How Often Should I Clean My Guinea Pig’s Cage?
Maintaining a clean cage is essential for your guinea pig’s health and happiness. A clean environment helps prevent illness and ensures your piggies feels comfortable. But how often should you clean their cage? Let’s break it down.
Daily Spot Cleaning
Guinea pigs produce a lot of waste. To keep their living space fresh, remove droppings and soiled bedding daily. Spot cleaning also helps reduce odours and ensures your guinea pig has a clean area for eating and playing. If you have a hay tray, you’ll often find guinea pigs like to use it as a toilet too, so this helps reduce the mess!
Weekly Full Clean
A full cage clean should happen at least once a week. This involves:
• Removing all bedding and replacing it with fresh material.
• Cleaning food dishes, water bottles, and toys.
• Wiping down the cage with a pet-safe disinfectant.
If you use fleece liners, wash them in pet-safe detergent to remove odours and stains. Our detailed guide to washing fleece liners is here.
Twice-Weekly Cleans for Multiple Guinea Pigs
If you have more than two guinea pigs, consider cleaning the cage twice a week. More guinea pigs mean more waste, so a more frequent schedule keeps things hygienic.
Seasonal Deep Cleans
Every few months, give the cage a deep clean. Soak all removable parts in hot, soapy water, and scrub any stubborn stains. Ensure everything is thoroughly dry before reassembling.
Tips for Easier Cleaning
• Use absorbent bedding like paper or fleece to reduce odours.
• Keep cleaning supplies nearby to save time.
• Rotate toys to maintain a stimulating environment.
The Importance of a Clean Cage
A dirty cage can lead to health issues like respiratory infections, foot problems, or stress. By following these cleaning routines, you’ll ensure your guinea pig stays healthy and comfortable.
Do you have any guinea pig care tips? Share them in the comments below!⬇️