How easy is this fountain to clean and how often does it need cleaning (typically)?
182061
This is fairly easy to clean. The only drawback is the upper tier has a narrow "canyon" around the edge into which you must stuff a washcloth or sponge and slide it around. I bought the Drinkwell cleaning brush set and use those to clean the column into which the pump pushes water to the upper tier. I clean my fountain about once a month (I have two cats), when I clean or replace the filter.
182062
I've found it easy to take apart and clean and I clean mine at least once a week.
182063
The instructions say, I believe, to clean it once a week. I think that is unrealistic. I'm lucky, or my cats are lucky, if I clean it once a month. I use distilled water so there is no mineral build-up. And I bought the cleaning brush set, which helps. But the whole process is a pain.It's worth it, though, because the fountain does get the cats to drink more, stay better hydrated, and healthier. One cat is doing much better with her cystitis. They also look awfully cute drinking from the fountain. I have other versions with more defined streams, which the cats like even better.
182064
I think it is very easy to clean! I've been cleaning it every two weeks, seems to be good enough. I fill it probably every 2-3 days with about 2 C. of water as maintenance.
182065
Is easy to clean. We no longer use it. It made so much noise unless you filled about 6 times a day. I would not recommend it.
182066
Easy to use except for getting the casing off the motor. I only clean it about every other week withy Dawn and warm water. Since we have hard water here, I wipe It thoroughly and then make sure all the soap is off. Rinse out the filter thoroughly and it will last longer. My cats love it.
550052
Hi Lori, It's very easy to clean as long as you have a hose nearby. Just spray the entire unit the debris container comes out easily as do the filters.
1661457
Yes, it is easy to clean. I just use dishwashing detergent and a washtowel. I only use it for water, so it's always easy to clean.
1612950
It is very easy to clean. Daily, you are supposed to empty it out (so water doesn't sit and allow bacterial growth). Weekly, you rinse it with water and a bit of vinegar. Specifically, fill it with water and 2 tsp of vinegar, give it a little swish, let it sit for 20 minutes, swish it again, then rinse it. You can watch the video on Amazon (next to the picture of the product) in which the lady demonstrates the cleaning process; in just a couple of minutes, the video shows you all that needs to be done.
547656
Since I am a single guy I clean it every two months. Yes it is easy to clean. Takes me all but 10 minutes.
1563782
it is very easy to clean.. once a month i take windex and shine it up. in between i just take the towel n dry off any water on it
1692619
No not hard to clean, however ours has already died, due to our cat pushing it over a few times. we did love it though.
2160363
They recommend that you replace the filters every 30 days. I think with only 2 cats you could probably get along with every 60 days. I will say that this is the easiest fountain I have ever had to clean.
866471
I think this one is much easier to clean than the plastic ones. I am sold on this one; it is my 4th fountain and so far it is the best one.
1682038
Ease in cleaning is relative to "how clean you want your machine". Although this may seem obvious, allow me to elaborate. I am pretty meticulous, so I look at cleaning in "three steps". The first step, is cleaning the tanks. I like to rinse out the "clean water tank" (although probably not necessary), the "detergent tank" and the "dirty water tank". All are easily removed and easy to clean. The second step is cleaning the "nozzle". The nozzle is fairly easy to remove and easy to clean. I like to use a hose to spray it down. Lastly, "cleaning the brushes". This is probably the most difficult to clean "thoroughly". The brush assembly is easy to remove, and like the nozzle, spraying it with a hose is easily done. What is a bit more challenging, is cleaning "lint and hair" that can get wound up in the brushes. You probably don't have to clean thoroughly after each use, but I like to do it to add life to the brushes. Just like with a vacuum cleaner, lint and hair can get caught up in the brushes. I personally think the brushes are easier to clean than a standard vacuum, however although not truly "difficult", it can take a few minutes and a little bit of patience to return the brushes to a "near new" condition.
2159122
It is so easy to clean. I just take it in and wash it in warm soapy water, no scrubbing needed.
294742
It is easy to clean. But if you use it on a routine basis, you need to be diligent in cleaning it. Otherwise it starts to have a bad odor.
1318750
It's extremely easy to clean. The entire top opens up to expose the water chamber, and they include a little brush to use to clean it out. Having said that, I've had mine for several years now, with frequent usage, and I may have cleaned it 5 times tops. I think it will depend on the quality of water you use. I use the water from our water-cooler at work mostly, and tap water when I'm out travelling. Usually I check the chamber before a trip and will use the brush and/or a q-tip to clean the chamber if I notice anything building up, but it stays pretty darn clean for me.
2082763
Both the fountain and filters are easy to clean. This is a great way to help your kitty or small dog to want to drink more water. It is also very quiet as long as the water level is high enough. I clean everything once a week and change filter once a month. Great investment in pet health!!
1117417
To clean, Once a month I toss a little bleach in and run the fountain for 15 minutes with warm water. Rinse and done.
1604904
Super easy - it just needs a good wipe when you refill it (there's no filter to have to mess with). We have four cats and a dog, but the dish stays pretty clean, and the tank lasts a week servicing all of our pets. I've had so many waterers over the years - this is by far the best one.
1496962
Yes, it is easy to clean. I've had it in daily use for about two months and have had no problems at all.