DIY Cleaning Methods for Dog bowls

How to Clean Dog Bowls with Hydrogen Peroxide and Water

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need 3% hydrogen peroxide (the kind you find at most drugstores), water, a clean sponge or brush, and gloves if you have sensitive skin.

 

• Mix your solution: Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water in a bowl or spray bottle. For example, use 1 cup of each. This dilution is strong enough for cleaning but not so concentrated that it’s hard to rinse away.

 

• Remove leftover food and debris: Before you start, dump out any old kibble or water. Give the bowl a quick rinse to get rid of crumbs and gunk—this helps the cleaning solution work better.

 

• Apply the solution: Pour or spray the hydrogen peroxide and water mix onto the inside and outside of the bowl. Make sure you cover all surfaces, especially any spots with dried-on food.

 

• Let it sit: Allow the solution to sit on the bowl for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to break down grime and stains. If you see bubbles, that’s just the hydrogen peroxide reacting with organic material—it’s normal.

 

• Scrub thoroughly: Use your sponge or brush to scrub the bowl, paying extra attention to crevices and edges where buildup likes to hide. If you’re cleaning a textured or rubber-bottomed bowl, get into those grooves.

 

• Rinse well: Rinse the bowl under running water until you’re sure all traces of the solution are gone. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen, but you still want to make sure nothing lingers that could affect your dog’s next meal.

 

• Dry completely: Dry the bowl with a clean towel or let it air dry before refilling. This helps prevent water spots and keeps things looking tidy.

 

• Repeat as needed: For everyday use, a quick clean with soap and water is usually enough, but this hydrogen peroxide method can be used weekly or when you notice stubborn stains or odors.

Boiling Water Cleaning for Dog Bowls: A Step-by-Step Guide

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need a large pot (big enough to fit the dog bowl), tongs, and a clean drying rack or towel. Make sure the dog bowl is made of a material that can handle high heat, like stainless steel or ceramic. Avoid using this method on plastic bowls, as they can warp or leach chemicals when exposed to boiling water.

 

• Pre-clean the bowl: Before you even think about boiling, give the bowl a good scrub with dish soap and hot tap water. This removes food residue and grime, which can act as a barrier and make the boiling process less effective. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of any soap.

 

• Boil the water: Fill your pot with enough water to fully submerge the bowl. Bring the water to a rolling boil—think big, steady bubbles, not just a few little ones around the edge.

 

• Submerge the bowl: Using tongs (unless you enjoy a steam facial), carefully lower the clean dog bowl into the boiling water. Make sure it’s completely covered. If it floats, use a heat-safe utensil to gently hold it under.

 

• Let it sit: Keep the bowl in the boiling water for at least 5 minutes. This gives the heat time to reach all surfaces. If your bowl is extra grimy, you can leave it in a bit longer, but don’t walk away—boiling water waits for no one.

 

• Remove and cool: Use tongs to lift the bowl out of the pot. Place it on a clean drying rack or towel. Let it air dry completely before refilling with food or water. This helps prevent any lingering moisture from becoming a breeding ground for unwanted guests (like mold or mildew).

 

• Extra tip: If you have hard water, you might notice some white spots or mineral deposits after boiling. A quick wipe with a little vinegar (followed by a rinse) can help keep your dog’s bowl looking fresh.

• What does “boiling water cleaning” mean? This method uses high heat from boiling water (212°F/100°C) to help clean surfaces. It’s a straightforward way to tackle everyday grime and some unwanted germs, but it’s not a substitute for specialized cleaning products if you need to address specific concerns.