How to Keep Hamsters From Stinking

Hamsters are playful creatures that many children receive as their first pet. Hamsters do not need to be bathed or groomed because they clean themselves. However, the hamster cage needs to be cleaned regularly to keep the critter smelling fresh. Urine, feces and decomposing food commonly cause the cage to become dirty and smelly. Cleaning the cage regularly also helps keep the hamster healthy and happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Liquid dish soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove all soiled areas in the bedding daily. Change the bedding weekly and replace it with fresh material.

    • 2

      Remove fresh fruits and vegetables from the cage daily. If the hamster does not eat the fresh produce, the food may become covered with bedding and begin to decompose.

    • 3

      Clean the cage weekly with hot water and liquid dish soap. Remove the bedding and discard it. Scrub the bottom of the cage; focus on the corners or any areas where the hamster relieves itself.

    • 4

      Rinse the cage with clean water after you clean it. Dry the cage thoroughly before you replace the bedding.

    • 5

      Clean hamster accessories with hot and soapy water weekly. If parts of the cage are removable, take them apart to clean them thoroughly. Always dry anything that you wash to prevent bacteria or mold from forming in the cage.