Feb 182010
I don’t want to put bleach in it or anything that could possibly harm my dogs. I believe it’s 2-3 gallons, and the opening isn’t big enough to put my hand in, so wiping it out is out of the question. Please post something you’ve done that worked.
Bleach washes out very nicely.
If you drink ‘city water’ you drink bleach every day
Minute amounts of bleach.
Contact the folks you bought it from, or the manufacturer.
Bleach washes out again, it doesn’t set into the plastic if you don’t leave it sit for more than 15 minutes.
A bottle scrub brush, a quart of water and a quarter cup of bleach will clean it out. Rinse several times. Air dry.
I take mine outside and use dishwashing soap and water and just rinse it out really well. I have a big one though, you may be able to do this in your sink. You can also use vinegar but I have never done that. Bleach does work but I’m like you! I don’t want my dogs drinking bleach residue! I know vinegar is safe for dogs if they ingest it because some people feed it to dogs that eat there poop to get them to stop (sorry gross!)
If you use bleach, rinse well several times.
Bleach,hot water and a bottle brush.Just rinse it well.
Yes, bleach is awesome for killing algae. Rinse well and allow it to air dry. Bleach is completely deactivated when dry (and cannot be “reactivated”). Even if it smells bleachy, I assure you it’s fine. Just rinse again with water and Simple Green or dish soap if you want to eliminate the smell.
You can clean with dish soap or Simple Green (partially fill with water, soap and shake vigorously), both of which are non toxic. But the algae will most likely come right back as you aren’t going to kill all of it. Microscopic pieces will remain.
You can keep your waterer out of the sun to prevent algae growth in the first place. I have had waterers indoors for years without any algae, here in warm/humid/algae-infested California.
If all else fails, a little green algae isn’t toxic. No worries. (worry about black and red)