How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage

  • August 11, 2009
  • 3,625 Views
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It’s not the best part of owning a pet, but somebody’s gotta do it.

You Will Need

  • An empty, dry bathtub
  • A large garbage bag
  • Paper towels or dishtowels
  • Dishwashing detergent or other mild soap
  • Clean bedding—aspen shavings, pelleted paper, or hay
  • And a dustpan and brush or vacuum cleaner
  • White vinegar
How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 1

Step 1

Put your pet in a safe, enclosed place where he can stay while you clean his cage. An empty, dry bathtub or an empty wastebasket—clean, of course!—works well.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 2

Step 2

Take all the toys, food dishes, and water bottles out of the cage.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 3

Step 3

Dump the dirty bedding from the cage into a garbage bag.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 4

Step 4

Using paper towels, remove any clumped bedding that’s stuck to the bottom of the cage. Animals often use the corners of cages as their bathrooms.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 5

Step 5

Soak a paper towel or dishtowel with water and a bit of mild soap. Use it to wipe out the entire interior of the cage—all the nooks and crannies.

If the cage still smells after you’ve washed it, you can wipe it down with a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water. Then rinse it thoroughly.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 6

Step 6

Use paper towels or a clean dishtowel to dry the cage completely.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 7

Step 7

Line the cage with a few inches of clean, new bedding.

Pine and cedar shavings contain chemicals that can be harmful to small animals, so don’t use them.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 8

Step 8

Clean your pet’s plastic toys, food dishes, and water bottle with mild soap and warm water, then rinse and dry them thoroughly.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 9

Step 9

Replace any cardboard tubes, paper towels, and other nesting materials.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 10

Step 10

Fill the dishes with new food, and put new water in the water bottle.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 11

Step 11

Put the toys, food dishes, and water bottle back in the cage.

Rearranging your pet’s toys and bowls each time you clean the cage gives him something new to explore.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 12

Step 12

Use a dustpan and brush or vacuum cleaner to sweep up the floor or surface around or under the cage.

How To Clean a Small Pet's Cage: Step 13

Step 13

Return your pet to his sparkling-clean quarters—and watch as he starts rearranging everything the way he wants it!

In the wild, hamsters dig and live in tunnels up to three feet deep.

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Comments (5)

HeatherM

Nicely done, Michael!

over 2 years ago by HeatherM

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Michelle_Wang

that's a cute pet what animal is it?

over 2 years ago by Michelle_Wang

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artistsmart98

i think it is a sugar glider?

about 1 year ago by artistsmart98

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artistsmart98

i can see what you mean move things around sometimes they get really bored and just sleep!

about 1 year ago by artistsmart98

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artistsmart98

get ready or not to clean the smelly mess!!!!!!

11 months ago by artistsmart98

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