Both the Lick Mat and the Slow Feeder are made of dishwasher-safe silicone, so cleaning is automatically easy. But if your pets are, like mine, just a little too pampered to bother cleaning every last morsel from the Lick Mat’s nooks and crannies, here’s a method that makes prepping for the dishwasher a cinch.
Step 1
In your sink, turn on a thin stream of water. Rest the Lick Mat under it, letting the stream hit in the center, where it will cause less splash.
Step 2
Once the water fills the Lick Mat, turn it off and let the mat soak for at least 10 minutes—and for as long as you like.
Step 3
Holding the Lick Mat at a vertical angle to minimize splashing, let a moderate stream of water run through its grooves. This should flush out most of the remaining food, but if there are still stubborn bits, see the next step.
Step 4
A toothbrush makes quick work of the most stubborn traces of food—I keep one dedicated to this purpose. Just run the toothbrush through the grooves, moving in their same direction, and anything left will come loose. Rinse gently as needed.
Step 5
Pop your food-free Lick Mat in the dishwasher, and you’re all set.
