The Best Way to Clean a Pet Rat's Cage

A clean environment helps keep your pet rats happy and healthy. Since rats live so close to their litter, it's important to keep them clean and free from contaminants. Routine cage cleaning can help reduce respiratory problems, skin irritation and other health issues. Enclosures should be cleaned often enough to prevent an ammonia smell. Remember--if you can smell the cage, the odor is much stronger for your rat.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Dish detergent
  • Spray bottle
  • Scrub brush
  • Disinfecting agent
  • Towels
  • Fresh litter
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove your rats, their food dishes, and any toys from the cage. Place the rats in a safe place they can't escape from, like a deep plastic tub filled with litter. Soak all toys in hot, soapy water.

    • 2

      Remove all trash, old food, and used litter. One easy way to do this is to slide the contents of the bottom pan directly into a trash bag.

    • 3

      Place the cage in a bathtub, outdoors, or in another location where water damage isn't a concern. Spray it down with water from a spray bottle or hose. Allow the water to soak into any dried food residue or waste.

    • 4

      Scrub the cage using a scrub brush and dish detergent. Clean the cage bars, shelves, ramps and the bottom tray. There should be no remaining odor or debris in the cage.

    • 5

      Scrub all toys and other cage accessories with soap and a scrub brush.

    • 6

      Disinfect the cage and accessories by applying hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, or antibacterial solution. Let the solution remain on the cage for 15 minutes, or the length of time specified by the manufacturer.

    • 7

      Rinse the cage and accessories in clean water. You should not be able to smell cleaning solution after rinsing.

    • 8

      Allow the cage to air dry, or dry with a towel. Add fresh, non-pine, non-cedar bedding and return the rats and their accessories to the cage.