Keeping your guinea pig cage clean doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. In fact, with the right routine and tools, you can do it quickly—without any lingering smells. If you’re wondering how to clean guinea pig cage, you’re in the right place!
Whether you’re new to C&C cages or just want to improve your routine, this guide will walk you through a smell-free, fuss-free cleaning process. We’ll also cover fleece liners, hay trays, and odour control. 🐹✨
✅ Why Cleaning Your C&C Cage Matters
A clean environment keeps your guinea pigs healthy and happy. It also prevents smells and makes your home more pleasant. But in the UK, where damp weather can slow drying and hay is often scattered, smart cleaning matters even more.
With C&C cages, you’ve already got a head start. Their open design makes them easier to clean than traditional cages. Still, a consistent routine is essential. ✅
🕒 How Often Should You Clean?
It depends on how many guinea pigs you have and what bedding you use:
- Daily: Remove poo piles and wet patches.
- Every 3–4 days: Change fleece liners or refresh areas.
- Weekly: Deep clean the entire cage.
Using fleece and hay trays makes everything quicker—and more eco-friendly. 🌱
🧺 Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Guinea Pig Cage
🐾 Step 1: Remove Your Guinea Pigs
First, place your guinea pigs in a secure playpen or hidey. This keeps them safe and out of your way. Try scattering a few veggie treats to distract them! 🥬
🌿 Step 2: Take Out the Hay Tray
If you’re using our removable hay trays, simply lift them out and empty into your compost bin or waste bag. Hay often carries most of the smell, so doing this first helps massively. 🌾
🧦 Step 3: Shake Off the Fleece Liners
Take your fleece liners outside and give them a good shake. Most poo and hay will fall off quickly. Brush off any remaining hay.
We recommend using our 15cm high correx bases, as they reduce mess escaping the sides—perfect for fleece setups.
💦 Step 4: Wipe Down the Correx Base
Use a solution of white vinegar and water (50:50) to wipe down the correx. This removes urine build-up and keeps odours away. A microfibre cloth works well here.
For stubborn stains, let the vinegar solution sit for 5–10 minutes before wiping. Avoid bleach—it’s too harsh for pets.
Use the vinegar solution to clean food bowls, toys and water bottles.
🧺 Step 5: Wash the Fleece Liners
Put fleece liners in a laundry bag or old duvet cover, then into the washing machine. Wash at 30°C with a non-bio detergent. 🧼
Top Tip: Avoid fabric softener! It clogs the fleece and makes it less absorbent.
Dry them thoroughly—either on a washing line or airer. In the UK, line drying is ideal during warmer months. ☀️
🐰 Step 6: Reassemble the Cage
Once the correx base is dry and your liners are clean, pop everything back into place. Return the hay tray, add fresh hay, refill the water bottles, and place toys or tunnels.
🌸 How to Keep the Cage Smell-Free
Here are five tips that actually work:
- Spot clean daily – A quick 2-minute tidy goes a long way.
- Use two sets of fleece – Always have one clean and ready to go.
- Add lavender or mint near the cage – These herbs smell great and are safe nearby.
- Deep clean weekly – Don’t skip it, even if it looks okay.
- Upgrade to a proper hay tray – It keeps the fleece cleaner for longer and they tend to poo while they eat 🤣
🧠 Extra Cleaning Hacks for Busy Pig Parents
- Handheld hoover: Perfect for collecting poos inside the cage.
- Extra removable bedding in toilet areas: easily removable for a quick refresh.
🔗 Internal Links You’ll Find Helpful
🙋♀️ FAQ – How to Clean Guinea Pig Cage UK
❓ How do I stop my guinea pig cage from smelling?
Spot clean daily, use fleece liners with absorbent underlayers, and deep clean weekly using vinegar and water.
❓ Can I use bleach to clean the cage?
No. Bleach is too harsh. Stick to pet-safe cleaners like white vinegar.
❓ How often should I wash fleece liners?
At least weekly but maybe more often, depending on how many pigs you have. More pigs = more frequent washing.
❓ What’s the best hay tray for C&C homes?
Our correx hay trays are made to fit perfectly inside C&C cages. They’re waterproof, wipeable and mess-resistant.
Want to make cleaning your cage a breeze? 🧹
Order your hay tray today and enjoy stress-free cage cleans—no more bad smells, no more mess!
💡 Final Thoughts
Knowing how to clean guinea pig cage helps you save time, keep smells away, and give your piggies a cleaner, healthier life. With the right tools—like fleece liners, hay trays, and a weekly routine—you’ll find cage cleaning fast and satisfying.
Still have questions? Email us—we’re always happy to help guinea pig owners. 💌