How to Clean a Hamster Cage

To keep your hamster healthy, and your home from smelling terrible, it is a good idea to clean your hamster cage weekly. This may seem like a lot of work. You may think that cleaning this often is not worth the effort, as your hamster is just going to make another mess. However, in reality, keeping a hamster cage clean is quite simple as long as you go about it right. Additionally, doing it regularly is important to your hamster's health. Here are some instructions that should help you keep your hamster cage perfectly clean with a minimum of effort.

Step 1 - Getting Ready

First, you will need to get your pet hamster out of the way. If you have a hamster ball, putting your hamster in it is a great way to have the cage all to yourself with no interruptions. If not, you will need to find a place to keep your hamster for a little while. A plastic storage bin makes a great temporary cage. If you do this, you might as well move your hamsters furniture, food bowl, and water bottle to the storage bin. You should also be absolutely sure that your hamster will not be able to climb out. If you do not have a plastic storage bin that will work, a bathtub with the drain closed that has been dried off with a towel will work just fine.

Step 2 - Cleaning

You will probably need to disassemble your hamster's cage, though this will vary between different models. Regardless, remove any of your hamster's furniture, and empty your hamster's bedding directly into the trash. Chances are, some will stay behind, or there will be deposits of filth stuck to the bottom. This is what you are here to deal with.

Get water and soap on your sponge and go over the entire cage, being careful to give extra attention to problem spots. Once you are satisfied that the cage is clean, rinse it thoroughly. You do not want any soap left behind, as it can irritate your hamster or even cause health problems. Let the hamster cage air dry.

Step 3 - Finishing Up

Now it is time to get the cage ready for your hamster to move back in. Reassemble the cage and add a layer of bedding — wood shavings or chips are the best, but not cedar, pine, or other oily or aromatic woods — and replace any furniture, food, and water that you have taken out. Now is a good time to empty out and replace your hamster's supply of food and water,

Once everything is ready, you can safely move your hamster back into the cage. This is a slightly stressful experience for a hamster, who is used to having clearly marked territory by scent. Your hamster may become confused, or think that another animal has invaded the cage. Your hamster may display unusual activity, or even set up a nest in a different spot than usual.