Highlights
- Daily quick-clean; weekly deep-disinfect for bowls and silicone mats
- Stainless steel resists scratches and biofilm; inspect ceramic glaze for chips/crazing
- Use hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on food-area hard surfaces; spray until visibly wet
- Let surfaces air-dry; on food-prep areas, optional potable-water rinse after drying
- Separate dog/cat bowls; wash hands after handling pet food and water
- Replace bowls that are etched, chipped, or permanently stained
Explore our Kitchen & Bath Collection or go straight to our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant for food-area hard surfaces.
Why bowls and mats need more than a rinse
Pet bowls and feeding mats are high-frequency, moist, nutrient-rich surfaces—perfect for bacterial growth and biofilm, the slimy layer that shields germs from ordinary cleaning. If you’re cleaning dog bowls daily or looking for a reliable cat bowl cleaner, the safest routine is a simple two-step: quick clean after meals, then a weekly deep-disinfect on food-area hard surfaces with HOCl. Studies have flagged pet bowls among the germiest items in the home, sometimes dirtier than bathroom surfaces if neglected (see Sources). Add crumbs, raw food juices, and saliva, and a “rinse and forget” approach isn’t enough—especially with kids, seniors, or immunocompromised family members at home.
Material matters
- Stainless steel: Best all-rounder. Hard, non-porous, and less likely to scratch. Scratches = biofilm hideouts.
- Ceramic: Good if the glaze is intact. Discard bowls with chips/crazing; micro-cracks can harbour germs.
- Plastic: Prone to scratches and odours; consider upgrading to stainless or high-quality glazed ceramic.
- Silicone mats: Great grip and spill control, but they trap moisture. Clean and dry thoroughly between meals.
Weekly routine for clean dog bowls, cat bowls, and silicone mats
This schedule keeps clean dog bowls and cat bowls free of slime and odour while protecting surrounding food-area surfaces.
Daily (after each meal or at least once/day):
- Scrape & rinse. Remove leftover food. Rinse with warm water.
- Clean. Wash with fragrance-free dish soap and warm water, then rinse well.
- Dry. Air-dry on a clean rack. Moisture left on the surface accelerates biofilm.
Weekly (or more often for raw diets, warm rooms, or illness):
- Clean first as above (soap + rinse).
- Disinfect food-area hard surfaces (stainless bowls, intact-glazed ceramic, counters near bowls, and silicone mats) with an HOCl spray.
- Wet coverage: Spray until the surface is visibly wet; re-wet if it dries too quickly.
- Finish by material:
- Stainless/glazed ceramic: allow to air-dry. If you prefer on food-prep areas, do a quick potable-water rinse after drying.
- Silicone mats: let fully air-dry on both sides before placing back on the floor.
Mid-article CTA: Keep mealtime areas clean the easy way — 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant (food-area hard surfaces).
Tips for food-contact safety
- Separate bowls for each pet to reduce cross-contamination.
- Handle pet food like human food. Wash hands before/after feeding; clean scoops and storage containers regularly.
- Upgrade when needed. Replace etched stainless, chipped ceramic, or warped plastic; they’re harder to sanitize.
- Mind the floor. Crumbs and splashes collect at bowl edges—wipe surrounding floor and baseboards during the weekly disinfect.
- Travel bowls & elevated stands: Treat with the same routine—daily clean, weekly deep-disinfect.
- Label-aligned use: When no specific dwell time is listed, apply until visibly wet and allow to air-dry. On food-prep areas, a brief potable-water rinse after drying is an optional extra step.
FAQ: Pet Bowls & Mats
Q1: What’s the safest way to clean dog bowls daily?
A: Rinse away food, wash with fragrance-free dish soap, rinse well, and air-dry. Once a week, after cleaning, disinfect food-area hard surfaces (stainless or intact-glazed ceramic bowls, nearby counters, silicone mats) with an HOCl spray—apply until visibly wet and allow to air-dry.
Q2: Is there a cat bowl cleaner that’s safe around food?
A: For cat bowls, choose stainless or intact glazed ceramic and use HOCl on the surrounding food-area hard surfaces after cleaning. Apply until visibly wet and let air-dry. On food-prep areas, some households prefer a quick potable-water rinse after drying.
Q3: Stainless or ceramic — which is best?
A: Stainless steel typically wins for durability and scratch resistance. Ceramic is fine if the glaze is intact; replace if chipped or crazed.
Q4: Do silicone mats trap germs?
A: They can trap moisture, which helps biofilm form. Clean both sides, disinfect weekly, and let them fully dry before reuse.
Q5: Can I use bleach instead?
A: Bleach must be diluted correctly, used with ventilation, and thoroughly rinsed. Many households prefer near-neutral HOCl for food-area hard surfaces due to its low-residue profile and ease of use.
Ready to simplify your routine? See our Kitchen & Bath Collection, choose our 1 L Surface Cleaner & Disinfectant, or Contact us for product guidance.
Sources
- NSF International. Germiest Places in the Home: Kitchen & Pet Items Frequently Rank High. NSF (search “germiest places study”)
- U.S. FDA. Tips for Safe Handling of Pet Food and Treats. FDA
- CDC. Pet Food Safety — Healthy Pets, Healthy People. CDC
(Note: Always follow your local regulations and the product label for cleaning and disinfection of food-area hard surfaces.)