Whether you run a grooming salon, a veterinary clinic, a boarding kennel or a self-serve pet spa in an apartment community, the wash station is the one place every dog shares. A clean tub protects the next dog from skin infections and parasites, keeps odors down, and shows customers you take care seriously. The good news: with the right equipment and a simple routine, keeping it clean takes minutes.
Start with surfaces that are easy to clean
Cleaning is far easier when the tub works with you. Our Standard Series wash stations are fabricated from 16 gauge, 304 grade stainless steel, fully welded, with cove molding on all edges. Coved corners and welded seams leave fewer places for hair, soap scum and bacteria to collect, and stainless steel stands up to repeated cleaning without rusting or breaking down.
Between every dog
- Clear the hair catcher. Lift out trapped hair and throw it away rather than rinsing it down the drain.
- Rinse the whole tub. Use the sprayer to flush walls, floor and door track from top to bottom, working toward the drain.
- Wipe high-touch spots. Faucet handles, the sprayer grip, the door edge and the step all get touched by wet hands and paws.
- Swap towels and tools. Use a fresh towel for each dog, and keep brushes and combs in a disinfectant soak between uses.
At the end of the day
Once the last bath is done, scrub the tub with a pet-safe cleaner, then apply a disinfectant and leave it on for the full contact time listed on the label. Many disinfectants need several minutes of wet contact to work, so a quick spray-and-wipe is not enough. Rinse thoroughly, because residue can irritate the skin of the next dog. Dry the surfaces with a squeegee or clean towel so water does not spot the stainless steel.
Once a week
- Check that the tub is level so water drains fully. Adjustable feet make it easy to correct a tub that has shifted.
- Look over hoses and fittings for leaks or wear.
- Clean the floor and wall around the tub, where splash and loose hair collect.
- Wipe down the dryer housing and hose, and clean its intake filter if it has one.
Choose cleaners carefully
Avoid chlorine bleach in strong concentrations and abrasive pads on stainless steel, since both can mar the finish over time. Products made for veterinary or kennel use are a good choice: they are designed for animal areas and list clear dilution and contact times. Whatever you use, store it out of reach of dogs and keep labels readable for staff.
Make it a habit
Post a short checklist next to the tub so every team member follows the same steps. A consistent routine keeps every dog safer and helps your wash station look new for years.
Planning a new wash area? Contact our team for help choosing a tub and layout that is easy to keep clean.