How to Clean a Lick Mat (Without Losing Your Evening to It)

Lick mats are great until the treat is gone. Then it's you, the sink, and a layer of peanut butter dried deep into the grooves. If cleaning the mat has started to feel like a chore you put off, here's a routine that makes it quicker.

Why lick mats are hard to clean

The same textures that slow your dog down are what make them tricky to wash. Deep grooves and tiny ridges hold onto food, and sticky fillings like peanut butter or pâté dry hard if they sit for a while.

A quick cleaning routine

1. Rinse it right away. A quick rinse straight after use takes seconds. Waiting until later is what turns it into a scrubbing job.
2. Soak if it's dried on. Leave it in warm, soapy water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften what's stuck.
3. Brush along the grooves. A small, stiff brush, like a bottle brush or an old toothbrush kept just for this, reaches where a sponge can't.
4. Use the dishwasher if the maker allows it. Check the care instructions first. Top rack is usually safest for silicone.
5. Dry it fully. Leftover moisture in the grooves isn't something you want sitting there until next time.
6. Check for wear. If your dog has started chewing the edges or there are tears, it's time to replace it.

Fillings that make cleanup easier

Thinner fillings like yogurt, broth or wet food rinse off much more easily than thick peanut butter. If cleanup is the part you dread, try saving the sticky fillings for special occasions. Our list of dog-safe lick bowl fillings has plenty of easy options.

When to consider a lick bowl instead

If you love what licking does for your dog but not the washing up, a lick bowl with a smoother surface can be easier to live with. The Lick and Roll Bowl has no deep grooves to scrub: a rolling ball in the center keeps your dog licking, and the bowl rinses clean under the tap. It also stays put on smooth floors with its suction base, and it's hard for your dog to grab or chew.

Still deciding? Our guide on lick bowls vs lick mats compares the two side by side.