Can You Use Baking Powder in a Rat Cage?

Rats, like other small caged pets, often create unpleasant odors. Instead of using commercial cleaners and air fresheners that contain strong chemicals that may harm the health of your furry friend, use baking soda. Baking soda cleans and deodorizes rat cages safely. It is also cheaper than many commercial cleaners, and can be used all around your home.

  1. Rat Litter

    • Add baking soda to your rat's litter to keep bad odors at bay. Add a thin layer of baking soda to the bottom of the litter pan, and cover it with litter. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter. Add more as needed, in between changes. Always add fresh baking soda, when you change your rat's litter.

    Cage Cleaning

    • Use baking soda to clean your rat's cage. Add a small amount of water to a dish of baking soda to form a thick paste. Place the mixture inside your rat's cage, and use a small scrub brush or toothbrush to scrub the inside of the cage. Let the paste sit for several minutes to remove all unpleasant odors; then rinse well with water. For simple cleanups, add a few tsp. of baking soda to water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray the cage down and let sit for several minutes, then wipe clean. Alternatively, clean your pet's cage with dish detergent or your usual cleaner first, then apply the baking soda paste to deodorize.

    Deodorizing Around Cage

    • Baking soda may also be used around the cage to cut down unpleasant odors. Pour baking soda into a container and place it beneath your rat's cage. Alternatively, place shallow dishes of baking soda around the room where your rats live. You can also fill a small fabric bag with baking soda and hang it near the cage.

    Cleaning Tips

    • Keep your rat's cage clean and odor-free by cleaning the cage top to bottom at least once per week. Create a cleaning schedule and stick with it. Always remove all soiled litter and replace with fresh litter and baking soda, if desired. Never leave soiled litter in your pet's cage for long periods of time, as this can lead to illness. Provide fresh bedding as needed.