How to Disinfect a Hamster Cage

Hamsters like to keep clean; they bathe and groom themselves, but they will still need help when it comes to their cages. If you're buying a new cage, it's best to clean and disinfect it before moving your hamster into his new home. It is possible to transmit many diseases between humans and hamsters, so it is important for your health and your hamster's health to disinfect his cage regularly.

Things You'll Need

  • Disinfectant
  • Water
  • Sponge or washcloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty your hamster's cage, clearing away debris such as paper shreds, droppings, or hamster toys. it is good to have a secondary cage to place your hamster in while you disinfect his main cage.

    • 2

      Spray the inside of your hamster's cage with a "pet safe" disinfectant. Pet safe disinfectants are available at most pet stores. You can also mix a homemade disinfectant with a half-vinegar, half-water mixture.

    • 3

      Use a clean sponge or washcloth to scrub the inside of your hamster's cage. If you have a wire cage, thoroughly scrub in between each of the wires as well.

    • 4

      Rinse the cage with water.

    • 5

      Clean your hamster's toys, water dish, food bowl and any other accessories in the same way you cleaned the cage. Let everything dry before you put the contents of the cage back.