl | Ideally after every meal | The FDA doesn't make an exception for dry food |
| Water bowl | Refill daily, wash regularly | A slimy film builds up on the inside |
| Food scoop | After each use | It touches food every day |
| Mat under the bowls | Wipe when it's wet or dirty | Spills and crumbs collect around bowls |
| Food container | Between bags | Old crumbs and oils build up |
If every meal isn't realistic, set a minimum you'll keep up, like at least once a day for food bowls. Wash straight away after wet or raw food.
What is the slimy stuff in my dog's water bowl?
It's most likely biofilm, a slippery layer that forms when bacteria stick to a surface. Rinsing won't shift it. You'll need to scrub the bowl with hot water and soap, or put it through the dishwasher if it's safe to do so.
How do I clean a pet bowl properly?
- Empty it. Scrape out any leftovers and tip out old water.
- Scrub with hot, soapy water. Use a brush or sponge kept just for pet bowls, and get into the rim and base.
- Rinse well. Don't leave soap behind.
- Dry it. Air dry, or use a clean towel.
- Wash your hands. The FDA suggests at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water, before and after handling pet food.
Can pet bowls go in the dishwasher?
Often, yes, and it's likely to clean better than hand washing. Check the label first, as not all bowls are dishwasher safe.
What about the mat?
Check the care instructions for your mat, since different materials need different care. Our Custom Feeding Mat only needs a quick wipe. Lift the bowls, wipe the surface, and you're done.
A routine you can actually keep up
- Every morning: tip out the water, rinse and refill it. Wash the breakfast bowl.
- Every evening: wash the dinner bowl, and wipe the mat if it needs it.
- Twice a week: scrub the water bowl, or put it through the dishwasher.
- Every new bag: wash the food container and scoop.
Having a second set of bowls makes this much easier, because there's always a clean one ready to go.
When should I replace a bowl?
Throw it out when it's chipped, cracked or deeply scratched, because damage is hard to clean and can be sharp. Our guide to ceramic, stainless steel and plastic bowls compares how each one wears.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash a dog's bowl?
The FDA recommends washing bowls with soap and hot water after each use. If that isn't realistic, aim for at least daily, and always straight after wet or raw food.
Can I wash my pet's bowl with my own dishes?
Hand washing separately, with a sponge kept just for pet bowls, avoids sharing bacteria with your own dishes. A hot dishwasher cycle is a good alternative if the bowl is dishwasher safe.
How often should I change my dog's water?
Refill it with fresh water at least once a day, and more often in hot weather or if it gets dirty.
