Even the most attentive pet owners can forget to clean the most frequently used items in their home: pet products. From bowls and beds to toys and collars, these everyday essentials accumulate bacteria, dirt, and food particles faster than many people realize. While you wouldn’t eat off a dirty plate or sleep on an unwashed pillow for weeks, your furry family member probably does. Yet, their health can be compromised by the same hygiene-related illnesses and diseases that humans suffer from. Neglecting to clean pet gear regularly isn’t just a cosmetic issue; unclean items can lead to infections, skin irritation, digestive problems, and lingering odors.

Related: The 5 Best Pet-Safe Cleaning Products, All BHG Editor- and Expert-Approved

Meet Our Expert

• Dr. Liza Cahn is a small animal veterinarian and veterinary consultant at Embrace Pet Insurance.

• Scott Schrader is the founder of Cottage Care, a professional housecleaning company.

Here are the top pet items you probably don’t clean often enough. Take expert advice on how—and how frequently—to tackle them.

1. Food and Water Bowls

Food and water bowls are arguably the most important items to keep clean. Oddly enough, they’re among the most neglected. Spoiled food and stagnant water become breeding grounds for bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

Dr. Liza Cahn, a veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance, says most of us don’t clean our pets’ bowls nearly as often as we should. “It is recommended to clean water bowls and dry food bowls daily, while bowls used to serve wet food should be cleaned after each use,” she advises

Dirty bowls can do more than make your dog sick. Bacteria can also cause mild skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset and may even pose risks to human family members. Standing water can attract mosquitoes and other bugs that leave larvae. Dr. Cahn recommends washing bowls just like you’d wash your own dishes: with soap and hot water or by running them through the dishwasher. Stainless steel or ceramic is best.

Tips

Keep a backup set of bowls on hand to use if there’s a lag between washing and mealtime.

2. Pet Beds

If you wouldn’t go a month (or longer) without washing your own bedding, your dog or cat shouldn’t have to either. Too often, pet beds are cleaned monthly (or even less) after accumulating daily dander, hair, dirt, saliva, and bacteria. Scott Schrader of Cottage Care recommends washing pet beds at least once a week. More frequent cleaning may be needed if the bed appears soiled or if your pet has allergies or fleas.

Many pet beds come with removable, machine-washable covers, which makes routine cleaning relatively simple. For beds with inserts like memory foam that can’t be machine-washed, Dr. Cahn advises looking for models with waterproof liners. Spot-treating with enzymatic cleaners can help extend the insert’s lifespan while keeping odors and stains in check.

Related: Stubborn Pet Stain and Smelly Pet Odor Removal That Really Works

3. Toys (Including Kongs)

That slobber-covered chew toy your dog drags everywhere? It’s not just for fun and games. It is home to germs, food residue, and mildew. Toys should be cleaned weekly, especially if they’re used outdoors or come into contact with treats. Schrader suggests washing rubber or plastic toys in the sink with mild soap and water, or placing them in the dishwasher or washing machine if they’re labeled machine washable. Some materials can be sterilized in the microwave, in the dishwasher, or by boiling in water.

Toys like Kongs, which are often stuffed with peanut butter or soft treats, need even more frequent attention. Their hollow centers can trap leftover food, which quickly spoils and attracts bacteria. Use a bottle brush to dislodge stuck-on food bits. Keep a rotation of toys so you can clean them regularly without depriving your pet of their favorite pastimes.

Related: The Best Way to Clean a Pet Brush or Comb, According to the Pros

4. Leashes and Collars

Most pet owners rarely think to wash leashes and collars, but they are exposed to the elements on daily walks and outdoor adventures. They’re often left to dry near the door, carrying home everything from dirt and pollen to sweat and bacteria. Over time, residues can cause skin irritation or create unpleasant odors.

A monthly wash should be your baseline, though weekly washes are better for pets with skin sensitivities or frequent outdoor exposure. Most fabric leashes and collars can go in the washing machine inside a laundry bag, while leather versions should be wiped down and conditioned to avoid cracking. Remember to detach any ID tags before washing and inspect the hardware for signs of rust or wear.

5. Litter Boxes and Scoops

Cat litter boxes require daily scooping, but when was the last time you gave the whole box a deep clean? Scooping alone isn’t enough to control odors or bacteria. Once a week, empty the litter, scrub the box with mild soap and hot water, and allow it to dry completely before refilling. If you’re using a plastic scoop, wash it weekly to prevent bacterial growth.

Liners can make the job easier, but they’re not a substitute for regular cleaning. Scented litter just masks smells; it doesn’t eliminate them. Nor does it minimize the health risks associated with a dirty box.

Tips

For multiple-cat households, the box-to-cat ratio matters. Veterinarians generally recommend one box per cat, plus one extra, to minimize stress and mess.

6. Carriers and Crates

Travel carriers and crates are often ignored between trips to the vet or boarding stays, but these confined spaces trap fur, saliva, urine, and bacteria—all of which can lead to infections or stress. After each use, especially if your pet had an accident or seemed anxious, wipe down the carrier’s interior and wash any removable padding or covers. For large carriers, hose them down outside and let them air-dry.

Deep cleaning every couple of months is wise for crates or carrier bags used daily. Remove all bedding and toys, then wipe the interior using a pet-safe disinfectant. Let it dry thoroughly before allowing your pet back inside. For soft-sided carriers, check labels for machine-wash instructions and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate your pet’s nose, skin, or eyes. If your soft-sided carrier has an insert to stiffen the bottom of the bag, don’t forget to remove and wash the insert, too.

7. Grooming Tools

Brushes, combs, and nail clippers come into contact with your pet’s skin regularly and should be cleaned after each use. Hair, oil, skin flakes, and dirt quickly collect on grooming tools, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. To keep tools hygienic and effective, remove trapped hair after each use and soak them in warm, soapy water every couple of weeks. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and air-dry completely before storing.

Related: 5 Home Design Choices Your Pet Secretly Hates

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens