Can we talk about dog bowls in the dishwasher?

[GoingBacktoSchool123]

I can’t bring myself to put my dog bowls in the dishwasher and I noticed on another thread recently that others feel the same way. However, my rationale mind tells me that the dishwasher cleans at a hot enough temperature to kill any germs, so is it really gross or is it just in my mind?

I think the same! I’d like to, but no.

I'd say as long as you're scraping any actual bits of dog food off before it goes in, it's fine. Stuff comes out of the dishwasher so hot you can't touch it at first so I really don't think germs are a worry.

My cat bowls go in. I used to think that was awful until I had my cats. They are family. I even eat food they lick. I now don’t see any problem with it and same with dogs.

I'm not a dog person at all and would find a dog bowl really gross, but then again you can use a dishwasher to sterilise jars before making jam so logically that means it's totally safe

Some MNetters but their toilet seats and toilet brushes in the dishwasher.

My dog bowls go in the dishwasher every night, never even thought not too.

Mine go in - generally, but not exclusively, on their own cycle, but that’s because they are so large. Twice a day.
My dishwasher has to work hard, but better that than stinky bowls lying about the place, and I hate washing dishes.

@WorraLiberty

Some MNetters but their toilet seats and toilet brushes in the dishwasher.

No say that’s not true!

Would you dishwash a Tupperware or lunchbox that had been left in a school bag for a few days and gone rancid? Or a chopping board used for raw fish or meat? That’s far more unhygienic, surely.

Do you put chopping boards and knives with raw chicken on them and expect them to be clean enough to use for salad afterwards?

If yes, there's no reason not to put dog bowls in there.

I put ours in, I really can't see why you wouldn't to be honest, it all comes out clean!

I don't. But then everyone in the family apart from me seeems quite happy for the dogs to lick their faces. Blech.

I dishwash my cat bowls. Obviously you scrape off any wet food before they go in. If the dishwasher washes away raw chicken germs then it washes away dog germs. I don't really understand the dilemma.

If you're worried that your dishwasher isn't cleaning adequately then I wouldn't use it for anything.

My cat bowls go in the dishwasher. I find it more odd that people would ever consider it to be gross.

I don't have a dog, but I think washing a dog bowl in the dishwasher is pretty grim.

Dog bowl gets washed in the sink with its own dedicated scourer.

Why is it grim? Ridiculous

@WorraLiberty

Some MNetters but their toilet seats and toilet brushes in the dishwasher.

Prove it

It's fine! It's probably more hygienic than doing it in the sink because the water will be hotter

I dont put cat bowls in the dishwasher only because they are a weird shape and seem to collect water whichever way you put them in. I wash them up at the end of the washing up water with a separate sponge.
Like other have said if you put knives, chopping boards or plates that have had raw meat or fish on them in there , then I cant see its any worse?

I put my dog's bowl in every night too, I put in other things that have had raw meat on/in them so why not his dog bowl. I used to get human bites from time to time and was told by HCPs more than once that human bites have more bacteria in than dog bites so why wouldn't I put his bowl in.

My dogs dishes go in regularly.
He eats dried food

I sterilise hairbrushes in the dishwasher. I put dog and cat bowls in because they deserve the same level of cleanliness as we do. They are a part of the family.
Anything plastic that requires a good clean and will fit will go into the dishwasher although not necessarily with plates and cups etc. Things such as my Crocs clean up so well. Why not ?

My cat's bowls go in. Would never think not to.

@Happytentoes

Mine go in - generally, but not exclusively, on their own cycle, but that’s because they are so large. Twice a day. My dishwasher has to work hard, but better that than stinky bowls lying about the place, and I hate washing dishes.

You do TWO dog-bowl-only cycles PER DAY?

🤯