How to Clean and Care for Your Guinea Pig Fleece Liners (Step-by-Step Guide)

🐹 If you’re using fleece liners in your guinea pig cage, you already know how soft, colourful, and cosy they are! But over time, they can start losing that magic touch. Maybe you’ve noticed damp patches that won’t dry or a lingering smell that just won’t shift. Don’t worry — that doesn’t mean it’s time for new liners. With a few simple tweaks, you can make your fleece liners fresh, absorbent, and odour-free again! 💧

Why Your Guinea Pig Fleece Liners Stop Working Properly

Over time, fleece liners can become less absorbent depending on how they’re maintained. The main culprit? 🧴 Residue build-up. Fabric softeners and certain detergents can coat the fleece fibres, stopping liquids from wicking through to the absorbent layer underneath. Instead of soaking through, urine sits on top — leaving the cage damp and smelly.

There’s another cause too: uric acid build-up. 🧪 Guinea pig urine can leave behind mineral deposits that clog the fleece. These residues reduce absorption, leading to that unpleasant ‘wet patch’ effect some owners notice after months of use.

Step-by-Step: How to Wash and Care for Guinea Pig Fleece Liners

Keeping your liners in top condition is easier than you might think! Here’s how to do it right every time. 🌿

Step 1: Shake and Brush Before Washing

Always start by removing loose hay, fur, and debris. A tail comb or lint roller works brilliantly for this. It prevents blockages in your washing machine and ensures your fleece comes out cleaner. Place your fleece inside a laundry bag or an old duvet cover tied at the end✨

Step 2: Wash Without Fabric Softener

Next, wash your fleece liners in the washing machine using a gentle, pet-safe detergent. Avoid fabric softeners at all costs — they block absorption and leave residues behind. 🧼

Use a warm cycle at 30°C with anti bacterial laundry wash to sanitise the fabric. If your washing machine has an extra rinse setting, use it! This helps remove any leftover detergent that could affect wicking.

Step 3: Add a Vinegar Rinse Occasionally

Once in a while, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle. 🧴 This helps break down urine build-up and refreshes the fleece. You don’t need to do this every time — just once every few washes keeps everything in balance.

Step 4: Dry Thoroughly

Air drying is best 🌬️ — either outside in the sun or indoors on an airer. The sunlight helps kill bacteria naturally and leaves your liners smelling lovely.
DO NOT tumble dry as this will shrink the fleece!

Monthly Deep Clean 🛁

Once a month, treat your liners to a deep clean. Soak them in a solution of 4 litres of warm water, 250ml of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Let them soak for several hours or overnight, then wash as usual. This process removes uric acid and mineral deposits that cause odours and poor absorption. You’ll be amazed how soft and fresh they feel afterwards!

Top Tips to Keep Fleece Liners Fresher for Longer

• 🚫 Avoid fabric softeners completely — they reduce absorbency.
• 🧴 Add a vinegar rinse every few washes to maintain freshness.
• 🐹 Remove hay and hair before washing to protect your machine.
• 🌞 Dry liners fully to prevent mildew or odours.
• ♻️ Rotate two or more sets of liners so one set can air out between washes.

How to Tell When It’s Time to Replace Your Fleece Liners

Even with perfect care, fleece liners don’t last forever. If the fleece feels rough, smells even after washing, or no longer wicks moisture, it might be time for a replacement. 🧡 When that happens, treat your piggies to a fresh set from C&C Guinea Pig Cages — we’ve got a variety of colours and sizes to fit every setup!

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

How often should I wash my guinea pig fleece liners?

This depends on the size of the cage, number of piggies and the cage set up. Most owners wash their liners at least every week. However, if you have multiple guinea pigs, you might need to wash more often. Regular cleaning helps prevent smells and bacteria build-up.

Can I use scented detergents?

It’s best to stick to unscented, pet-safe detergents. Fragrances can irritate sensitive guinea pig respiratory systems and may leave residues that affect absorbency.

My fleece isn’t wicking properly — what should I do?

Try a vinegar rinse and deep clean as described above. This usually restores absorption. If it doesn’t, the fleece might have reached the end of its life.

Is fleece bedding better than disposable bedding?

Many owners prefer fleece because it’s reusable, soft, and eco-friendly 🌎. Plus, once you know how to maintain it properly, it stays fresh and clean for years!

Final Thoughts 💭

Caring for your guinea pig fleece liners properly saves money, reduces waste, and keeps your pets happy. 🐹 With a few easy habits — like skipping fabric softeners, using vinegar rinses, and soaking monthly — you’ll keep your liners in great shape. Your piggies will thank you with happy squeaks and comfy naps! 💤

Ready to Give Your Piggies a Cosy Upgrade? 🏡

If your old liners need replacing, check out our fleece liners collection at C&C Guinea Pig Cages. We stock UK-made liners designed for perfect fit, comfort, and wicking performance — with next-day delivery available! 🚚