How to Clean Your Furry Friend's Cage
Because dirty cages are disgusting, here is how to clean your furry friend’s cage. There are two types of cleaning for any cage: daily spot clean/weekly maintenance cleans, and deep cleans. This article will help with both, but it focuses on deep cleans.
Cleaning Supplies
You need washcloths and/or paper towels, and the following.
Cleaning Solution
Cleaning solution options are white or apple cider vinegar diluted 1:3- 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. Other vinegars may work but use nothing with a strong flavor or smell. The acid is the main cleaning/disinfectant agent in this case, so it requires rinsing. For other cleaners, if you have to rinse it off a food surface, rinse it off pet supplies. If it is unsafe to use on a food surface, don’t use it for your small pet. For especially sensitive creatures, do more research before using a new cleaner to ensure the safety of your pet and be careful when using it the first few times.
A great option is Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solution. It kills mold, fungus, viruses, bacteria, and does not need to be rinsed off even on food contact surfaces. The link will answer any questions. It’s very safe for people and pets. If you’re still uneasy, you can rinse it off after leaving it for 2-4 minutes. The wheatgrass smell is powerful when you initially spray and leave it to disinfect but fades quickly after it dries. In my opinion, the only way this stuff could get any better is if they sold an unscented version.
Scrub brush
A small or medium scrub brush is optional but helpful, especially for a deep clean. Brushes work very well for removing dried urine on shelves with more shallow bedding, or on the bottom of the bedding pan. You can also use it to clean the cage bars. While you can use a cloth instead, a brush works much better for this. Using a brush dedicated to cage cleaning is best because there is no chance of harmful chemicals getting within your pet’s reach.
Small dustpan
A dust pan is optional, but helpful for removing the bedding. If you have one small enough, to fit in the cage opening. It also helps remove any dust and feces. Alternatives are any clean container able to scoop up bedding.
Accessories
How To Clean Plastic
Clean in every crack and crevice. Some wheels can be completely disassembled. If possible, do so. If not, take as much apart as you can. For ball bearing wheels, keep the bearings dry.
The same goes for any other plastic- if it is made to be taken apart, do so. Spray and wipe it all down, following the instructions of the cleaning detergent you’re using.
Wood
Don’t soak wood because too much water will absorb and potentially warp it. Use mild soap and scrub smooth wood before rinsing thoroughly. If the wood is rough, get in the cracks or anywhere dirt, poop, and bedding could get to with the brush, then rinse and let dry.
After cleaning and drying, check the wood for any missed dirt. If the wood still smells, you can repeat the cleaning process. Another option for removing smell is setting the wood out in the sun and wind for a week, but you may need to bake it after, ensuring no bugs got in. If there is any mold, the wood is not savable. Do not put it back in the enclosure, replace it instead.
Grassy Items
Most of the time, these things are trash (or compost) after they’re soiled. This especially goes for grassy items meant to be eaten; if it’s food, don’t clean it, trash or compost it instead. If it is a grass tunnel or similar, carefully brush off any poop and other debris. If there is mold growing or it smells funky or strongly of urine after what cleaning you can, toss it out.
How to Clean a Wire Cage
Clean the Bedding Pan
Clear all bedding out of the cage and toss it. If you have a rodent, keep some dirty bedding to spread in the new bedding, so it smells like them and is less stressful. Second, spray and wipe the entire pan, paying attention to any corners. Follow manufacturer instructions on whether you should rinse it or just wipe it out. If needed, scrub any stubborn areas and repeat cleaning as necessary.
Cage Bars and Door
Be careful using vinegar on any metal caging if it is uncoated since it will increase oxidation and rusting. Use a different pet safe cleaner or mild soap. Wipe down both sides of the cage. Use a soft brush if needed. I recommend rinsing or wiping down with a damp or dry cloth afterward to remove any excess dirt.
Clean Bin Cages and Tanks
This advice is not for fish or any cycled tank
Use cleaning products proven safe for the pet you’re keeping. Drain any water, dry, and wipe down all bin/tank surfaces. Repeat these steps as necessary until the cage is clean, then rinse thoroughly. Drying it with a towel prevents residue.
Alternative Methods
If your cage is easy to move or has wheels, there are more ways to clean your cage. If you have a pressure washer and a durable plastic or metal cage, you can take a cage outside and, after removing all bedding and accessories, wet the cage with the washer. After that, soap down the cage with a pet safe cleaner. Spray again with a pressure washer to remove all the soap, then make sure it’s clean and let dry. Please follow all safety precautions and keep your pets inside the house during this process. If the cage is not durable plastic or you don’t have a pressure washer, use a normal water hose instead to prevent damage.
Another option is using a bathtub. Take the cage apart and wash it piece by piece in the tub. If the entire cage fits in the tub you can also clean it that way, but it will be harder to clean and remove all the dirt, so I recommend disassembly. This takes longer, but makes sure cages like the Critter Nation get completely clean because there are less cracks for dirt to hide in.
Clean Inspection
After the cage is dry, look closely. Especially in cracks and holes, you may miss soiled bedding, feces, and urine during the first cleaning. If you find any, clean the area again. Do the smell test. If you can detect a foul odor, so can your pet. In the wild, they can move away from their potty, but in a cage where it builds up, this is impossible. They depend on you to remove it. Having a clean cage is very important because ammonia and bacteria build up is harmful to you and your pet’s health. Ammonia in high concentrations can cause chemical burns, lung damage, respiratory infections, and other problems not just to people, but especially to the animals who are on and in ammonia and bacteria saturated bedding 24/7.
If your pet is a rodent, keep some soiled bedding to spread over the fresh bedding so the cage smells familiar to your pet. This prevents over-marking and stress.
