As pet owners, we all know that there’s nothing worse than a grubby and smelly cage/enclosure. Without knowing the correct way to clean a cage, it can become a bit of a daunting task. Odours don’t seem to disappear, tough & stubborn marks just won’t budge, we really all have been there. It is because of this that we would like to point you in the right direction & give you some guidance on effective cleaning techniques, and some of the products that can help you along the way.
1. BUY THE RIGHT PRODUCT – In order to both effectively and appropriately remove dirt & odours from any cage, it is absolutely paramount that you use reputable & even more importantly, non-toxic products. It’s vital to use something that will get the job done, with lasting results, without bringing any harm to your small animal. Supreme’s Tiny Friends Cage Cleaner is designed with your pet’s safety in mind, cleans, sanitises, deodorises & comes in a choice of lavender/lemon – check it out here!
2. PROVIDE LITTER AREAS – No cage is complete until it has a litter tray of some description. This not only provides your furry friend with a safe & hygienic place to do their thing, it also contributes to an overall cleaner cage. If there is one designated litter spot, your rodent/small animal will be far less likely to trod in their own dirt & through the use of a litter tray, this can be easily removed & cleaned. Look no further than this Large Corner Litter Tray for Rabbits, it even has a powder-coated grill to prevent your pet from trodding in their muck!
3. USE PROTECTIVE/HYGENIC EQUIPMENT – Nobody wants to put their hand directly into faeces. For that reason alone, (we think it’s a good one) it’s always a good idea to wear gloves, cheap disposable ones will do!
4. REMOVE YOUR PET WHILE CLEANING – As much as our degu’s, chinchillas & hamsters love being in their cage, you’re never going to be able to effectively clean it while they are in there. Remove your little friend & give them something to do! Providing your small pet with a form of entertainment/exercise while you clean their bowl is a great way to keep our pets both healthy & entertained. For hamsters & rodents, an exercise ball would be perfect. One just like this - https://packagepets.com/products/strong-hamster-exercise-ball-with-glitter-blue-pink-yellow-clear-18-cm When it comes to our larger small pets, like rabbits & ferrets, there really is no better option than the Rosewood Bunny Fun Tree, made of seagrass and corn leaf
Now, for the fun part…. THE DREADED CLEANING
Step 1. Ensure that all bedding & waste is removed from the cage, taking extra care to ensure that none is left. Always keep this mantra in mind – “Any remaining bedding is remaining odour.” We don’t want it; it isn’t hygienic for our pet and can get stuck in their fur & skin.
Step 2. Now that you have removed waste bedding, you’re ready to put the work in! Disassemble all parts of the cage & using a non-toxic disinfectant, such as Johnson’s Clean n Safe, scrub vigorously. The importance of removing much & dirt cannot be overstated. If left untreated or dirty, stains can develop from hard to budge, to permeant. A discoloured cage is the sign of a dirty cage & when you go past the point of return, your furry friend’s home is ruined! Keep it clean & keep on top of it.
Step 3. Allow for drying and airing time. Following cleaning of the cage, it’s important to allow time for drying and airing. If you put bedding into a damp cage, it will, itself, become wet & we all know damp causes odours. Save yourself the hassle of extra cleaning & ensure your pet’s enclosure is bone-dry.
Step 4. Hoo-ray! You’ve done the hard part; your cage is gleaming & smelling great. All that’s left now is to reassemble the cage and place your small animal back into it. We hope all of our customers at Package Pets enjoyed reading this article, now get those cages clean!