How to Rid a Hamster Cage of Odor

Regular cleaning is the secret to eliminating unwanted odor from any hamster's cage. Hamsters secrete a natural odor from their glands as a way of marking their territory and finding their way around the cage. Also, hamsters store food in their environment, and it can decay quickly and lead to foul odors. Daily and weekly cleaning is crucial and can help minimize the smell.

Things You'll Need

  • Charcoal odor absorber
  • Fresh bedding
  • Pet-safe disinfectant
  • Towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Paint scraper
  • Paper towels
  • Dish soap
  • Hamster ball
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Instructions

  1. Daily Cleaning

    • 1

      Remove uneaten food from the cage at the end of the day. This will help cut down on unpleasant odors and also prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus inside the cage, which can increase bad smells. Wear gloves when cleaning the cage to protect your hands from germs.

    • 2

      Wash food dishes and water bottles in hot water with a mild dish soap. Rinse thoroughly. Dry the dishes completely before returning them to the cage.

    • 3

      Remove the waste from the hamster's ̶0;toilet̶1; corner. The rodent will assign a particular corner in the cage as its bathroom. Watch the hamster for several days to determine the location. At the end of every day, use a paint scraper to pick up this soiled bedding from inside the cage. Wipe the area clean with a paper towel. Add new bedding to the area.

    • 4

      Place an odor-absorbing charcoal block near the cage to collect additional unsavory odors. Make sure the hamster cannot reach the charcoal to nibble on it. Place it on top of the cage if necessary.

    Weekly Cleaning

    • 5

      Remove the hamster from the cage and place it in the hamster ball or in another area where it cannot run away or get hurt.

    • 6

      Remove all items from inside the cage and place them inside the bath tub. Wash all items with hot, soapy water to remove any residue or bacteria. Use a mild soap, but no bleach or harsh detergents or cleaners. Set the items aside to dry. Be sure to sanitize the bath tub, too, when you're done.

    • 7

      Remove all bedding from inside the cage and throw it away. Clean out the inside of the cage with hot, soapy water. Use a mild soap, but no bleach or harsh detergents or cleaners. Dry all items and the cage thoroughly.

    • 8

      Wipe down the surface of all items and the cage itself with a pet-grade disinfectant that is safe for hamsters. You can find several varieties at a local pet store.

    • 9

      Place clean, fresh bedding in the cage and replace and fill all hamster accessories before returning the hamster to its cage.