How Often Should You Clean Dog Toys & Bowls?

A simple guide for healthier playtime, mealtime, and peace of mind.

Let’s be honest.
Most pet parents don’t think twice about that favorite squeaky toy or food bowl.
But did you know those everyday items can quietly harbor harmful bacteria, grime, and even mold?

In this guide, we’ll break down:

• How often to clean toys and bowls

• What happens if you don’t

• And how to make cleaning quick, easy, and effective — no scrubbing needed

 The Hidden Dangers Lurking in Your Pet’s Toys & Bowls

Pets chew, lick, carry, and drag their toys everywhere — into the yard, across the floor, even into their food bowls. And while they look fine on the outside, here’s what could be inside:

• Salmonella and E. coli (especially in food bowls)

• Yeast, mold, and biofilm (a slimy layer of bacteria that’s resistant to soap)

• Dirt, saliva, and leftover food trapped in cracks and textures

According to the National Sanitation Foundation, pet bowls are the 4th germiest item in the average household — ranking just below the kitchen sponge.

 So… How Often Should You Clean?

Here’s a quick cheat sheet recommended by vets and hygiene experts:

If your pet has allergies, is immunocompromised, or you live in a hot/humid area — you’ll want to clean even more frequently.

 Why Most Cleaning Methods Aren’t Enough

Scrubbing with soap or tossing items into the dishwasher may seem enough, but:

• Soap can leave residue that pets lick

• Dishwashers often don’t reach deep crevices

• UV light sanitizers are only surface-level

• Vinegar or bleach can be toxic or irritate skin

 The Smarter Way: Lipaw

That’s where Lipaw comes in.

We created Lipaw to make cleaning safer, easier, and more effective for real pet parents. It uses advanced water ionization technology — no scrubbing, no soaps, no guessing.

• Kills bacteria & viruses

• Safe for pets (even if they lick right after)

• Eco-friendly & USB rechargeable

• 10-minute cleaning cycle, no rinsing needed

So you can spend less time washing, and more time playing.

Dr. Pawlov’s Hygiene Rule of Paw

“If it goes in the mouth, clean it like you’d clean your own. Daily for bowls. Weekly for toys. No exceptions.”
— Dr. Pawlov, Chief Scientist of the Lipaw Lab 🐾

Final Tips for Cleaner Pet Gear

• Keep a small basket for “used” toys that need cleaning

• Rotate clean toys in/out weekly

• Sanitize bowls as part of your daily routine (just like your dishes!)

• Use Lipaw once a week to cover it all — toys, bowls, leashes and more

 Ready to Upgrade Your Pet’s Routine?

Your pet’s health starts with clean gear.
Skip the harsh chemicals and mystery gunk — give them a safer, smarter clean with Lipaw.

Learn More Here