How to Clean a Hamster Cage So It Won't Smell

Hamsters are lively, social rodents that are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Caring for hamsters requires both daily and weekly cage cleaning in order to keep the hamsters living space sanitary and odor-free. Observing proper cage-cleaning practices is essential to providing the best environment for your hamster and maintaining its good health.

Things You'll Need

  • Soap
  • Hamster-safe temporary enclosure
  • Hamster-safe disinfectant
  • Clean hamster litter or bedding
  • Hamster food
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Instructions

  1. Daily Cleaning Procedure

    • 1

      Empty the hamster's food and water containers. Wash each container using warm, soapy water and rinse it clean. Dry the containers and refill them with fresh food and water.

    • 2

      Inspect any cage toys and accessories for signs of wear or debris. Remove broken, worn or dirty toys or accessories, replacing them with new, unbroken and clean pieces. In the case of dirty toys or accessories, simply wash them with warm, soapy water and rinse clean. Dry and replace in the cage.

    • 3

      Scoop out any soiled litter or bedding and old bits of food in the cage. Discard the soiled litter or bedding and old bits of food. Removing this from the cage goes a long way toward eliminating cage odor.

    Weekly Cleaning Procedure

    • 4

      Remove your hamster from its cage and place the hamster in a safe enclosure. The hamster may remain in this enclosure until the thorough weekly cage cleaning is complete.

    • 5

      Remove all food and water containers, toys and accessories from the cage. Empty the food and water containers. Wash all items in warm, soapy water and place in a safe spot to dry.

    • 6

      Empty all litter and bedding from the cage, discarding the litter and bedding in the trash. Wash the base and the top of the cage in warm, soapy water. Place the cage in a safe place to dry.

    • 7

      Wipe the cage and all accessories down with a hamster-safe disinfectant (available in pet stores) or using a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to one part water. Disinfecting is a key step in fighting hamster cage odor.

    • 8

      Replace the bedding or litter in the cage with clean, unused hamster-safe litter or bedding. Place the clean toys and accessories back in the cage. Refill food and water containers, placing them back into the cage. Finally, place the hamster back into the cage.