Taking care of any pet requires a lot of attention, and one of the primary responsibilities is to maintain cleanliness. Just like every pet, cleaning a hamster’s cage needs a lot of care and dedication. Although the process of cleaning a hamster cage can seem quite tedious, it’s relatively simple.
After you gather equipment, there are some preliminary steps – examine the cage, shift the hamster, and get rid of the old bedding. Finally, you clean the cage using disinfectants, dry it out and, put everything, including your hamster, back in.
Without an exercise ball or transport cage to travel, a hamster spends most of the time in the cell. So, knowing how to clean a hamster cage is extremely important. With your loving attitude towards the animal, it can lead a healthy life inside its cage.
Steps to Clean Hamster Cage
There are two main steps when you want to clean a hamster cage.
- Preparation Phase
- Cleaning Phase
Preparation Phase
Before moving on to the main cleaning phase, there are some preliminary steps. These extra steps are only suggested to ease up further your job of cleaning the cage.
Gathering All the Equipment
The first and foremost step before getting started is to make sure you have all the equipment near you. This can make your process of cleaning a lot smoother and more manageable than expected.
- New Bedding – for placing in the cage after washing it. At least keep ⅓ of the bedding, so you don’t get nervous.
- Washcloth – for cleaning and scrubbing the cage.
- Disinfectant – for sanitizing the cage.You need the mild animal-friendly one.
- Toys – for keeping your little puff of joy happy and healthy.
Examining The Cage
Before cleaning, you need to understand what condition the cage is in. Here are some facts you need to ensure:
- Search for any wet areas in the bedding material. If there are many wet areas, you can change the bedding, If less, you can spot remove.
- Pick up any trash and leftovers.
- Change water daily. If the bedding is soaked, it’s time to replace it.
- If the cage smells and enclosure walls look dirty, it’s time for entirely changing.
Overdoing the cleaning process can cause harm to the hamsters. So make sure you don’t overdo it.
Shifting The Hamster
It’s pretty impossible to clean the cage while the hamster is in it. So you need to remove it temporarily from the cell and shift it to another safe place. Follow these pointers.
- Deal with the hamster preciously while removing it from the cage.
- Hold it in your hand so that the hamster’s body gets full support.
- Wash your hand before and after touching the hamster to protect both from germs.
Removing Objects
After shifting the hamster to another secure environment, it’s time for you to remove the objects from the cage.
If you keep any object inside the cage while cleaning, it will just hamper the process. You won’t even be able to clean the pen properly. All you need to do is –
- Take out the toys and exercise materials.
- Remove water bowls, food bowls, and dispensers.
Discarding Old Bedding
The last thing to do in this phase is to discard old bedding. All you need to do is seal the trash in waste bags. The bedding is the only place where the hamster leaves its waste. It can create a strong ammonia scent that can cause respiratory and other diseases.
But it would be best if you made sure that there is a little mix of the old bedding in the new one so that the hamster doesn’t stress out seeing entirely new surroundings.
Cleaning Phase
This is the phase where the actual cleaning process begins. Try to be as meticulous as possible when following through the steps. It’s relatively straightforward but be sure not to miss out on any crucial detail.
Cleaning Every Object
Some of the objects may appear clean, but actually, they are not. It would be best if you cleaned the hamster’s cage as thoroughly as you can.
- Using washcloths or wipes, you can reach all the spots in the cage and can clean thoroughly.
- Soak or spray the equipment and disinfect them properly.
Cleaning The Cage Itself
To ensure the hamster’s habitat is clean and hygienic, you need to focus on the cage cleaning process. The cage constructions may vary, but the cleaning process remains the same.
- Scrub the cage with disinfectant solutions to clean.
- Scrape or scrub away the stuck wastes in the cage because they can cause disease.
- Soak the area with waste crust to help speed up the cleaning process.
- Wash each bar in the cages with complex patterns.
- Clean each surface in the cages furnished with aquariums.
- Washing the cage with vinegar is also acceptable.
Drying
If the cage remains wet, it can cause the growth of germs, and you might need to wash the cage earlier than the expected period. Hamsters can also pass away from Hypothermia or Pneumonia due to cold. So, drying its enclosure is a must.
- Air-dry all the equipment before settling them inside the cage.
- Dry the cage with equipment under sunlight to kill germs.
- Use wipes or towels to dry under room temperature for an extended period.
Putting Everything Down
Finally, it is time for rearrangement. It’s the stage where you put all the elements back into the cage. Finally, you can put your hamster back inside too.
Scheduling The Next Cleaning Date
You need to schedule the next cleaning date and note it down. Cleaning the hamster cage at least once a week is advisable to avoid much waste. You can even set a reminder for it in your phone or digital planner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How often should I clean my hamster’s cage?
A: You should spot clean your hamster’s cage daily and perform a deep clean once a week.
Q: What should I use to clean my hamster’s cage?
A: You can use a mild soap and water solution or a pet-safe cage cleaning solution to clean your hamster’s cage.
Q: How do I deep clean my hamster’s cage?
A: To deep clean your hamster’s cage, remove your hamster from the cage and keep it in a safe place. Then, take out all the bedding, toys, and accessories, clean them thoroughly, and replace with fresh bedding.
Q: How often should I clean my hamster’s food and water dishes?
A: You should clean your hamster’s food and water dishes daily to ensure they have fresh and clean food and water.
Q: How do I clean my hamster’s dust bath?
A: You can clean your hamster’s dust bath by removing any soiled bedding and using a pet-safe cleaning solution to wipe it down. Make sure it is completely dry before returning it to your hamster’s cage.
Q: What should I do if I notice my hamster has soiled bedding in its cage?
A: You should spot clean the soiled bedding immediately to maintain a clean and healthy environment for your hamster.
Q: Can I use regular cleaning products to clean my hamster’s cage?
A: No, you should only use pet-safe cleaning solutions or mild soap and water to clean your hamster’s cage to ensure the safety of your pet.
Q: How should I clean my hamster’s toys and accessories?
A: You can clean your hamster’s toys and accessories by washing them with a mild soap and water solution, then rinsing and drying them thoroughly before placing them back in the cage.
Q: Is it necessary to move my hamster to a different place when cleaning the cage?
A: Yes, it is important to move your hamster to a safe and secure place when performing a deep clean of its cage to prevent any stress or harm to your pet.
Q: How do I clean my hamster’s cage to prevent any odors?
A: To prevent odors, you should regularly remove any soiled bedding, clean the cage thoroughly, and ensure that your hamster’s living environment is kept clean and dry.
Where do I keep my hamster while washing the cage?
You can keep your hamster in a safe place. A good choice for temporarily storing your hamster can be a transport cage or an exercise ball.
Can I use antibacterial wipes or baby wipes while cleaning the hamster cage?
Yes, mild disinfectants like antibacterial wipes or baby wipes are usable while cleaning hamster cages.
Do hamsters like a clean cage?
Hamsters stress out a lot in unfamiliar habitats, especially when they can’t find their own scent in a place. So, inherently, they don’t like their cages too clean. But for their health concerns and hygiene, you need to clean the pen every once in a while.
Is it ok to reuse a dead hamster’s cage for a new hamster?
Sure, you can reuse a dead hamster’s cage. But make sure to sterilize it properly and get rid of any disease-causing germs
Final Words
Hamsters are pretty easy to take care of, and they are playful little creatures. Properly maintaining the cleanliness of their cage can make them even more lively and bring them joy. In return, you’ll feel good about the health and hygiene of your furry little friend too.
Following these simple steps on how to clean a hamster cage is the easiest way by far. You can ensure that your little puff of joy is living in a healthy and happy environment even while inside its pen. Hope you had an informative read!
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
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