How to Clean a Pet Water Fountain

A pet water fountain keeps water moving, but moving water still gets dirty. Hair, food crumbs and saliva end up in the bowl, a slimy film grows on the plastic, scale builds up around the spout, and the small pump that runs the whole thing slowly clogs. A fountain that has not been cleaned gets louder, flows less and looks less inviting. This guide covers how to take a fountain apart, clean the pump, deal with slime and scale, and when to change the filters.

It follows the cleaning instructions of two fountain makers, PetSafe for its Drinkwell fountains and Catit for its Flower fountain. Models differ, so keep your own manual at hand for the steps to take yours apart.

How often to clean it

Once a month in a one-pet home. PetSafe says the frequency varies from home to home, and recommends cleaning its Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet fountain once a month in a one-pet home.
Every 2 weeks with more pets. PetSafe says multi-pet homes can expect to clean the fountain at least every 2 weeks.
The pump every 2 weeks for the Catit Flower fountain: Catit says the pump should be removed and taken apart for cleaning on a biweekly basis.
Top up and check it daily, and clean it sooner if you see slime, scale or hair in the bowl.

Step by step: a full clean

Unplug it first, then drain the water. PetSafe notes that a mostly full fountain can be very heavy to lift, so scoop some water out with a cup before carrying it to a sink.
Take it apart: the lid or top, spout, filter housing, filters and pump. Follow your manual. On some models parts pull off rather than twist off: PetSafe warns that twisting the flow control cap on its Stainless Multi-Pet fountain will break it.
Take out the filters and set them aside (see below).
Wash the bowl and plastic parts in warm water with dish soap. Catit says all components of its Flower fountain can be washed with warm water, a soft sponge and dishwashing soap, and to never use aggressive detergents or an abrasive sponge.
Clean the pump (see below).
Rinse everything thoroughly. PetSafe says to make sure there is no soap or vinegar residue left.
Put it back together, fill it to the fill line, set it on a level surface and plug it in.

Can it go in the dishwasher?

Some parts can. PetSafe says the plastic parts of its Drinkwell ½, 1 and 2 gallon fountains can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher, but not to put the pump, power adapter or filters in the dishwasher. Check your manual before you put any part in.

Cleaning the pump

The pump is the part that is easiest to forget. PetSafe’s steps for the pump in its Stainless Multi-Pet fountain are:

Take the pump apart: faceplate, then the stator, then the impeller. PetSafe notes the impeller is magnetic, so you may feel some resistance pulling it out, and suggests a fingernail or a small flathead screwdriver to pop it out.
Soak the pump parts in a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water for 20 minutes.
Brush inside the pump and the intake tube with a small brush. PetSafe says not to use a cotton swab.
Rinse all the pump parts thoroughly with warm water, then put the pump back together.

Catit’s advice for its Flower fountain pump is the same idea: take it apart every 2 weeks and rinse each part separately with water before reassembling. Both makers sell small fountain cleaning brush sets for the pump and tubes.

Feeding from an automatic feeder too? See how to clean an automatic pet feeder.

Slime and scale

Slime is the slippery film that builds up on the bowl and inside the pump. Scale is the hard white or crusty layer left by minerals in the water.

Soak in vinegar and water. For a slimy Drinkwell ½, 1 or 2 gallon fountain, PetSafe says to soak all the fountain and pump parts in equal parts vinegar and warm water for up to 20 minutes, then scrub them with soap and warm water, making sure to clean down in crevices and corners.
The bowl and cone: for its Stainless Multi-Pet fountain, PetSafe says to clean the bowl and center cone in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water to remove build-up and slime.
Clean the top parts often. Catit says to clean the top parts of the Flower fountain regularly to prevent scale from settling on the fountain.
Rinse well afterwards, so no vinegar or soap ends up in your pet’s water.

Filters

No soap on filters. PetSafe says charcoal and foam filters can be rinsed and reused when they are not heavily soiled, and that no soap or cleaning solutions should be used on them.
Change them regularly. PetSafe says its filters can usually be changed every other cleaning, and more often in homes with multiple pets. Follow your fountain’s filter schedule.
Rinse new carbon filters before you put them in. PetSafe says to rinse a new carbon filter under cold water for 30 seconds, and for its Stainless Multi-Pet fountain, until the water runs clear.

What not to do

Clean it while it is plugged in. Always unplug it first.
Abrasive sponges and harsh detergents, which Catit says never to use on its fountain.
Soap on the filters, which PetSafe says not to use.
The pump, power adapter or filters in the dishwasher.
Cotton swabs in the pump, which PetSafe says not to use.
Bleach or strongly scented cleaners on anything your pet drinks from. Stick to dish soap, vinegar and water, and rinse well.
Letting it run dry. Keep the water above the minimum line your manual gives, so the pump stays covered.

If your dog drinks outdoors in summer, see how to clean a dog paddling pool and outdoor water bowls.

Keep the area around it clean

Fountains splash, and wet hair and food crumbs collect around the base. Put the fountain on a washable mat or tray, wipe the floor under it when you clean the fountain, and wash the mat too. For the bowls next to it, see how to clean pet food and water bowls, and for toys that end up in the water, how to clean pet toys.

Keep cleanup supplies ready

Our Pet Cleanup Kit has gloves, an enzyme odor product, an absorbent powder and a UV black light in one pouch, for the floors and fabrics around your pet’s corner. It is not for the fountain itself: clean that with dish soap, vinegar and water as above.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I clean a pet water fountain?

PetSafe recommends once a month in a one-pet home and at least every 2 weeks with several pets. Catit says to take its Flower fountain pump apart for cleaning every 2 weeks.

How do I get the slime out of a pet fountain?

Take it apart, soak the fountain and pump parts in equal parts vinegar and warm water for up to 20 minutes, scrub them with soap and warm water, and rinse well, as PetSafe advises.

Can I put a pet fountain in the dishwasher?

Some plastic parts, on the top rack, if your manual allows it. PetSafe says never to put the pump, power adapter or filters in the dishwasher.

Can I wash the filter with soap?

No. PetSafe says lightly soiled charcoal and foam filters can be rinsed and reused, without soap or cleaning solutions. Replace heavily soiled filters.

Sources

This guide is general cleaning information. Follow your fountain maker’s manual for taking it apart and for filter changes. If your pet stops drinking or drinks much more than usual, talk to your veterinarian.