Things You'll Need
- Rat cage
- Temporary rat cage (or other safely enclosed area)
- Hot water
- Dish soap
- Scrub brush
- Sanitizing solution
- Paper towels
- Shavings and litter
- Fresh food
- Clean water
- Rat dishes
- Rat accessories
Instructions
Remove your rat from his cage and place in a safe, confined area, such as another cage or enclosed "play-space."
Discard any litter, shavings, old food or other garbage material.
Remove the food dish, water dish and accessories from the cage. Soak dishes and water-safe accessories in hot, soapy water using a household dish soap.
Scrub the cage using hot water, household dish soap water and a scrub brush. Be sure to remove all debris from the cage bottom and walls. Scrub cage accessories, as well.
Rinse the cage and accessories thoroughly with hot water.
Disinfect the cage and all accessories with a sanitizing solution. Mix chlorine bleach with cool water in the ratio of 1/2 tbsp. bleach per one gallon of water. Spray cage and accessories with this solution. Let sit at least 2 minutes and then wipe clean.
Allow the cage and accessories to air dry, if possible, or dry with paper towels.
Return cage accessories to the cage. Fill food and water dishes. Provide fresh shavings and litter as appropriate.
Return your rat to a clean home.