How to clean a lick mat after freeze-dried spreads
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A lick mat loaded with our freeze-dried treats leaves crumbs and dried residue in the grooves. Cleaning is quick and straightforward. Most mats rinse under warm water or go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Drying matters more than anything else; a wet mat left in a sealed container can mildew.
Rinsing right after use
Rinse the mat under warm water as soon as your dog finishes. The warm water loosens crumbs and dried treat bits. Tilt the mat so the grooves drain fully. A quick rinse takes thirty seconds and stops treats from hardening into the texture, making later cleaning harder.
Hand washing for stubborn residue
For stuck-on treats, hand wash under warm running water with a soft brush or dish sponge. Scrub the grooves gently to dislodge bits. Modern Dog's silicone and SodaPup's TPE both resist scratching from normal brushing. Pink Papyrus mats respond to gentle scrubbing the same way.
Dishwasher care
SodaPup eMats go on the top rack of the dishwasher. Modern Dog silicone mats also tolerate dishwasher heat. Pink Papyrus mats can go through the wash too. Top rack is always the rule; never put a lick mat on the bottom rack where the heat is intense and can warp the material or weaken suction cups.
Drying before storage
Dry the mat completely before storing it away. Pat it down with a clean cloth or let it air dry upright in a dish rack. A wet mat stored in a cabinet or closed container will develop odor and mold. Dry mats last years; wet mats stored improperly fail fast. This keeps your mat fresh and ready.
Deep cleaning once a month
Once a month, soak the mat in warm water with a little white vinegar for five minutes, scrub the grooves, then rinse and dry. Vinegar cuts through any lingering oil from treats and keeps the mat smelling fresh. This stops buildup that can trap odors even after regular washing.
In the Toys aisle
It's a Birthday Pawty Lick Mat from The Modern Dog Company, $20, cleans easily in the dishwasher. The silicone doesn't stain from beet or carrot treats.
Disco Cowgirl Lick Mat, also $20, responds well to hand washing or the dishwasher top rack.
Sky eMat from SodaPup, $16.99, is TPE and goes on the dishwasher top rack without issue. The cloud design doesn't trap stains.
Zombie eMat, $15.99, cleans as easily as any SodaPup mat. The dark color can hide residue, so rinse thoroughly after each use.
Pink Dog & Cat Lick Mat from Pink Papyrus, $15, cleans with warm water and a soft brush. The bright color shows when the mat is clean.
Yellow Dog & Cat Lick Mat, $15, responds to the same gentle washing as the pink version.
How it ships
Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by The Modern Dog Company in Nashville, Tennessee, usually within five business days, with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift.
SodaPup products are sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by SodaPup in Longmont, Colorado, usually within one business day, with their own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift.
Sold through Shopify Collective and shipped to you directly by Pink Papyrus Co., with its own tracking. Not made or shipped by Sniff and Shift.
Our freeze-dried treats are made in Malvern, Pennsylvania and ship separately from us.
Questions
Can I use harsh cleaners on a lick mat?
No. Stick to warm water, mild dish soap, and soft brushes. Bleach or abrasive cleaners can degrade TPE or silicone over time and leave residue that's bad that your dog will lick. Warm water and vinegar are the best options for a thorough clean.
What if the mat smells even after washing?
Soak it in white vinegar and warm water for five minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. If odor lingers, air it in the sun for a day; UV helps kill bacteria. If the smell never goes away, the mat may have developed bacterial growth and should be replaced.
Can I wash a mat with suction cups attached?
Yes. Warm water won't damage suction cups, and dishwasher heat won't either. The cups may lose grip if you wash and attach them repeatedly, but normal washing with the cups on is fine.
Is it okay to let a lick mat air dry?
Yes. Air drying is the gentlest option. Stand it upright in a dish rack so water drains and air circulates. It takes longer than towel-drying, but there's no risk of mildew if the mat dries fully before storage.
Load your clean mat with our freeze-dried treats and rotate through mats while others dry at /pages/explore.
